Factors influencing the expression of human directed dog aggression. A qualitative study of professional opinion

The incidence of dog bites to humans is of societal and political interest and this has largely been studied using quantitative epidemiological methods, whereas the considerable experience and opinions of professionals working with dogs has not been captured. This study explored factors considered important by professionals in the expression of human directed dog aggression relating to the dog, its owner and the environment. 187 participants completed an online survey consisting of open-ended topic-based questions. Thematic analysis identified 18 themes considered important by professionals in respect of risk: Dog training methods and purpose, temperament of the dog, where the dog came from, socialisation and past experiences, previous history of human directed dog aggression, health and medical issues, reactivity to the environment, unmet needs, owner’s understanding of dog behaviour, body language and communication, appropriate dog choice and experience, aspects of an owners personality and interaction style, management of the dog, geographical location and exposure to environmental stimuli, available space, social isolation, social density, inside or outside living, and predictability, consistency and levels of stress in the home. Many of these factors are discussed in, and supported by, the scientific literature; however, some areas are identified that appear under researched. In particular, the influence of an owner’s understanding of dog behaviour, the availability of space, unmet dog’s needs and predictability in the home environment have been subject of little published work. By contrast, some factors frequently considered in the scientific literature were not widely considered important by professionals: the age of a dog, breed, sex and neuter status and the age a dog was acquired. Some of these may be proxies for more directly relevant risk factors that relate to the individual. This study provides important insight to guide further research in an area that faces methodological challenges, if we are to develop a more comprehensive understanding of dog bite risk with the ultimate goal of having more scientifically grounded dog bite prevention strategies. • Professional opinion about risk factors for human directed dog aggression was sought • Risk factors relating to a dog, a dog’s owner and the environment were reported • Under researched risk factors were suggested by professionals