Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The socialisation period in dog puppies (approx. 3–12 weeks) is one of the most important periods in determining later behaviour. Nonetheless, only a few studies investigated how socialisation can be optimised. Here, we tested whether providing small “challenge” exercises to puppies early in the socialisation period (between 3 and 6 weeks of age) enables puppies to cope better with stressful stimuli later. Eighty-three puppies from 12 litters of various breeds were enrolled. Half of each litter was assigned to the treatment group and was carefully exposed to potentially startling stimuli, novel objects, and problem-solving tasks over a period of three weeks. The other half of the litter served as a control group and received no additional exercises. All puppies were tested in a behaviour test at 6–7 weeks of age. Puppies from the treatment group were bolder towards a novel object, startled less after a loud noise, solved the problem-solving task faster, and showed higher persistence in problem-solving task than the control group. These findings demonstrate beneficial effects of the exercises. However, at the age of six months, there were no differences in owner-reported personality measures between the groups. To achieve lasting effects, it may be necessary to continue with the training exercises for a longer time period. ABSTRACT: The socialisation period in dog puppies is one of the most important periods determining behavioural development in dogs. Here, we aimed to test the effect of providing stimulation (beyond mere exposure) early during the socialisation period (approx. 3–6 weeks) on puppies’ behaviour. Each of 12 litters (83 puppies) of various breeds was divided into a treatment and a control group. Between 3–6 weeks, the treatment group received age-appropriate “challenge” exercises (carefully graded noise exposure, novel objects, and problem-solving tasks) four times per week (total 12 times). The control group spent the same time with the trainer, who cuddled or played with the puppies. In a behaviour test at 6–7 weeks, two of four principal components, “social-startle” and “response to novelty”, differed significantly between the groups. Treatment puppies were bolder towards the novel object, showed a reduced startle reaction, and recovered more quickly after a loud noise. Furthermore, they accomplished the problem-solving task faster and were more persistent during problem-solving than the control group. The control group showed a higher interest in a friendly stranger. It is a possibility that increased handling experienced by the control group had beneficial effects on their sociability. No long-term effects of the treatment were found, as determined by a validated dog personality questionnaire, available for 67 dogs at the age of six months. Likely, a continuation of the treatment over a longer time period would be necessary to obtain lasting effects, since the training took place only during the first third of the socialisation period.