# Texas A&M study of 43,517 dogs: owners reported fear or anxiety in 84% of them

- Published: 2026-11-15 13:19 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biology & biochemistry
- Tags: fear and anxiety in dogs, Dog Aging Project, Texas A&M University, Bonnie V. Beaver, 43,517 dogs, owner questionnaires, dog behavior, Veterinary Research Communications, animal welfare
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-3c7923f8978e11dddd2510c6_texas_a_m/

**Owner questionnaires from the Dog Aging Project show 84% of 43,517 dogs had at least one mild-or-greater fear or anxiety response. The authors say this is not a rate of anxiety disorders.**

![Texas A&M study of 43,517 dogs: owners reported fear or anxiety in 84% of them](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/e6093868d6c0f68b.webp)
*noticiasambientales.com*

Researchers at Texas A&M University analyzed data on 43,517 dogs and found that 84% had shown at least one fear or anxiety response of mild or greater intensity in everyday situations, according to noticiasambientales.com. [1] The analysis was carried out by Bonnie V. Beaver, professor at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. It was published in Veterinary Research Communications. [1]

## Data and method

The data came from the Dog Aging Project, a large-scale initiative that collects health and behavior data on dogs from different regions of the United States. The answers were provided by the owners through questionnaires. Fears linked to grooming, such as bathing and nail trimming, were excluded. [1]

Because the data are owner reports, the study describes behaviors observed in a broad population and does not constitute individual diagnoses. The 84% figure does not mean that this share of dogs has an anxiety disorder. It means that owners identified at least one fear or anxiety behavior among the situations assessed. [1]

By situation, 47.4% of dogs showed some degree of fear or anxiety toward unfamiliar dogs. Fear responses toward unfamiliar people were reported for 22.3%, and 25.5% showed fear or anxiety toward noises, objects or unfamiliar situations. [1]

## Persistence and veterinary visits

According to Beaver, occasional fear is normal. Concern arises when the response becomes persistent or more intense. Prolonged stress can affect the immune system and quality of life. She described dogs that, during storms, bit brick walls to get into their homes. [1]

Beaver noted that behavior often does not come up at appointments unless the owner mentions it first. She proposes adding behavior assessment tools to visits, for example questionnaires completed before the appointment. She also recommends watching for changes in the duration and intensity of reactions, and says that a dog afraid for longer periods or responding more intensely should be seen by a professional. [1]

She added that when dogs are repeatedly exposed to situations they are uncomfortable with, the fear can intensify, and in some cases aggression is the only way they find to respond. [1]

## Sources

1. [noticiasambientales.com](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/un-estudio-analizo-a-mas-de-40-000-perros-y-encontro-senales-de-miedo-o-ansiedad-en-el-84-de-ellos)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-3c7923f8978e11dddd2510c6_texas_a_m/