Pullen, A.J., Merrill, R.J.N., and Bradshaw, J.W.S. Habituation and dishabituation during object play in kennel-housed dogs. enrichment Domestic dogs are reported to show intense but transient neophilia towards novel objects. Here, we examine habituation and dishabituation to manipulable objects by kennel-housed dogs. Labrador retrievers (N = 16) were repeatedly presented with one toy for successive 30-s periods until interaction ceased.
In this study we have examined short-term preferences for toys with a range of characteristics, using two methods of presentation, in both long-stay dogs in complex kennels, and short-stay dogs in rehoming kennels. Our findings support previous proposals that robust toys are little used by kennel housed dogs. However, with less robust toys, interaction was relatively prolonged, indicating that interest to the dog may be enhanced if the toy can be chewed easily and/or makes a noise. Hanging toys were not favoured, although these have been reported to stimulate high levels of interaction in juvenile laboratory beagles. Pullen, A. J., Merrill, R. J. N., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2010). Preferences for toy types and presentations in kennel housed dogs.
Nogueira,L.B., Palme,R., Mendonça-Furtado, O. Give Them a Toy or Increase Time out of Kennel at Lawn Areas: What Is the Influence of These Interventions on Police Dogs’ Welfare? Enrichment Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of two interventions, a toy and going out to a lawn area, on a group of police dogs. Behavioural and physiological data were used to evaluate the animals’ responses to treatments. We identified a large variety of behavioural profiles amongst the animals that presented different levels of stereotypies, which is an abnormal behaviour pattern that can be associated with stress.
Socializing your new puppy is one of the most impactful actions you can take to improve her life… Fratt, K. (2021). Puppy socialization checklist: How to socialize a puppy (80+ stimuli)! K9 of Mine. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://www.k9ofmine.com/how-to-socialize-puppy-checklist/
For dogs to be happy and comfortable in the world of humans, socialization is so important… Woodard, S. (n.d.). Dog socialization tips and checklists. Best Friends Animal Society. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-socialization-tips-and-checklists
The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are critical to its mental and social development… Center for Shelter Dogs. (2014). The First Eight Weeks: Socializing Puppy Litters in a Shelter or Foster Home. Center for Shelter Dogs, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. Early Exposure, Socialization
