An insightful new study of 367 pet owners across Europe, North America, Africa and Australia finds that structured, app-based puppy training can significantly reduce the risk of future behavioural issues. The study was conducted by Zigzag, in collaboration with the University of Lincoln.
Zigzag, a puppy training app launched in 2021, aims to help owners to confidently raise a well-adjusted, happy pup. It is the first-ever scientifically validated puppy training app, designed to make puppy training simple and effective for pet owners, through bite-sized video lessons, personalised training plans, and 24/7 expert support.
Published in the scientific journal ‘Animals’, the study finds that puppies trained with the Zigzag app demonstrated markedly better behavioural outcomes compared to those without structured support. Pups trained via the app are significantly less likely to develop behavioural issues such as excessive barking, separation-related problems, and reactivity to people or other dogs.
The study highlights how accessible, expert-led digital support can ensure that training techniques introduced in classes or one-to-one sessions are encouraged at home. The findings reinforce that early intervention and consistent, fear-free training are essential for preventing behavioural problems.
Other findings from the study include:
- While half (50%) of dog owners notice their dogs fear loud noises, Zigzag app users have been able to reduce their puppies’ noise fears through habituation exercises
- Use of the app is associated with notable reductions in severity of aggression when protecting resources or food and aggression towards other dogs
- Increased usage of the app correlates with a consistent reduction in the severity of behaviours such as chewing, familiar aggression, and escape
A second stage of the study looks at the clustering of behavioural problems in dogs aged 3 to 6 months old, revealing that certain problem behaviours frequently occur together. This includes fear-related behaviours such as avoidance and trembling, where pups often exhibit multiple anxiety-linked traits simultaneously.
Additionally, some dogs exhibited heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli and social interactions, leading to behaviours like excessive alertness or nervousness around new people or places.
The research findings from both stages of the study confirm that puppy owners using the app’s training plans can avoid many of the challenges that often lead to dog-frustration or even dogs being surrendered to shelters. Understanding behaviour clusters enables Zigzag to provide more targeted, effective support for puppy owners through the app. It also reiterates how owner consistency and motivation between sessions are key to a puppy’s success.
Lorna Winter, Co-Founder of Zigzag, said: “We envision a positive future where more and more owners are empowered with the support and tools to ensure their dogs lead happy, healthy lives. This research validates that structured, positive training through the Zigzag app makes a measurable difference—not just for today, but for a dog’s entire life.”
Professor Daniel Mills, University of Lincoln, said: “With growing interest in the use of technology to improve animal behaviour, it is important we don’t just act with good intent, but that we properly evaluate the impact of this. Our research indicates that the Zigzag training app has real-world benefits for dog owners.”
The full study can be found here, and the Zigzag app can be downloaded here.
