A new
study, undertaken in the UK on behavioural reasons for deaths in dogs under
three years of age, has found that a staggering 33.7% of deaths was linked to
undesirable behaviour problems. It highlights the importance of puppy
socialisation and dog training in preventing early euthanasia.
The study, conducted by the VetCompass
Programme at the Royal Veterinary College, found behaviours responsible for
early deaths included aggression, over-excitability and barking.
Some of
these inappropriate behaviours may be due to poor training and lack of proper
socialisation. However underlying medical disorders may also be responsible for
a number of behavioural issues. An example of this includes problems with
toilet training due to bladder infections and gastro-intestinal conditions.
This new
research showed aggression as being the most common behaviour issue that led to
death. Recall problems may be responsible for road traffic accidents
fatalities, the next most common cause of early death. The study also revealed
that male and smaller dogs were more likely to die than female or larger
breeds.
Worryingly,
over three quarters of dogs in the study had been euthanased. This raises
concerns for dogs who are put to sleep because of their temperament.
Researchers
hope that the findings will raise awareness of some of the common undesirable
behaviours, encouraging owners to think about improved training. They also
highlighted the importance of breeders and owners providing appropriate puppy
socialisation to prevent problems from developing.
Dr. Dan
O’Neill, the supervisor of the study and senior lecturer at the RVC, commented
that “Greater awareness of the scale of this issue can be the first step
towards reducing the problems and making the lives of thousands of our young
dogs happier”.
As a
behaviourist I am well aware that training and appropriate socialisation are
essential for the development of a happy and well-rounded dog. This research
highlights the sad fact that many young dogs lose their life because of
undesirable behaviours. Consequently I advise when getting a puppy:
- Breeders should have begun
the socialisation process as early as possible (the socialisation period
starts at around 3 weeks of age and lasts until around 12 weeks of age).
- Proper socialisation
should continue once puppy is brought home
- It’s really important to see
the mother to assess her behaviour. This gives an in-sight in to the
temperament of her off-spring.
- New owners should start positive
reinforcement training as early as possible
- Choose a trainer who uses
positive reinforcement methods if you need support and guidanc
- Training should continue
throughout the dog’s life to ensure on-going good behaviours.
