Have you got Canine PDS?

As the elite of pedigree dogs gather at Crufts in Birmingham, British pet charity The Blue Cross warns that people are placing unrealistic expectations on their dogs, causing them to become victims of Perfect Dog Syndrome or PDS.

A recent survey carried out by the charity showed that 60% of dog owners do not believe that dog training should be ongoing and only 54% spend all day with their dogs. The pet charity is concerned that an apparent lack of understanding about the importance of training and socialising could mean that dogs are not considered 'perfect' and are brought to rehoming centres, such as those run by The Blue Cross.

A massive 87% of dog owners recently surveyed by the charity who said that their perfect dog would be able to be socialised in a month also wanted that dog to be good with people and kids. Worryingly, of those surveyed who could only dedicate 30 minutes a day to their dog, 75% also expected it to be a family dog.

Julie Bedford, head of animal behaviour at The Blue Cross, said:

"People may feel that their dogs have to be perfect - the need to attain perfection in all other walks of life means that we see our pet's behaviour as another thing to conquer."

Women are most likely to have PDS

Over a third of women said that the destruction of household items would be the thing most likely to make them give their dog up, and they find wetting or messing in the house the most annoying behaviour of a dog. However, women are also more likely to leave their dogs alone all day, which could lead to these behaviours being exhibited. People aged over 55 are least likely to have PDS as 73% say their dog is with them or someone else all day, and 70% are willing to train their dog five times a day.

Julie continued: "It can be impossible to attain perfection, but with time, effort and the correct approach it is certainly possible to avoid the problems that may lead to disappointment and the dog ending up in a rescue centre."

Reference: www.ukpets.co.uk

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