ABSTRACT Making the right decision before acquiring a dog may help prevent the development of canine behavior problems and increase the likelihood of a satisfactory relationship. In this study, social-cognitive factors in decision-making were assessed in the phase before the acquisition of a dog (the motivational phase) to see whether they were associated with later canine behavior problems and satisfaction with the dog after formation of a relationship (the experience phase). Respondents (n = 193) filled in an online questionnaire several months before acquiring a dog and six and 18 months thereafter. Results indicate that the confidence of dog owners in their ability to train and care for a dog—assessed before acquisition—was associated with fewer canine behavior problems, more satisfaction with the dog, and lower perceived costs in the experience phase. Self-efficacy had no effect on consistency between planned and actual acquisition. People scoring high on social norms were more likely to adhere to their plans, while those who expected many advantages were less likely to do so. Moreover, several preparation activities were associated with consistency, with more frequent doubt in the motivational phase being related to greater inconsistency. People who frequently read books about owning dogs and who often talked about this with others were more likely to adhere to their initial plans. In contrast, those who often visited websites offering/selling dogs were less consistent, possibly due to impulse buying. In conclusion, the quality of the relationship with a dog seems partly related to human decision-making factors occurring before the dog has been acquired. Longitudinal studies of human–animal relationships could enhance knowledge concerning the social-cognitive processes underlying our relationships with animals, possibly providing starting points for interventions aimed at improving the welfare of both animals and humans.

中文翻译：

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养狗前的社会认知过程与狗主人未来关系满意度和犬类行为问题相关

摘要 在养狗之前做出正确的决定可能有助于防止犬类行为问题的发展，并增加建立令人满意的关系的可能性。在这项研究中，在获得狗之前的阶段（动机阶段）评估了决策中的社会认知因素，以查看它们是否与后来的犬类行为问题以及建立关系后对狗的满意度有关。体验阶段）。受访者（n = 193）在购买狗前几个月以及之后的六个月和 18 个月填写了一份在线问卷。结果表明，养狗者对其训练和照顾狗的能力的信心（在获得前进行评估）与较少的犬行为问题、对狗的满意度更高、并降低体验阶段的感知成本。自我效能感对计划采购和实际采购的一致性没有影响。在社会规范上得分高的人更有可能遵守他们的计划，而那些期望有很多优势的人不太可能这样做。此外，一些准备活动与一致性有关，在动机阶段更频繁的怀疑与更大的不一致有关。经常阅读有关养狗的书籍并经常与他人谈论这一点的人更有可能坚持他们最初的计划。相比之下，那些经常访问提供/出售狗的网站的人不太一致，可能是由于冲动购买。综上所述，与狗的关系质量似乎部分与在获得狗之前发生的人类决策因素有关。对人与动物关系的纵向研究可以增强关于我们与动物关系背后的社会认知过程的知识，可能为旨在改善动物和人类福利的干预措施提供起点。