Lec 28: The Basics of Puppy Behavior and Problem Prevention

Development of Puppy chart

Prenatal Period =

Fetal development

What are some effects of stress during the prenatal period?

Increased cortisol

Changes ‘set point’ HPA axis

High emotionality as adults

puppy mills?

Neonatal Period (0-13 days)

Born deaf and blind, poor smell

Eating and sleeping

Very limited learning capabilities

Transitional Period (14-20 days)

Eyes open

Tooth eruption

Able to stand

Level of learning during the Transitional Period (14-20 days)

Learn to avoid pain

No emotional learning yet (no change in HR & don’t learn from bad experience)

Startle responses ENDS transitional period (hearing begins)

Socialization Period (3-12 weeks)

Gradual wean

Leave nest to eliminate

Offer play behaviors

Social relationships

Level of learning during Socialization Period (3-12 weeks)

Avoidance response

Fearful postures develop

Learn from bad experiences

If early illness occurs in the Socialization Period (3-12 weeks), what does this predispose the puppy too?

Aggression problems

Fear of strangers and children

Separation related problems

What can occur if a puppy is isolated during the Socialization Period (3-12 weeks)?

Leads to learning deficits and fear response

“Kennel dog syndrome”

Fear Period (8-10 weeks)

Very sensitive to traumatic experience

Single scary event can have life long effects

Can retain fear of person, dog, object

Handle this period with care!

Juvenile Period (3-6 months)

Rapid growth

Increasing independence

Sexual interest begins

Teething occurs

◼ Destructive chewing ↑

When does Canine Adolescence occur?

Time between sexual and social maturity

Social Maturity in Dogs can occur as early as __ and as late as __.

12 months, 4 years

During Social Maturity in Dogs they show behaviors of?

More proactive defense

Fearful puppies tend to become biters at this point

Puppy Prep School should include

Socialization

Housetraining

Crate training

Mouthiness

Manners

What is the single best thin an owner can do to set their puppy for the rest of their life?

Taking them to a puppy class!

A study showed Puppies that attended socialization class were more likely to be

retained in their homes

How to pick an appropriate Puppy Kindergarten Class?

Observe class yourself

Puppies 4 months of age and younger

Appropriate sanitation before and after class

Appropriate supervision

Health screening

Should we isolate puppies until fully vaccinated?

Absolutely not

More likely to lose pet over a behavior problem than from infectious disease

When puppies are not fully vaccinated it is important make wise choices for socialization such as:

Avoid dog parks, pet stores, etc.

Make play dates with healthy, socially mature, dogs with a history of appropriate social behavior with dogs

Puppy kindergarten

It is important to remember that puppies are typically in which period at the time of their first vaccine appointment?

Fear period

Potential frightening stimuli during a vet appointment includes:

Cold exam table

Rectal temperature assessment

Vaccine injection

Nail trims

Physical manipulation by a stranger

How do we prevent long lasting fear of the veterinary clinic?

Associate food with everything!!

What is an easy way to prepare a puppy for the vet exam?

Mock exam as home

Feet, ears, tail, mouth, exam table

Owner can use healthy treats to create a positive association

Tips to housetraining

Supervision

Frequent opportunities for success

Meal feeding (keep schedule)

Food and verbal commands

Accompany pup outside

Give food reward and verbal praise immediately following elimination

Crate/Confinement - when unsupervised

Tether (umbilical method)

Interruption instead of punishment

Why crate train?

Housetraining

Safety

Independence

A place to escape

How to pick proper crate size?

Big enough to sit, stand, and lie

The mouthy pup is normal behavior in young puppies b/c

Taste and facial sensation are among 1 senses to develop

Dam and litter mates teach inhibition

Persistent mouthing over 12 weeks of age may be a sign of

Premature maternal separation

Displacement behavior in anxious pups

Early signs of aggression if seen in the context of resource guarding and handling

Learned attention seeking behavior

Ways to discourage mouthy behavior?

Remove ALL attention to response

Avoid rough or high arousal play

High pitched “ouch” works in some cases

Provide appropriate chewing outlets

In early development it is important to not encourage behaviors now that

Will not be desirable from an adult dog

Ex: jumping, pawing, mouthing

When teaching puppies it is important to avoid

Harsh punishment

◼ Inhibits learning and offering of new behaviors

◼ Devastating effects during fear periods

◼ May exacerbate existing fear or aggression

Dog Appeasing Pheromones can assist with training

ThunderEase ADAPTIL behaviors in puppy class ® collar reduces fearful

Helps pup adjust to first night away from mom and litter mates

Consider collar to be worn all the time and/or diffuser next to crate

Red flags in Puppies

Avoidance of people, animals, objects

Alarm barking, lunging, hackles up - not normal seek help now!

Excessive mouthing over handling

Reluctance to “sit” or “down” - Pain! or anxiety

Other red flag alerts in puppies

Excessive vocalization in crate or home alone

Inability to settle in crate

Pup will not eat food without owner present

Repeated elimination in appropriately-sized crate - NOT normal