🐾10 Can a Training App Reduce Puppy Behavioral Problems? A Clear Explanation of the Latest 2025 Study

A new 2025 study led by the University of Lincoln (UK) suggests that using a puppy training and education app—Zigzag—may help reduce the severity of common behavioral problems in young dogs.

The behaviors showing the strongest improvement included:

• House-soiling (toilet training issues)
• Aggression toward familiar people
• Play-biting / chewing
• Barking
• Escape attempts
• Noise sensitivity (thunder, fireworks, construction noise)

Out of 21 behaviors examined, 19 showed improvement trends, and none showed evidence of worsening with app use. This makes the study the first peer-reviewed scientific research to evaluate whether an educational app can positively influence dog behavior.

2. Research Institutions and Publication Details

• Lead University: University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
• Research Group: Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Research Group
• Collaborators: Zigzag Petcare Services Ltd., Dogtalk (UK)
• Journal: MDPI “Animals” (peer-reviewed, open access)
• Title: Educational Apps and Dog Behavioural Problem Prevention (2025)

All data and statistical code were openly shared through OSF, ensuring transparency and reliability.

3. Study Overview

The research was conducted between 2022–2024 and analyzed data from over 1,700 puppy owners using the Zigzag app. After applying strict inclusion criteria, 367 owners and their puppies were included in the final analysis.

Owners reported:

• How much of the app they had completed (lesson progress)
• The severity of 21 different behavioral problems

Statistical models were used to determine how app completion was related to behavioral outcomes.

In simple terms:
“As owners completed more lessons in the app, their puppies tended to show fewer or milder problem behaviors.”

4. Key Findings

Higher levels of app engagement were associated with reduced severity in behaviors such as:

• Aggression toward family members
• House-soiling
• Play-biting / chewing
• Barking
• Escaping
• Noise fears

Additional notable results:

• The probability of “No problem at all” increased with app completion.
• Not a single behavioral category showed worsening.
• House-soiling, chewing, and escaping showed particularly strong improvement trends.

However, behaviors like aggression—because they occur less frequently—showed improvement trends but with higher uncertainty.

Overall conclusion:
“Owners who completed more of the app’s lessons tended to have puppies with fewer behavioral issues.”

5. In Plain Language

The Zigzag app combines:

• Puppy training fundamentals
• Socialization guidance
• Problem-prevention strategies
• Daily life tips for beginners

This helps owners start training early, correctly, and without overwhelm—leading to fewer behavioral problems later on.

6. Comparison With Previous Research + Limitations

Comparison with past research:

• Early socialization and positive reinforcement are known to reduce behavioral issues.
• This study builds on that evidence, showing that apps may be another effective educational tool.

Limitations:

• Observational design → cannot prove causation
• App users may be more motivated/educated from the start
• Low-frequency behaviors (e.g., aggression) had small sample sizes
• Actual implementation of advice (not measured) may vary greatly

Still, the absence of any negative effects across all behaviors makes the study a meaningful step toward validating digital training tools.

7. What Puppy Owners Can Learn

• Puppyhood learning shapes behavior for life.
• Lack of owner knowledge is a major cause of problem behaviors.
• Learning correct methods early prevents many issues before they start.
• Apps can serve as a “first step” before consulting a professional.
• Preventing problem behaviors reduces reliance on punishment-based methods.

8. Recommended Tools for Puppy Owners

• Sound-socialization apps / noise desensitization tools
• Puzzle toys & nose-work mats (to reduce chewing & boredom)
• Crates or soft kennels (for safe resting spaces)
• Training treats / reward-based snacks
• Harness & long-line leash (to prevent escape accidents)

9. Reference

Educational Apps and Dog Behavioural Problem Prevention: Associations Between the Zigzag Dog-Training App and Behavioural Problems
Animals 2025, 15(4), 520 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040520

※ This article is a summary of the original peer-reviewed research. For behavioral or health concerns, please consult your veterinarian.

Mindful

ブロガー/獣医師・博士(獣医学)/DVM Ph.D.

心でつながるペットケア、やさしい科学をモットーに、最新の研究情報について発信している。