Maternal care is a critical factor in the behavioral development of mammals, including domestic dogs. A 2017 study in Animals examined how early maternal behaviors shape the responses of puppies to social and environmental challenges at two months of age.
Researchers observed 12 litters of family dog puppies, totaling 72 individuals, during the first three weeks after birth. Maternal care was measured by behaviors such as licking, nursing, and physical contact. At two months, the puppies were evaluated in two scenarios: an arena test with a stranger present and an isolation test.
In the arena test, puppies receiving more maternal care showed stronger interest in the stranger, spent more time near them, and exhibited stress-related behaviors like yawning, whining, and yelping. They also engaged less in individual play and exploration. In the isolation test, higher maternal care was associated with standing posture, paw lifting, and howling, but negatively associated with yawning, lying down, and nose licking.
The findings suggest that early maternal care influences both social bonding and coping strategies in puppies. While stronger maternal bonds may enhance responsiveness to people, they may also increase stress-related reactions during separation. The study highlights the combined role of maternal behavior and environmental enrichment in shaping a puppy’s developmental trajectory.
Source: Guardini, G., Bowen, J., Mariti, C., Fatjó, J., Sighieri, C., & Gazzano, A. (2017). Influence of Maternal Care on Behavioural Development of Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris) Living in a Home Environment. Animals, 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani7120093
