Record aggressive dog behavior reports surge at Finnish Kennel Club events

In 2022, the Finnish Kennel Club received a record 173 reports of aggressive dog behavior at various dog events. This number marks the highest ever recorded. Esa Kukkonen, the chairman of the Kennel Club, attributes the increase to several factors including a lack of socialization and heightened sensitivity in dogs, owners’ lack of knowledge, and a growing awareness among participants about the reporting process. Concurrently, the number of events and participants has also risen. “If there are significantly more dogs at events, it’s natural that the incidence of negative behaviors may rise,” Kukkonen explained.

Events with hundreds of dogs can be challenging, especially for those not accustomed to such environments. “It’s a stressful experience for dogs that have only been around their family and home,” he noted. By mid-August of this year, 104 reports had been submitted, which Kukkonen considers a manageable figure. Reports can lead to participation bans ranging from three months to a lifetime.

Longer bans are typically imposed when a dog shows aggressive behavior repeatedly. Kukkonen pointed out that reports of such dogs have increased both this year and last. “When a report about a dog is filed for the second time, it signifies there’s a persistent issue,” he stated.

Tiina Mäkinen, who has encountered several aggressive incidents during her free time, emphasizes the importance of training her dog to foster confidence and control. She hopes that dog owners refrain from taking uncontrolled dogs to competitions, as these situations pose risks not only for owner and pet but for others as well. Kukkonen further highlighted that the root cause of many incidents often lies with irresponsible ownership.