Exploring ownership styles and the role of education in promoting the welfare of companion dogs

Abstract

This thesis investigated companion dog ownership practices and the role of education in improving welfare outcomes for dogs in home settings. Two main objectives guided the research: (1) to analyse owners’ profiles, behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes towards indicators of canine welfare, and to explore whether different ownership styles exist; and (2) to evaluate the role and effectiveness of owner education in promoting positive welfare outcomes. The core premise was that enhancing dog welfare relies on understanding the human factors that influence ownership practices.
Secondary analyses of the 2017 PDSA Animal Welfare (PAW) Report (n=1814) were conducted to identify patterns in existing data. A novel cross-sectional survey of UK dog owners (n=4510) offered further insights into demographics, ownership behaviours, values, attitudes, and beliefs. Additionally, a longitudinal study (n=361) followed owners from before acquiring a dog to two years after. To evaluate education, a narrative review of owner-focused interventions was conducted, along with an evaluation of the RSPCA’s #DogKind campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of separation-related behaviours (SRB).
Findings revealed no clear ownership ‘styles’, but specific traits, including education level, income, experience, and anthropomorphic tendencies, were linked to welfare-related behaviours and indicators. The review emphasised that while owner education is widely promoted, knowledge gains alone rarely lead to sustained behavioural change, as complex psychological, cultural, and systemic factors strongly influence outcomes. Evaluation of #DogKind showed effective campaign reach but limited effect on awareness and intended behaviours.
Overall, the results suggest that improving companion dog welfare requires comprehensive, owner-focused, context-relevant strategies that are integrated into person-centred and systemic frameworks, extending beyond basic education. This research enhances our understanding of the human aspects of dog welfare and promotes the further consideration of education strategies that are targeted, evidence-based, and incorporate clear messaging and thorough evaluation.

Date of Award	20 Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Nicola J Rooney (Supervisor), Emily-Jayne Blackwell (Supervisor) & Justin Dillon (Supervisor)