SHOCKING RESEARCH STUDY: DOGS BARK

Now, your dog is suffering from an anxiety disorder. Finnish researchers from the University of Helsinki sent surveys to the owners of almost 14,000 dog owners as part of a study into dog mental health. They found 73 per cent of dogs show some form of anxiety disorder and related anti-social behaviors such as barking or aggression.
– The biggest cause of stress for dogs is loud noise – mainly from fireworks and thunder – but they were also affected by other dogs and even people.
– The study claims dogs can even mirror conditions their owners have like OCD and ADHD.
The study found different breeds tend to have different anxieties. For example:
– Spanish Water Dogs had the biggest fear of strangers
– Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the bravest with strangers
– Collies had the biggest fear of surfaces and heights, with a border collie the least scared
– Mixed breed dogs were the most hyperactive and least attentive
– Rough collies (Lassie-type dogs) were the least hyperactive and Spanish Water Dogs the most attentive
– Miniature Schnauzers were the most aggressive towards strangers and a Labrador Retriever the least aggressive
– Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most likely to chase their tail (* So they also suffer from stupidity and frustration.)
– Wheaten Terriers are the noisiest dogs with Smooth Collies the quietest
* But, all in all, hot dogs are the best, with mustard.
* Man, the University of Helsinki really, REALLY wants me to Google “Spanish Water Dogs”.
* Why do I feel like I’m about to start seeing TV ads for dog anxiety medication?
* Send out surveys and count the results. Have these researchers got a cake job or what?