Jordan Joseph’s article shares insights from a paper published in the journal, Scientific Reports. While adversity does not seal a dog’s fate, training, enriched environments and appropriate care can move behavior in a better direction. The early stages of life can set a lifelong tone for a dog’s behavior.
Source: earth.com via AVMA SmartBrief. Link.
Experiences in the first six months had the strongest links with behavior, and the size of those links differed by breed . . . pointing to biology and experience working together.”
Commentary
This article and study reinforce the importance of early socialization and structure as puppies develop. Important for veterinary teams, it is even more important for breeders, boarding teams, dog sitters, rescues and shelters to consider to help dogs become the best they can be.
Image: Link.