A study from Oregon State University reveals that a dog owner's parenting style significantly impacts their pet's behavior. Researchers found that dogs of owners who maintain high expectations and show responsiveness are often more social, securely attached, and resilient problem-solvers. In contrast, dogs with more authoritarian or permissive owners tend to develop insecurities and demonstrate less persistence in solving challenges.
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Monique Udell, an associate professor and dog behavior expert who co-authored the study, emphasized that understanding and meeting a dog’s needs can lead to developing secure and resilient pets. The study published in the journal Animal Cognition involved surveying 48 dog owners about their pet parenting styles and administering three behavioral tests to each dog. These tests assessed attachment levels, interactions with unfamiliar people, and problem-solving abilities using puzzles.
Additionally, a 2019 study from Michigan State University found correlations between owner and pet personalities, indicating that humans have a role in shaping their dogs’ traits. For example, dogs were more excitable if their owners described themselves as extroverted, while agreeable owners had dogs that were less fearful or aggressive.
These findings suggest a bond akin to that between human parents and children, as stated by behavioral scientist Lauren Brubaker, a co-author of the Oregon State study.