Canine separation-related behaviour at six months of age: Dog, owner and early-life risk factors identified using the 'Generation Pup' longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT: Separation-related behaviours (SRBs) in dogs (Canis familiaris) often indicate poor welfare. Understanding SRB risk factors can aid prevention strategies. We investigated whether early-life experiences and dog-owner interactions affect SRB development. Using a longitudinal study, we conducted exploratory analyses of associations between potential risk factors and SRB occurrence in six month old puppies (n = 145). Dogs were less likely to develop SRBs if owners reported that, at ≤ 16 weeks old, puppies were restricted to crates/rooms overnight and had ≥ 9 h of sleep per night. Puppies with poor house-training at ≤ 16 weeks were more likely to show SRBs, as were those trained using dog treats or novel kibble versus other rewards. Puppies whose owners used more punishment/aversive tech

SUBMITTER: Dale FC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11655275 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature