1. Investigating the effects of matching to caretakers' preference on satisfaction in different types of adopted dogs using the Kano model alongside with more traditional methods.
- Author
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Normando, Simona, Bertomoro, Francesca, and Bonetti, Omar
- Abstract
Many dogs are relinquished worldwide, therefore may be important to enhance the success of adoptions through appropriate matching of dog and perspective caretaker, if possible. This exploratory study aimed to investigate whether matching to caretakers' preferences in some dog characteristics was associated with an increase in caretakers' declared satisfaction with their dogs using a Kano model approach, alongside more common inferential ones, such as logistic regressions (alpha = 0.005). We also aimed to investigate whether there were differences between rescued galgos from Spain and other dogs in this regard. Data on 400 dogs (of which 193 were galgos ,) were gathered using an online survey and convenience sampling. The questionnaire included a satisfaction score and some Kano model questions assessing the relevance of matching dog and caretaker's preferences regarding activity level, affection shown, self-confidence/boldness and color. Matching to caretakers' preferences in activity level, affection, boldness were Kano model Exciters (not expected positive features) for most respondents, whereas matching to preferred color was an indifferent one. Respondents having adopted more than 180 days previously answered they found matching to preference in activity (P < 0.0001) and color (P = 0.003) indifferent more often than respondents who had just adopted ≤45 days before. Matching in affection shown, activity level and in preferred color were significantly associated with the dogs being given the maximum score in perceived satisfaction by the respondents (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). This outcome was not the case for self-assurance when the restrictive alpha for exploratory studies was applied. Further studies on the effects of matching to different behavioral and morphologic characteristics on adopters' satisfaction are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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