Pet Behavioral Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

Unwanted or unacceptable behavior continues to be an important cause for the relinquishment of pets to animal shelters. It has even been suggested that the number of dogs exhibiting pathological behavior patterns is on the rise. Whether this represents a true increase in the numbers of dogs with problems or simply an increased awareness of the availability of help is unknown. It may also be due to the growing intolerance for euthanasia for behavior problems. Increasingly, organizations that accept unwanted animals, seek to rehabilitate and rehome every animal regardless of its behavior.

The etiology of most pet behavior problems is poorly understood and a subject of some debate.  Are some of them analogous or homologous to certain mental health conditions in humans or are they simply maladaptive behaviors that occur as a result of an animal attempting to adapt to an environment to which complete adaptation is not possible? In many other cases, pet behavior problems represent normal adaptive behaviors for the pet that the owner finds unacceptable or inconvenient. Owners are often blamed for "causing" their pet's behavior problems but what role do their actions really play? Minimal data exists to help us answer these questions.

We know even less about the role preventive approaches may play in the development of behavior problems. Poor socialization is often discussed as a predisposing factor for behavior problems, especially in dogs, but little data exists as to what actually constitutes "good socialization" and whether or not it can prevent any behavior problem. Could more behavior problems be prevented if pet owners were properly educated about appropriate pet choices, training and socialization of their pets? Without a thorough understanding of etiology, successful preventive strategies and what constitutes appropriate early intervention, these questions will remain unanswered.  Only sound research can provide us with the knowledge necessary to evaluate preventive strategies and treatment methodologies, ultimately helping us improve outcomes.

This special issue welcomes submissions including reviews and original research studies on all aspects of pet behavior medicine. We welcome research aimed at a better understanding of prevention, causes and mechanisms as well as management and treatment of these conditions in all pet species.

Dr. Valarie V. Tynes
Guest Editor

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• canine behavior
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• anxiety
• aggression
• house soiling