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Towards an Objective Measurement Tool for ADHD-like Traits in Family Dogs: A Comprehensive Test Battery
Barbara Csibra1,2, Vivien Reicher3, Melitta Csepregi1,2,4
1Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 13, 2024
Summary
This study validates a new questionnaire for assessing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviors in dogs. Behavioral tests confirm the questionnaire
Area of Science:
- Veterinary behavioral science
- Canine cognition
- Animal psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are observed in domestic dogs.
- Questionnaires are the primary method for assessing ADHD-like behaviors in dogs.
- A validated questionnaire, the Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale (DAFRS), exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To externally validate the DAFRS questionnaire using a behavioral test battery.
- To compare owner- and trainer-rated DAFRS scores against behavioral test results.
- To assess the reliability and validity of a novel canine ADHD assessment tool.
Main Methods:
- Development of a behavioral test battery targeting inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Administration of the DAFRS questionnaire to dog owners and trainers.
- Correlation analysis between questionnaire scores and behavioral test outcomes.
- Test-retest reliability analysis of the behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- All four behavioral tests showed correlations with their respective DAFRS symptom domains.
- Hyperactivity showed the strongest correlation, while inattention showed the least.
- Both owner- and trainer-rated scores aligned with behavioral test results.
- Test-retest analysis indicated moderate-to-excellent agreement for behavioral variables.
Conclusions:
- The behavioral test battery provides external validation for the DAFRS questionnaire.
- The combined questionnaire and behavioral tests effectively assess canine inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- This study supports the use of the DAFRS for evaluating ADHD-like behaviors in dogs.
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