Honam University Department of Companion Animal Industry Conducts Home Visit Volunteer Program for Dog Behavior Correction

Analysis and Correction of Behavioral Issues

The Department of Companion Animal Industry at Honam University announced on the 19th that it recently conducted a 'Home Visit' companion animal behavior correction volunteer activity, in which faculty and students visited pet owners' residences to provide counseling and behavior correction services.

The Department of Companion Animal Industry at Honam University conducted a ‘home-visit type’ volunteer service for companion animal behavior correction. Photo by Honam University

This home visit volunteer activity was led by Professor Seo Dayeon, an expert in companion animal behavior studies, with the participation of current students.

On the day of the volunteer activity, counseling, behavior analysis, and demonstration of corrective techniques were provided in each household, with pet owners and their dogs present. The focus was on practical education involving diagnosis and intervention for actual behavioral problems.

In particular, participating students emphasized analyzing and correcting the causes of behavioral issues based on the living environment of the companion animals. They comprehensively observed the movement patterns of the pets, potential stimuli, and the ways in which owners interact with their animals.

Based on these observations, they conducted an analysis of behavior types and evaluation using behavior scoring, diagnosed individual behavioral characteristics, and established customized correction plans, which were implemented on-site, allowing students to build practical experience.

Participating pet owners were able to identify the causes of various issues they experienced—such as excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety, problems with elimination, and difficulty with control during walks—and learned methods for environmental management and sustainable behavioral management at home.

Professor Seo Dayeon explained, "Behavior correction is not just about training; it is a process in which owners understand the causes of their companion animal's behavior and improve their relationships. The home visit program enables a more precise correction by analyzing both the living environment of the animal and the management methods of the owner."

Yang Jeyul, a first-year student who participated in the volunteer activity, said, "By visiting homes, I was able to observe the daily behaviors of dogs and the habits of their owners, which helped me understand the causes of the problems more clearly. It was rewarding to apply what I had learned in theory to real-life situations and to see the results immediately."

This volunteer activity was an advanced program following the 'Petiquette Special Lecture' and companion animal behavior correction volunteer activity previously held at the Mudeung Welfare Center in Buk-gu. It was conducted in the actual living environments of owners and their pets, and received positive feedback from local residents.

In particular, rather than being a one-off event, the program operated as a step-by-step curriculum that progressed from theory-based education to actual behavioral improvement. This provided students with valuable practical field experience, while also offering meaningful assistance to the local community through volunteer work.

Department Chair Lee Moonyoung stated, "This volunteer activity is an educational program that goes beyond lectures and practice sessions to address real problems in home environments. It is highly significant as it provides students with hands-on experience and delivers tangible benefits to the local community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.