Predictors of Fear and Anxiety in Companion Dogs: The Role of Caregiver-Related Variables

Fear and anxiety (F/A) are adaptive emotional responses that, when persistent or disproportionate, may compromise canine well-being and lead to behavioral disorders. This cross-sectional study of 730 caregivers of companion dogs examined predictors of canine F/A, focusing on caregiver-related characteristics and interspecific (dog–caregiver) relationship variables. We first ran correlation analyses and then entered significant variables into multiple linear regression models to identify the most relevant predictors. Perceived caregiving costs, caregiver stress, favorable attitudes toward aversive training, and younger dog age emerged as risk factors. Basic training, medication, and more frequent veterinary consultations were associated with lower F/A. Notably, this is the first study to report an association between caregivers’ attitudes toward aversive training and F/A in dogs. The findings highlight the role of caregivers’ intrapersonal factors and interspecific relationship quality in dogs’ emotional health. The final model explained 11% of the variance in F/A. • This study examined predictors of fear and anxiety (F/A) in dogs (N= 730) • Tested multiple variables including caregiver traits and dog–caregiver relationship variables • The final regression model explained 11% of the variance in F/A • Risk factors: caregiving costs, caregiver stress and attitudes toward training • Protective factors: training, medication, and vet visits reflecting caregiver care