Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior

Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia Abstract: The most common role of a domestic dog in the developed world currently is that of companion. Puppy socialization practices play a large role in the develo...

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Autores principales: Howell TJ, King T, Bennett PC
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: Dove Medical Press 2015
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Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/34dc84ce8c60438a931a45b8d56ae3b8
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spelling oai:doaj.org-article:34dc84ce8c60438a931a45b8d56ae3b82021-12-02T04:07:59ZPuppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior2230-2034https://doaj.org/article/34dc84ce8c60438a931a45b8d56ae3b82015-04-01T00:00:00Zhttp://www.dovepress.com/puppy-parties-and-beyond-the-role-of-early-age-socialization-practices-peer-reviewed-article-VMRRhttps://doaj.org/toc/2230-2034Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia Abstract: The most common role of a domestic dog in the developed world currently is that of companion. Puppy socialization practices play a large role in the development of well-adjusted adult dogs that display few undesirable behaviors, and which can establish a positive, lifelong relationship with their owner. Age-appropriate socialization practices should begin within a few days of birth, and should extend well into adulthood. These practices should aim to provide exposure to many of the types of experiences, people, and objects that the dog is likely to encounter over the course of its life, in a controlled and pleasant way. Dogs that are appropriately socialized as puppies are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems as adults, including aggression and fearfulness. They are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans, and can learn how to play games with humans better than dogs without proper socialization. However, the evidence in support of puppy socialization classes is less clear. There is some evidence that puppy classes positively impact adult behavior, but other studies show no clear benefit. Since socialization should begin early in a puppy's life, it is the responsibility of the breeder and the owner. Breeders can ensure that puppies are exposed to age-appropriate experiences while in the litter, and owners must ensure that the dog continues to have varied experiences throughout its life. Veterinarians are also an important part of this process, and are heavily relied upon by owners to provide information about health and behavior. Since veterinarians often see puppies during vaccinations, owners can be educated about proper socialization practices at those visits. Future research should aim to determine the minimum amounts of socialization required for a puppy, and whether there is a maximum amount, beyond which there is no benefit, or even a disadvantage. Keywords: puppy class, aggression, dog, shelter, breeder Howell TJKing TBennett PCDove Medical PressarticleVeterinary medicineSF600-1100ENVeterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, Vol 2015, Iss default, Pp 143-153 (2015)
institution DOAJ
collection DOAJ
language EN
topic Veterinary medicine
SF600-1100
spellingShingle Veterinary medicine
SF600-1100
Howell TJ
King T
Bennett PC
Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
description Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia Abstract: The most common role of a domestic dog in the developed world currently is that of companion. Puppy socialization practices play a large role in the development of well-adjusted adult dogs that display few undesirable behaviors, and which can establish a positive, lifelong relationship with their owner. Age-appropriate socialization practices should begin within a few days of birth, and should extend well into adulthood. These practices should aim to provide exposure to many of the types of experiences, people, and objects that the dog is likely to encounter over the course of its life, in a controlled and pleasant way. Dogs that are appropriately socialized as puppies are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems as adults, including aggression and fearfulness. They are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans, and can learn how to play games with humans better than dogs without proper socialization. However, the evidence in support of puppy socialization classes is less clear. There is some evidence that puppy classes positively impact adult behavior, but other studies show no clear benefit. Since socialization should begin early in a puppy's life, it is the responsibility of the breeder and the owner. Breeders can ensure that puppies are exposed to age-appropriate experiences while in the litter, and owners must ensure that the dog continues to have varied experiences throughout its life. Veterinarians are also an important part of this process, and are heavily relied upon by owners to provide information about health and behavior. Since veterinarians often see puppies during vaccinations, owners can be educated about proper socialization practices at those visits. Future research should aim to determine the minimum amounts of socialization required for a puppy, and whether there is a maximum amount, beyond which there is no benefit, or even a disadvantage. Keywords: puppy class, aggression, dog, shelter, breeder 
format article
author Howell TJ
King T
Bennett PC
author_facet Howell TJ
King T
Bennett PC
author_sort Howell TJ
title Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
title_short Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
title_full Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
title_fullStr Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
title_full_unstemmed Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
title_sort puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
publisher Dove Medical Press
publishDate 2015
url https://doaj.org/article/34dc84ce8c60438a931a45b8d56ae3b8
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