Researchers at the University of Southampton Anthrozoology Institute have established a link between behavioural problems in adult dogs and the environment that they experienced as puppies.

The study, sponsored by animal health company, Intervet UK, found that puppies raised in kennels, barns or sheds went on to display a higher than expected susceptibility to fearful behaviour, compared to puppies raised indoors. Signs included avoidance of unfamiliar sights and sounds and aggression towards unfamiliar people.

Between May 1996 and June 1999, 820 dogs belonging to their first owner or original breeder were referred by veterinary surgeons for the treatment of behavioural problems. Sixty-four signs of problem behaviour, as reported by the owners, were recorded during the consultations, including growling, snapping, snarling, lunging, biting and barking.

The early experiences of dogs showing signs of avoidance behaviour or aggression were compared with those of dogs from the same clinical population that did not show such behaviour. The occurrence of each behavioural sign was tested for its association with the dog’s maternal environment, the environment it had experienced between three to six months of age, and the age at which it had been acquired.

Non-domestic maternal environments and a lack of experience in urban environments were both significantly associated with aggression towards unfamiliar people and avoidance behaviour. Aggression during a veterinary examination was also more likely in dogs from non-domestic maternal environments.

The research conducted by David Appleby, one of the country’s leading clinicians in pet behaviour, Dr John Bradshaw, director of the Anthrozoology Institute and Rachel Casey, lecturer and veterinarian, also suggests that a dog’s early social environment influences not only its development of avoidance and fearfully aggressive behaviours, but its social interactions with both people and other dogs.

The research concluded that it is therefore possible that if dogs are not given the opportunity to learn about different people and domestic/urban environments during their sensitive period between three and fourteen weeks of age, fear-based behavioural problems may develop.

“It is generally accepted that dogs go through a sensitive period, during which some experiences have a greater effect on the development of their temperament and behaviour than if they occur in later life,” explains David Appleby. “The provision of a rich, social and stimulating physical environment, by both breeders and owners, during the first six months of a dog’s life, appears to be associated with a reduced incidence of some kinds of problem behaviour, and may therefore be of general benefit to canine welfare.

References:
1. DL Appleby, JWS Bradshaw, RA Casey. Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life. Veterinary Record; April 6 2002; 434-438.