Authors: Tom Rowland, Helen Zulch, Lorna Winter, Carolyn Menteith, Daniel S. Mills
Type: Peer-Reviewed Paper
Topic Tag: Behaviour Science
Published in: Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2025)
Open Access under CC BY 4.0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106591
Download PDF: https://zigzag.dog/wp-content/uploads/Applied-Animal-Behaviour-Science-Behaviour-Clusters-Paper-Feb-2025-1.pdf

In brief

This peer-reviewed study analysed behavioural problems in 1,090 puppies aged 3–6 months and found that issues such as aggression, fear, separation distress and overactivity tend to cluster around four underlying emotional systems: SEEKING, FEAR, RAGE and PANIC. The findings support a psychobiological approach to understanding puppy behaviour rather than viewing problems as isolated issues.

Key takeaways

  • 1,090 puppies analysed (3–6 months old)
  • 21 behaviour problems assessed
  • The analysis identified four emotional clusters:
      • SEEKING / incentive-driven behaviours
      • PANIC / attachment-related behaviours
      • RAGE / frustration-linked aggression
      • FEAR / threat avoidance
  • Behaviour problems are interconnected, not isolated

Why this research matters


Importantly, this research strengthens the case for science-led puppy training by showing that behaviour problems are not isolated issues, but often reflect underlying emotional systems. Instead, rather than treating behaviours such as barking, aggression or separation distress as separate problems, the findings suggest that more effective outcomes come from addressing the emotional drivers behind them. As a result, recognising these emotional patterns early, owners and professionals can intervene in a more targeted and preventative way. This has important implications for reducing behaviour-related frustration, improving welfare, and ultimately helping to prevent unnecessary abandonment.

Study Design

Sample

  • 1,090 puppies
  • Aged 3–6 months
  • Cross-sectional survey
  • 21 behaviour problems rated on 4-point severity scale

Analysis

  • Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA)
  • Conditional dependency network modelling
  • Cluster detection via Walktrap algorithm

Key Visual Data

Figure 1. Network analysis of puppy behaviour problems showing four emotional clusters. Nodes represent individual behaviour problems reported in puppies aged 3–6 months, and connecting lines indicate direct statistical associations between them. The analysis identified four clusters reflecting underlying emotional systems: incentive seeking (SEEKING), attachment-related distress (PANIC), frustration-linked aggression (RAGE), and threat avoidance (FEAR).

Key Findings

  1. SEEKING Cluster
    Chewing, play biting, jumping, food stealing, chasing, escaping, frustration etc.
  2. PANIC Cluster
    Separation, being alone, owner sleep disturbance
  3. RAGE Cluster
    Aggression toward familiar/unfamiliar people, resource guarding
  4. FEAR Cluster
    Noise fear and fear outside.

What this means for Dog Owners and Trainers

These findings suggest that puppy behaviour problems should not be treated as isolated issues. Behaviours such as barking, aggression, separation distress or excessive excitement are often connected through shared underlying emotional systems. Rather than addressing each behaviour individually, it is more effective to look for broader emotional patterns that may be driving them. By focusing on supporting healthy emotional regulation — helping puppies manage frustration, attachment distress, fear or over-arousal — owners and trainers can address the root cause rather than just the visible symptom. This more integrated approach can lead to more consistent, long-term improvements in behaviour and overall wellbeing.

Limitations

  • Behaviour severity was based on owner-reported assessments, which may be influenced by individual perception, experience and expectations rather than direct behavioural measurement.
  • The study used a cross-sectional design, meaning behaviours were assessed at a single point in time. As a result, the findings identify patterns of association but cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships or track changes over development.
  • The sample included only puppies aged 3–6 months. While this provides insight into early behavioural development, clustering patterns may differ in older dogs with more life experience and reinforcement history.

Full Paper Access

The full peer-reviewed paper is available to download via the link above or directly from the publisher’s website. Download the Full PDF

View on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106591

How to cite this paper: Rowland, T., Zulch, H., Winter, L., Menteith, C., & Mills, D. S. (2025). Clustering of behavioural problems in dogs aged 3–6 months reflect underlying emotional commonalities. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 285, 106591.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106591

About the authors

This paper was co-authored by Zigzag’s Co-Founder alongside researchers from the Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Research Group at the University of Lincoln. The author team includes Professor Daniel S. Mills and Dr Helen Zulch, specialists in veterinary behavioural medicine and animal welfare science, together with Tom Rowland, Lorna Winter and Carolyn Menteith.

Researchers conducted the study in collaboration with Zigzag Petcare and was funded by Zigzag and its parent company. Author affiliations and funding relationships are fully declared in the published article.

Full author details, institutional affiliations and declarations can be found in the original publication in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2025).