Are you a fur parent wondering if you’re raising your fur baby the right way? This blog discusses a study that reveals the best parenting style for your dog.
According to animal behaviorists at Oregon State University, an “authoritative” parenting style leads to a more social, secure, and intelligent dog.
Monique Udell, an animal behaviorist at Oregon State University, stated, “We found that pet parenting style does predict patterns of dog behavior and cognition.”
After surveying nearly 50 dog owners about pet parenting principles, respondents were categorized into three groups: authoritative (high expectations, high responsiveness), authoritarian (high expectations, low responsiveness), and permissive (low expectations, high responsiveness).
Through behavioral tests, researchers found that dogs with the highest rates of secure attachment belonged to dog parents who employed an authoritative parenting style, resulting in social and intelligent dogs who excelled in tasks.
Udell emphasized, “This finding suggests that dog owners who understand and fulfill their dog’s needs are likely to have secure, resilient dogs.”