Different Dog Breeds, Different Sensitive Period?
A study of three breeds finds differences
in the sensitive period, and shows socialization should begin before you even take
your puppy home.
By Zazie Todd, PhD
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Dr. Joy Pate (Penn State University), one of the authors, says “Socialization is clearly important for all breeds of dog. What our study shows, is that timing of exposure to novelty is not only important, but varies by breed. In breeds with earlier onset of adult patterns of fear-related avoidance behavior (the GSDs and YTs in our study), it is critical that they be exposed to novel experiences earlier than some other breeds. In the case of these two breeds, this means by about 40 days, which is before they have left the breeder.”
Fear-related avoidance behaviour began at 39.4 days (±1.6) for the German Shepherd, 43.6 (±2.48) for the Yorkshire Terrier, and 54.8 days (±2.74) for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
One potential explanation for the results has to do with neoteny (child- or baby-like features). Of these three breeds, the CKCS is the most neotenous whereas the GSD is closer in appearance to the wolf.
In their paper, the scientists say, “Just as dogs and domesticated foxes have longer critical socialization periods than wolves and non-selected foxes respectively, perhaps more neotenous breeds of dog such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would also have a longer socialization period.” Further research with more breeds would be needed to confirm this.
You might also like:
Why you need to socialize your puppy
Getting a puppy? Ask to see both parents
Is it important to attend puppy class?
Reference
Morrow, M., Ottobre, J., Ottobre, A., Neville, P., St-Pierre, N., Dreschel, N., & Pate, J. (2015). Breed-dependent differences in the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in puppies Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.03.002
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| Photo: JL Snader/Shutterstock.com |
By Zazie Todd, PhD
This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Puppies have a sensitive period between 3 and 12-14 weeks old in which they must be socialized. This means positive introductions
to new people, dogs, places, etc. If not, they will be fearful as adult dogs. A
fascinating new study by Mary Morrow (Ohio State University) et al investigates whether
this period is the same for three breeds of dog: Cavalier King Charles
Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Shepherd Dogs.
These breeds make a particularly
interesting comparison. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier
are both members of the Toy group, although Yorkshire Terriers are still “terriers
by nature” according to the breed standard. The German Shepherd is a Herding dog,
and the GSD puppies were chosen from breeders with international working dog
lines.
The results show that Yorkshire Terriers
and German Shepherd Dogs have an earlier onset to the sensitive period. This
means socialization needs to start in the home of the breeder (or the foster
for rescue pups). People are increasingly aware of the importance of
socializing puppies when they get them. But before committing to a new pup they
should ask the breeder: “What are you doing to begin socialization before I
take the puppy home?”
Dr. Joy Pate (Penn State University), one of the authors, says “Socialization is clearly important for all breeds of dog. What our study shows, is that timing of exposure to novelty is not only important, but varies by breed. In breeds with earlier onset of adult patterns of fear-related avoidance behavior (the GSDs and YTs in our study), it is critical that they be exposed to novel experiences earlier than some other breeds. In the case of these two breeds, this means by about 40 days, which is before they have left the breeder.”
“Therefore, development of a confident,
emotionally competent animal depends not only on the new owner and trainer, but
on the environment of the breeder. Although this is important for all breeds,
for those with earlier onset of fear-related behaviors, there is a shorter
window to provide necessary stimulation and exposure to novelty.”
She goes on to say, “We think that the
important message here is that, while exposure to novelty and 'socialization'
are necessary for development of stable adults of all breeds, the timing of
this critical window is breed-dependent.”
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| Photo: Vera Zinkova/Shutterstock |
Fear-related avoidance behaviour began at 39.4 days (±1.6) for the German Shepherd, 43.6 (±2.48) for the Yorkshire Terrier, and 54.8 days (±2.74) for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
One potential explanation for the results has to do with neoteny (child- or baby-like features). Of these three breeds, the CKCS is the most neotenous whereas the GSD is closer in appearance to the wolf.
In their paper, the scientists say, “Just as dogs and domesticated foxes have longer critical socialization periods than wolves and non-selected foxes respectively, perhaps more neotenous breeds of dog such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would also have a longer socialization period.” Further research with more breeds would be needed to confirm this.
Puppies were tested once a week from the
age of 4-5 weeks until 10 weeks (or until they went home, if earlier). There
were four behavioural tests. The control group puppies experienced the same
thing but without the actual test. For example, they were placed in location
for the noise test for the same amount of time as the test puppies, but did not
experience the loud noise.
Testing took place close to but out of
sight and sound of the other puppies in the litter. There were four tests each
week: a novel item, being placed on a seesaw, hearing a sudden loud noise, and
being put on a step so they would feel like they were on a ledge. The novel
item was a toy duck that walked whilst making a noise and shining light from
its eyes.
In early testing the puppies did not show fear. For example, in the novel item test, a 31-day-old Yorkshire Terrier puppy
stays still while the toy duck marches right up to her. At 38 days, the video
shows her back away from the approaching duck and then run to hide behind
the human’s legs.
The age of onset of the fear period in GSDs
is similar to that found by Ray Coppinger
in earlier work. There were differences
between the three breeds in the proportion of puppies that responded fearfully.
From 6 weeks old, there were also differences in mobility. Most of the Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels did not begin testing until 5 weeks old because they did
not respond at 4 weeks. The breeders said that CKCS develop later and open
their eyes later than other breeds.
Saliva was also collected from the puppies
and tested for cortisol, although only the GSDs and CKC Spaniels took part in
this because of difficulties getting samples from the Yorkshire Terriers.
Cortisol could be detected in the saliva from 4 weeks old. Among the Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel puppies, changes in cortisol from before to after the test
were greatest amongst the puppies that had a fear response.
98 puppies took part in the study (33 Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels from 7 litters, 33 German Shepherd Dogs from 5 litters,
and 32 Yorkshire Terriers from 9 litters). Eleven breeders participated and the
puppies were tested at their homes. Among each breed, 14 puppies were controls
and the remainder took part in the experimental condition.
This study provides important confirmation that breed differences in the sensitive period exist. Although we still have much to learn about socialization, the implication is very clear – it needs to start early. Unfortunately, many puppies miss out on important socialization opportunities.
This study provides important confirmation that breed differences in the sensitive period exist. Although we still have much to learn about socialization, the implication is very clear – it needs to start early. Unfortunately, many puppies miss out on important socialization opportunities.
If you liked this post, check out my book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy. Modern Dog magazine calls it "The must-have guide to improving your dog's life."
You might also like:
Why you need to socialize your puppy
Getting a puppy? Ask to see both parents
Is it important to attend puppy class?
Reference
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