Published Sept. 18, 2023 4:48 p.m. ET
Updated Sept. 18, 2023 5:27 p.m. ET
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Researchers with the University of Prince Edward Island are working to be taught extra concerning the behavioural growth of puppies.
Quincy is among the contributors within the examine. He’s a pleasant, curious, seven-month-old border collie pup.
Quincy visits with researchers on the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and does a sequence of exams, which look a bit like obedience coaching, however are designed to check resilience, focus, and openness.
The examine goals to build a mannequin of regular puppy growth and create instruments to assist vets determine behavioral points early.
“How puppies’ brains develop and how it affects their behavior, so brain development in puppies is not something that’s being widely studied,” stated researcher Karen Overall.
In their first 12 months, Overall says a tenth of pups are prone to being surrendered due to behavioral issues.
“Between one and three years of age, the reason that most young dogs, worldwide, are euthanatized or relinquished are because of behaviour problems,” she stated.
Three quarters of dogs with behavioural points may be corrected with early intervention they usually’ve already began with a few of the puppies within the examine, stated Overall.
As for Quincy, he hasn’t had any massive issues thus far.
“Affirming, kinda, what I thought about him already,” stated proprietor Sharon Anderson.
“I thought he was a pretty special puppy.”
This isn’t Anderson’s first canine, however it’s her first puppy. She stated access to the behavioural experience of the researchers is a big profit in elevating a young canine.
“It’s nice to have that as a backup. It’s just grand,” stated Anderson.
“I’ve got my instincts, but you can’t compare instincts to professional knowledge.”
The first cohort began in June, now researchers are searching for a second consisting of about 20 puppies.
Eligible contributors wouldn’t have to reside on Prince Edward Island, however they might want to carry their pup to the Island 4 occasions over the subsequent 12 months, at roughly three, six, 9 and 12 months.
Interested pet house owners can contact Overall directly by email.
Overall says AVC has the one Canadian English language program that offers with behavioral animal drugs.
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