Understanding the behaviour of adopted northern Canadian community dogs through a mixed-methods approach

Northern dogs, including pet, community, and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) from remote northern Canadian communities, are often rehomed to less remote areas as part of population control efforts. This change in environment may restrict dogs’ autonomy and freedom compared to the environment they originated from. This study aimed to investigate the post-adoption behaviour and adjustment of northern dogs using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 357 participants through an 89-item survey distributed via social media and author networks. The survey addressed owner and dog demographics, lifestyle factors, and dog behaviour using a shortened version of the Canine Behaviour and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Additionally, an open-ended question explored owners’ perspectives of their dog’s adjustment to the home. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the shortened C-BARQ to examine the factor structure. Multiple logistic regressions were used to analyse the influence of lifestyle and demographic parameters on C-BARQ subscale scores. Qualitative content analysis was used to process open-ended responses. The EFA revealed a 13-factor structure, including Stranger-directed aggression, Owner-directed aggression, Dog-directed aggression and fear, Stranger-directed fear, Non-social fear, Touch sensitivity, Separation-related behaviour, Chasing, Escape, Attachment, Excitability, Energy, Trainability and Dog rivalry. Adopted Northern dogs demonstrated high scores for Chasing, Energy, and Attachment, with influencing factors including age at adoption, access to other dogs, and household size. Content analysis identified key themes related to the adjustment process and factors influencing it. Overall, a substantial portion of owners reported that Northern dogs displayed behaviour problems post-adoption, which may stem from dogs experiencing frustration, related to a lack of control over their new environments and a misalignment with their previous reality. This study highlights the importance of understanding and fulfilling the unique social, physical and cognitive needs of Northern dogs to ensure a smoother adjustment process post-adoption. • 357 owners were surveyed to understand the adjustment and behaviour of Northern dogs’ post-adoption. • High prevalence of behaviour problems: 93.84 % of northern dog owners reported at least one behaviour problem post-adoption. • Key behaviours noted: Northern dogs had high C-BARQ scores for chasing, energy and attachment. • Factors influencing behaviour: Dog age at adoption, access to other dogs and household size impacted behaviour. • Role of frustration: Frustration may be playing a role in Northern dogs’ transition from free roaming to a more restricted lifestyle due to a loss of autonomy, highlighting the importance of fulfilling the social, physical, and cognitive needs of Northern dogs.