Dogs’ activities and behavior problems: a comparison between Italy and Brazil

Dogs’ wellbeing depends on filling their physical and mental needs. A survey with 44 questions was carried out interviewing owners about dog behavior to assess if practicing activities affected the display of behavioral problems in dogs. The questionnaire was filled in by 234 Italian dog owners (IDO) and 140 Brazilian dog owners (BDO). Data was statistically analyzed using the χ2 test (p < 0.05). In the Italian sample, 40.0% of dogs did a specific activity mostly agility (22.6%) and obedience (10.7%). Italian dogs involved in agility displayed less circling (χ2 = 8.160, p < 0.004) and mounting (χ2 = 4.340, p < 0.037), but showed more fixating on objects (χ2 = 6.062, p < 0.014). Italian dogs who undertook obedience showed less disobeying (χ2 = 5.626, p < 0.018) and pulling at the leash (χ2 = 4.389, p < 0.036). Less BDO (24.5%) practiced activities: mostly agility (6.3%) and obedience (12.7%). BDO whose dogs were involved in agility and obedience reported less disobeying (χ2 = 6.707, p < 0.010; χ2 = 10.809, p < 0.001), pulling at the leash (χ2 = 5.404, p < 0.020; X2 = 8.410, p < 0.004), and mounting (χ2 = 4.174, p < 0.041; χ2 = 5.969, p < 0.015). Brazilian dogs who did obedience showed less symptoms of separation-related problems (barking χ2 = 6.138, p < 0.013; chewing objects χ2 = 4.992, p < 0.025). Findings suggest that activities affect dog behavior; different practices in different countries are probably responsible for different outcomes.