Abstract
Behavioural disorders, such as aggression and anxiety, are the major reason for euthanasia and
sheltering of pet dogs, thus posing a major welfare problem. To treat, or preferably prevent,
behavioural disorders, a better understanding of the underlying causes is necessary.
Experiences during early life, such as the quality and quantity of maternal care, attachment and
socialisation, have long lasting and serious consequences for the behavioural and physiological
development of an individual, and its vulnerability to develop behavioural disorders. Moreover,
the complex interplay between these factors is likely to have consequences for the future dogowner bond.
We reviewed the current literature on the interactions between maternal care, attachment
formation, and the sensitive socialisation period, and their potential behaviour. An increased incidence of behavioural disorders is found especially in pups bred in
so called “puppy mills”, often with low regard for adequate weaning age or socialisation
programs. Proper social and non-social stimulation during the sensitive period for socialisation,
between 3½ and 12 weeks of age, is essential for normal behavioural development. Insufficient
stimulation, as well as minimal maternal care, increase the risk of developing behavioural
disorders. However, the mother-pup bond and its interactions with the subsequent socialisation
period, as well as its influence on the development of behaviour, has not been studied in much
detail.
Based on the findings we highlight gaps in knowledge and provide suggestions for future
research that is necessary to formulate recommendations for pet dog breeding and socialisation. on adult dog
sheltering of pet dogs, thus posing a major welfare problem. To treat, or preferably prevent,
behavioural disorders, a better understanding of the underlying causes is necessary.
Experiences during early life, such as the quality and quantity of maternal care, attachment and
socialisation, have long lasting and serious consequences for the behavioural and physiological
development of an individual, and its vulnerability to develop behavioural disorders. Moreover,
the complex interplay between these factors is likely to have consequences for the future dogowner bond.
We reviewed the current literature on the interactions between maternal care, attachment
formation, and the sensitive socialisation period, and their potential behaviour. An increased incidence of behavioural disorders is found especially in pups bred in
so called “puppy mills”, often with low regard for adequate weaning age or socialisation
programs. Proper social and non-social stimulation during the sensitive period for socialisation,
between 3½ and 12 weeks of age, is essential for normal behavioural development. Insufficient
stimulation, as well as minimal maternal care, increase the risk of developing behavioural
disorders. However, the mother-pup bond and its interactions with the subsequent socialisation
period, as well as its influence on the development of behaviour, has not been studied in much
detail.
Based on the findings we highlight gaps in knowledge and provide suggestions for future
research that is necessary to formulate recommendations for pet dog breeding and socialisation. on adult dog
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 21-22 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2018 |
| Event | 14th Annual Meeting of the Ethologische Gesellschaft - University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany Duration: 6 Feb 2019 → 8 Feb 2019 https://www.tiho-hannover.de/fileadmin/user_upload/tiho_hannover/kliniken_institute/33_zoologie/Downloads/Etho2019/Abstractbook_End.pdf |
Conference
| Conference | 14th Annual Meeting of the Ethologische Gesellschaft |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Hannover |
| Period | 6/02/19 → 8/02/19 |
| Internet address |