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pstinard · 03-31-2015, 08:37 AM

A new study was just published on breed-dependent differences in the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in puppies. The study includes Yorkies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and German Shepherds. The study is behind a paywall (of course

), but those lucky enough to be able to access it will be treated to two videos of a Yorkie puppy responding to a scary mechanical toy duck. The authors hope that the results of the study will help lead to an understanding of how to prevent fear-related behavioral problems from developing in adult dogs. Here is the link to the study: Breed-Dependent Differences in the Onset of Fear-Related Avoidance Behavior in Puppies

Here are some excerpts from the study:

Breed-Dependent Differences in the Onset of Fear-Related Avoidance Behavior in Puppies

Highlights

•Puppies of three breeds were tested for active avoidance of perceived hazards and for cortisol reactivity using novel stimuli from four to nine weeks of age

•The onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, as well as other indicators of fearfulness differed by breed

•Cortisol decreased with age in puppies, and a greater cortisol response occurred in puppies that exhibited fear-related avoidance behavior than in those that did not

•Prediction of developmental responses to fear-inducing stimuli may increase the potential for preventing fear-related behavioral problems

Abstract

The onset of fear-related avoidance behavior occurs during and, to some extent, defines the sensitive period of development in the domestic dog. The objectives of this study were to identify the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and examine breed differences in this behavioral development. Ninety-eight purebred puppies representing three breeds were tested: Cavalier King Charles spaniels (n=33), Yorkshire terriers (n=32), and German shepherd dogs (n=33). Data were collected weekly beginning 4-5 weeks after birth until 10 weeks of age. Puppies took part in four tests during each visit: a novel item, seesaw, step, and loud noise test. During each test, the presence or absence of fear-related avoidance behavior and crouched posture were noted. Saliva was also collected to measure salivary cortisol concentrations in the puppies before and after testing. A later onset of fear-related avoidance behavior was observed in Cavalier King Charles spaniels compared to German shepherd dog and Yorkshire terrier puppies (F=11.78, N=29, P < 0.001). The proportion of treatment puppies that exhibited fear in response to the testing was also different (Chi-Square=9.81, N=56, P=0.007): Yorkshire terriers (N=14, 78%), Cavalier King Charles spaniel (N=10, 53%), and German shepherd dogs (N=5, 26%). Cortisol concentrations decreased with age. Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies that demonstrated fear-related avoidance behavior exhibited a greater (t=2.133, N=79, P=0.036) cortisol response than puppies that did not exhibit the behavior(. Breed differences in the crouch response to the loud noise test, regardless of age, were observed (F=18.26, N=98, P<0.001). Cavalier King Charles spaniels demonstrated the highest incidence of crouching followed by the Yorkshire Terriers. Breed differences in puppy mobility were observed beginning at 6 weeks of age, with German shepherd dogs demonstrating the most mobility and Cavalier King Charles spaniels the least. The results of this study support the hypothesis that emotional and behavioral development, as well as the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, varies among breeds of domestic dogs.

Introduction

Fear and anxiety are emotional states induced by the perception of danger and threat to an individual’s well-being (Boissy, 1995). Fearfulness is a very important emotional characteristic that predisposes an individual to perceive and react in a similar manner to a wide range of potentially dangerous events. Signs of fear in the domestic dog include physiologic responses, such as increased heart rate, hypersalivation, and elimination, and behavioral responses, such as escape, avoidance or defensiveness (Sherman and Mills, 2008). Many common canine behavioral problems, including stimulus specific fears and phobias, fear-related aggression toward humans and other animals, and some urination may be based in fearfulness (Sherman and Mills, 2008; Blackwell et al., 2013). The development of fear-related behavioral patterns in the domestic dog may be influenced by genetics, physiology, sensory perception, environmental exposure and experience (Overall, 2013).

Developmental changes in a dog’s behavior and physiology begin at birth and extend throughout the dog’s life with most change occurring before sexual and social maturity. Several broad time periods, including the “neonatal period”, “transition period” and “critical period” (sometimes alternatively described as the sensitive period) in domestic canine development have been described (Scott and Fuller, 1965; Overall, 2013). During the “critical period”, which lasts from approximately three weeks through 12-14 weeks, pups will approach handlers and, if exposed to humans and other novel social and environmental interactions, will become socialized to new experiences (Coppinger & Coppinger, 2001; Freedman, King &Elliot, 1961; Scott and Fuller, 1965). The first expression of an adult-like fear response motor pattern begins during this time as well. Several factors likely play a role in its onset, including the neurophysiological capability to feel fear sufficiently to prompt an active response by the individual puppy, as well as the neuromuscular coordination to be able to carry out this response.

[..]

The objective of this study was to identify, compare, and contrast the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and concurrent concentrations of salivary cortisol among three specific breeds of purebred puppies between four and 10 weeks of age. Additionally, breed differences in development and mobility were identified. By studying canine development and onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, dog owners, breeders, veterinarians and other professionals gain a more reliable understanding of fear-related development and predictable breed differences. This knowledge could be further applied to improving welfare and standards of rearing, training, socialization, and behavioral modification techniques in domestic dogs of various breeds that are raised as pets and as working dogs. In addition, a broader understanding of the development of the fear response could lead to the prevention of fear-related behavioral problems, by increasing the potential for, and understanding of, appropriately timed exposure and socialization techniques for puppies in the sensitive periods of their development.

[..]

Discussion

The results of this study support the hypothesis that the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in domestic dogs varies by breed. Significant breed differences were observed in both the age at onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and the proportion of puppies that demonstrated this behavior. In addition, behavioral responses to the tests and changes in mobility during early puppy development differed among breeds.

These results are in agreement with previous research by Coppinger, who demonstrated a defined and predictable age of onset of fear in working German shepherd dogs to be about 35 days of age. The results from this study are similar, with a least squared means estimate for the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in the German shepherd dog of 39.4 + 6.5 days in those dogs that exhibited the behavior. Additionally, a mean onset age of fear-related avoidance behavior was identified in two other breeds of dogs, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (55.1 + 3.1 days SEM) and the Yorkshire terrier (42.2 + 2.5 days SEM). The Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies demonstrated a significantly later onset of fear-related avoidance behavior compared with both the Yorkshire terrier and German shepherd dog puppies. This delayed onset of fear-related avoidance behavior may be related to a slower developmental rate of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which is also reflected in the results of the development of mobility among breeds and ages. In a study by Goodwin and colleagues (1997), the Cavalier King Charles spaniel ranked least similar to the wolf in physical characteristics, and showed the fewest number of wolf-like agonistic visual signals. This indicates a physical and behavioral paedomorphosis, or underdevelopment, compared to other breeds, such as the German shepherd dog, which ranked close in appearance and agonistic signaling to the wolf. The results of the current study also indicate that behavioral development proceeds at a slower rate than in some other breeds. In fact, due to lack of responses to any stimuli in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies at four weeks of age, we did not begin testing the majority of Cavalier puppies until five weeks of age.

[..]

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences among the three breeds studied in the onset and expression of fear-related avoidance behavior. There were also statistically significant breed differences in development of mobility related to age and incidence of crouching in response to a sudden noise. An expanded and more reliable understanding of breed-specific development has applications in the breeding, rearing, training, socialization and behavioral modification of domestic dogs. Understanding developmental behavioral responses to fear-inducing stimuli may help to prevent fear-related behavioral problems and the high costs and diminished welfare that accompany them.

03-31-2015, 08:37 AM	#1
pstinard YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Urbana, IL USA Posts: 3,648	New study on the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in puppies A new study was just published on breed-dependent differences in the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in puppies. The study includes Yorkies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and German Shepherds. The study is behind a paywall (of course ), but those lucky enough to be able to access it will be treated to two videos of a Yorkie puppy responding to a scary mechanical toy duck. The authors hope that the results of the study will help lead to an understanding of how to prevent fear-related behavioral problems from developing in adult dogs. Here is the link to the study: Breed-Dependent Differences in the Onset of Fear-Related Avoidance Behavior in Puppies Here are some excerpts from the study: Breed-Dependent Differences in the Onset of Fear-Related Avoidance Behavior in Puppies Highlights •Puppies of three breeds were tested for active avoidance of perceived hazards and for cortisol reactivity using novel stimuli from four to nine weeks of age •The onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, as well as other indicators of fearfulness differed by breed •Cortisol decreased with age in puppies, and a greater cortisol response occurred in puppies that exhibited fear-related avoidance behavior than in those that did not •Prediction of developmental responses to fear-inducing stimuli may increase the potential for preventing fear-related behavioral problems Abstract The onset of fear-related avoidance behavior occurs during and, to some extent, defines the sensitive period of development in the domestic dog. The objectives of this study were to identify the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and examine breed differences in this behavioral development. Ninety-eight purebred puppies representing three breeds were tested: Cavalier King Charles spaniels (n=33), Yorkshire terriers (n=32), and German shepherd dogs (n=33). Data were collected weekly beginning 4-5 weeks after birth until 10 weeks of age. Puppies took part in four tests during each visit: a novel item, seesaw, step, and loud noise test. During each test, the presence or absence of fear-related avoidance behavior and crouched posture were noted. Saliva was also collected to measure salivary cortisol concentrations in the puppies before and after testing. A later onset of fear-related avoidance behavior was observed in Cavalier King Charles spaniels compared to German shepherd dog and Yorkshire terrier puppies (F=11.78, N=29, P < 0.001). The proportion of treatment puppies that exhibited fear in response to the testing was also different (Chi-Square=9.81, N=56, P=0.007): Yorkshire terriers (N=14, 78%), Cavalier King Charles spaniel (N=10, 53%), and German shepherd dogs (N=5, 26%). Cortisol concentrations decreased with age. Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies that demonstrated fear-related avoidance behavior exhibited a greater (t=2.133, N=79, P=0.036) cortisol response than puppies that did not exhibit the behavior(. Breed differences in the crouch response to the loud noise test, regardless of age, were observed (F=18.26, N=98, P<0.001). Cavalier King Charles spaniels demonstrated the highest incidence of crouching followed by the Yorkshire Terriers. Breed differences in puppy mobility were observed beginning at 6 weeks of age, with German shepherd dogs demonstrating the most mobility and Cavalier King Charles spaniels the least. The results of this study support the hypothesis that emotional and behavioral development, as well as the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, varies among breeds of domestic dogs. Introduction Fear and anxiety are emotional states induced by the perception of danger and threat to an individual’s well-being (Boissy, 1995). Fearfulness is a very important emotional characteristic that predisposes an individual to perceive and react in a similar manner to a wide range of potentially dangerous events. Signs of fear in the domestic dog include physiologic responses, such as increased heart rate, hypersalivation, and elimination, and behavioral responses, such as escape, avoidance or defensiveness (Sherman and Mills, 2008). Many common canine behavioral problems, including stimulus specific fears and phobias, fear-related aggression toward humans and other animals, and some urination may be based in fearfulness (Sherman and Mills, 2008; Blackwell et al., 2013). The development of fear-related behavioral patterns in the domestic dog may be influenced by genetics, physiology, sensory perception, environmental exposure and experience (Overall, 2013). Developmental changes in a dog’s behavior and physiology begin at birth and extend throughout the dog’s life with most change occurring before sexual and social maturity. Several broad time periods, including the “neonatal period”, “transition period” and “critical period” (sometimes alternatively described as the sensitive period) in domestic canine development have been described (Scott and Fuller, 1965; Overall, 2013). During the “critical period”, which lasts from approximately three weeks through 12-14 weeks, pups will approach handlers and, if exposed to humans and other novel social and environmental interactions, will become socialized to new experiences (Coppinger & Coppinger, 2001; Freedman, King &Elliot, 1961; Scott and Fuller, 1965). The first expression of an adult-like fear response motor pattern begins during this time as well. Several factors likely play a role in its onset, including the neurophysiological capability to feel fear sufficiently to prompt an active response by the individual puppy, as well as the neuromuscular coordination to be able to carry out this response. [..] The objective of this study was to identify, compare, and contrast the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and concurrent concentrations of salivary cortisol among three specific breeds of purebred puppies between four and 10 weeks of age. Additionally, breed differences in development and mobility were identified. By studying canine development and onset of fear-related avoidance behavior, dog owners, breeders, veterinarians and other professionals gain a more reliable understanding of fear-related development and predictable breed differences. This knowledge could be further applied to improving welfare and standards of rearing, training, socialization, and behavioral modification techniques in domestic dogs of various breeds that are raised as pets and as working dogs. In addition, a broader understanding of the development of the fear response could lead to the prevention of fear-related behavioral problems, by increasing the potential for, and understanding of, appropriately timed exposure and socialization techniques for puppies in the sensitive periods of their development. [..] Discussion The results of this study support the hypothesis that the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in domestic dogs varies by breed. Significant breed differences were observed in both the age at onset of fear-related avoidance behavior and the proportion of puppies that demonstrated this behavior. In addition, behavioral responses to the tests and changes in mobility during early puppy development differed among breeds. These results are in agreement with previous research by Coppinger, who demonstrated a defined and predictable age of onset of fear in working German shepherd dogs to be about 35 days of age. The results from this study are similar, with a least squared means estimate for the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in the German shepherd dog of 39.4 + 6.5 days in those dogs that exhibited the behavior. Additionally, a mean onset age of fear-related avoidance behavior was identified in two other breeds of dogs, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (55.1 + 3.1 days SEM) and the Yorkshire terrier (42.2 + 2.5 days SEM). The Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies demonstrated a significantly later onset of fear-related avoidance behavior compared with both the Yorkshire terrier and German shepherd dog puppies. This delayed onset of fear-related avoidance behavior may be related to a slower developmental rate of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which is also reflected in the results of the development of mobility among breeds and ages. In a study by Goodwin and colleagues (1997), the Cavalier King Charles spaniel ranked least similar to the wolf in physical characteristics, and showed the fewest number of wolf-like agonistic visual signals. This indicates a physical and behavioral paedomorphosis, or underdevelopment, compared to other breeds, such as the German shepherd dog, which ranked close in appearance and agonistic signaling to the wolf. The results of the current study also indicate that behavioral development proceeds at a slower rate than in some other breeds. In fact, due to lack of responses to any stimuli in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies at four weeks of age, we did not begin testing the majority of Cavalier puppies until five weeks of age. [..] Conclusion The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences among the three breeds studied in the onset and expression of fear-related avoidance behavior. There were also statistically significant breed differences in development of mobility related to age and incidence of crouching in response to a sudden noise. An expanded and more reliable understanding of breed-specific development has applications in the breeding, rearing, training, socialization and behavioral modification of domestic dogs. Understanding developmental behavioral responses to fear-inducing stimuli may help to prevent fear-related behavioral problems and the high costs and diminished welfare that accompany them.