New research confirms what Hounds Town USA has always believed: breed cannot predict dog behavior.
RONKONKOMA, NEW YORK, USA, June 13, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — You can’t judge a book by its cover. And you can’t judge a dog by its breed.
That’s one of the big takeaways from a groundbreaking study recently released by the University of Massachusetts that surveyed more than 18,000 dog owners. In short, the results imply that canine behavior is much more influenced by variables such as environment, age and upbringing than by a specific breed.
This means Golden Retrievers are only slightly more likely to retrieve, Beagles only slightly more likely to howl, and Boxers only slightly more likely to destroy your shoes. Some races have even challenged their stereotypes; pit bulls, for example, were found to be no more aggressive than other dogs, despite their dangerous position in certain circles.
“This is a major step forward in how we think about dog behavior,” says Elaine Ostrander, canine expert at the US National Human Genome Research Institute. “While some behaviors have been shown to be slightly more inherited, no race possesses a particular trait.”
Although the results defy conventional thinking, they come as no surprise to many pet experts. Among them is Mike Gould, founder of the national pet care franchise Hounds Town USA. Unlike other dog daycares, Hounds Town does not discriminate against any breed of dog, instead providing a place where all dogs can thrive.
“We believe no dog should be denied the chance to be a dog just because of their breed, and research now backs that up,” Gould said. “Races don’t have specific personalities. Individuals do. That’s why we’ve always welcomed all types of dogs into our facilities, from Pit Bulls and Rottweilers to disabled and senior dogs.
Instead of grouping dogs by size, Hounds Town uses a soft science-based socialization approach by placing dogs in appropriate playgroups. “While all dogs must take a temperament assessment at no cost, all social dogs are welcome to schedule an appointment,” adds Gould.
If anyone understands canine behavior, it’s Gould. He opened the first Hounds Town location 21 years ago in Long Island, New York, drawing on his 40 years of dog behavior training as commander of the Nassau County (NY) Police Department and program chief Military Working Dog. . Since then, Hounds Town has become a national success story with over 30 locations across the country with dozens more expected to open soon.
Pet spending continues to skyrocket
According to the latest metrics, pet industry spending continues to soar. The sector has proven immune to the financial downturn, with consumer spending up nearly 115% since 2011. One of the main reasons for the rise, according to the research, is increased interest in the services market. for pets, which includes grooming, training, boarding and daycare. Over the past five years, it has been the fastest growing segment under the pet industry umbrella.
Statistics also show that almost 53% of US households now own at least one dog – and the vast majority (85%) consider them part of the family. As many pet owners return to work and start traveling again, they will likely need a suitable place to drop off their pooch. This is where Hounds Town can help, regardless of breed.
“What sets us apart from other daycare options, I think, is that we focus on the needs of the dogs, not the needs of the owners,” Gould said. “We provide a natural environment that allows dogs to be dogs.”
ABOUT HOUNDS TOWN USA
Since 2000, Hounds Town USA has provided a safe and welcoming environment for dogs to be dogs. With an interactive dog daycare, pet boarding, dog grooming, pet taxi, and retail services, Hounds Town USA’s one-stop dog town is home to the happiest dogs – and franchise owners – on Earth. Founded by Michael S. Gould, former NYPD dog handler and commander of the Nassau County Police Department, Hounds Town USA has over 30 locations and plans to open 20 more units before 2023. For more information, please visit houndstownfranchise.com.
David Martinelli
Hounds Town United States
+1 406.459.0471
david.martinelli@houndstownusa.com