Evaluating welfare aspects of current rehoming policies for puppies with potential implications for causal effects on behavioural problems in later life

Upwards of 80% of companion dogs exhibit behavioural problems such as fear, anxiety, and aggression. These maladaptive behaviours have significant socio-economic costs and compromise dog welfare. However, we have little knowledge of the underlying causes of behavioural problems in dogs.

One potential, but overlooked, cause is the age at which young puppies are transferred from breeders to their new homes.

This typically occurs at eight weeks, which is during the puppy´s most important period of social development, known as the sensitive socialization period (3-14 weeks).

In most cases, rehoming results in the sudden social isolation of puppies despite abundant studies showing the long-term negative behavioural effects of depriving dogs of opportunities to socialize with other dogs at this age.

To assess the welfare implications of current rehoming practices, I will conduct a large-scale study using variation in rehoming regulations across the EU and US.

I will use questionnaire surveys and behavioural assays to measure the impact of rehoming ages (which vary from 6 to 12 weeks) on later-life behavioural problems.

Importantly, I will take into account various confounding factors such as breed, sex, post-rehoming socialization, and demographic effects.

This project has the potential to contribute valuable knowledge by filling research gaps in our understanding of dog behaviour and improving dog welfare through practical application.