Behavioural disorders are among the leading causes for sheltering and euthanasia of pet dogs. Dietz et al. (2018) reviewed the scientific literature to understand how early developmental experiences shape adult dog behavior and welfare. Their analysis focused on three key influences: maternal care, attachment formation, and the sensitive socialisation period.
The review highlights that the quality of maternal care during the neonatal stage can have long-term consequences for emotional regulation and resilience in dogs. Secure attachment bonds with humans early in life play a crucial role in shaping trust and reducing the risk of anxiety-related disorders. Similarly, experiences during the socialisation period—typically between 3 and 14 weeks—strongly affect a dog’s ability to cope with novel environments, people, and other animals.
The authors stress that the interplay of these early experiences determines the likelihood of dogs developing maladaptive behaviors later in life. Poor maternal care, weak attachment, or inadequate socialisation can increase vulnerability to fear, aggression, and anxiety, undermining welfare and the dog-owner bond.
Finally, the review identifies gaps in current knowledge and calls for future research to provide evidence-based recommendations for breeding, rearing, and socialisation practices. Such guidelines could play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of behavioral disorders and improving overall canine welfare.
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. Published 2018.
