Behavioural disorders remain one of the leading reasons for euthanasia and rehoming of pet dogs. In their 2018 review, Dietz and colleagues emphasize that the roots of many of these issues often trace back to a dog’s earliest life experiences. These include the quality of maternal care, the formation of early attachment bonds, and the socialisation period, a critical developmental window in which dogs learn to navigate human and canine social worlds.
The review highlights how inadequate maternal care or poorly managed early environments can lead to increased stress reactivity and maladaptive behaviors later in life. Similarly, the strength and security of attachment bonds with humans can influence a dog’s resilience or vulnerability to anxiety and aggression. The socialisation period, typically between 3 and 12 weeks of age, is especially crucial; limited exposure to varied environments, people, and dogs during this time is strongly linked to adult behavior problems.
Importantly, the authors argue that understanding this interplay is not only key for preventing disorders but also for fostering healthy dog–owner relationships. They call for more research to fill existing gaps and to guide evidence-based breeding and socialisation practices. Such measures could substantially reduce the prevalence of behavior-related issues in companion dogs.
Source: Dietz, L., Arnold, A.-M. K., Goerlich-Jansson, V. C., & Vinke, C. (2018). The importance of early life experiences for the development of behavioural disorders in domestic dogs. Behaviour, 155, 83–114.
