The predictive value of early behavioural assessments in pet dogs--a longitudinal study from neonates to adults.

ABSTRACT: Studies on behavioural development in domestic dogs are of relevance for matching puppies with the right families, identifying predispositions for behavioural problems at an early stage, and predicting suitability for service dog work, police or military service. The literature is, however, inconsistent regarding the predictive value of tests performed during the socialisation period. Additionally, some practitioners use tests with neonates to complement later assessments for selecting puppies as working dogs, but these have not been validated. We here present longitudinal data on a cohort of Border collies, followed up from neonate age until adulthood. A neonate test was conducted with 99 Border collie puppies aged 2-10 days to assess activity, vocalisations when isolated and sucking forc

SUBMITTER: Riemer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4086890 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature