2025 TGD Study: Behaviour and Adjustment of Adopted Northern Dogs

Introduction

This 2025 study titled Understanding the Behaviour of Adopted Northern Canadian Community Dogs explores how dogs from remote northern Indigenous communities in Canada adjust after being adopted into urban or suburban homes. These dogs are often free-roaming in their home environments and have different early life experiences compared to purpose-bred or shelter dogs.

Background

Northern dogs may include pets, free-roaming, and loosely owned community dogs. They are often described as companion animals with unique relationships to their communities, sometimes roaming freely, scavenging, and receiving informal care. Overpopulation and access to vet care remain challenges in these regions, leading to transportation and rehoming programs coordinated by rescues and local authorities.

Despite the good intentions behind rehoming efforts, there was limited research on how these dogs adapt post-adoption. This study collected data from 357 adopters using a custom survey and a modified 37-item version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ).

Common Behavioural Challenges

Approximately 94% of adopters reported at least one behavioral challenge. The most frequent issues included:

• Fear-based behaviors (33.6%)

• Aggression toward other animals (31.9%)

• Destructive behavior and separation-related problems

• Barking and reactivity to sounds, dogs, or people

Interestingly, many adopters still described their dog’s adjustment as “easy,” suggesting that owners may not perceive these behaviors as problematic when balanced with affection and companionship. One adopter explained: “He is still fearful of new people and barks at noises, but he is the sweetest, most loving dog.”

C-BARQ Behaviour Patterns

The top behavioral dimensions recorded included:

• Chasing

High mean scores indicated strong predatory or motion-triggered tendencies.

• Energy

75.3% of dogs were rated between 2 and 4 for general energy.

• Attachment

Dogs frequently formed strong bonds with caregivers, especially in households with fewer residents.

Dogs adopted under 6 months were more likely to exhibit attention-seeking behavior and sensitivity to handling. Older dogs tended to have higher energy and were less reactive toward unfamiliar dogs.

What Helped with Adjustment?

Owners cited several useful strategies that supported their dogs during the transition:

• Crate training: provided a sense of safety and reduced anxiety

• Structured routine: consistent feeding, walking, and quiet time helped regulate arousal

• Social modeling: living with other well-adjusted dogs supported behavior learning

• Enrichment: cognitive activities and scent games reduced frustration

Some adopters noted a transition period of 1 to 3 months before the dog began to relax. One respondent wrote: “She decompressed after about three months, then really settled into our family.”

Owner Reflections and Advice

Adopters shared a wide range of reflections. Some described their dog’s reactivity and fear as difficult, especially in apartments or city environments. However, many emphasized that patience and empathy were crucial. One said:

“She needed space and understanding, not obedience drills. Now she’s my shadow and my joy.”

Conclusion

This study highlights the complexity of rehoming free-roaming dogs from Northern communities. While behavior challenges like fear, reactivity, and high energy are common, adopters who provide supportive environments—routine, autonomy, calm socialization—report strong bonds and long-term success. These dogs thrive best when their unique backgrounds are honored, and their adjustment is approached with care and flexibility.

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This study was conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University and published in the journal Behavioural Processes in 2025. You can read the full open-access study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105096