Evaluating rehoming candidates in commercial breeding kennels

The aims of this study were: 1) to identify dogs in CB kennels that may have challenges when rehomed and 2) to identify breeder practices associated with dogs scored as high or low risk for challenges

Methods

283 dogs (37 breeds) from 17 USDA licensed CB kennels

Stranger approach test:

• Red: Fearful with human approach
• Yellow: Ambivalent with human approach
• Green: Friendly with human approach

Physical health of dogs

Management Questionnaire

• Preventive Care
• Handling
• Enrichment and socialization
• Dog to Caretaker ratio

Hair cortisol (HCC) to assess chronic stress

Results

• Stranger approach test: more than half the dogs assessed had a fearful response
• More socialization was associated with less chronic stress
• Dogs were clean and a healthy weight
• Few minor health conditions were seen (e.g., tear staining and eye discharge).

Research Takeaways

• Fearful dogs may have more difficulty transitioning into homes.
• Increasing socialization practices, including introducing dogs to new places, experiences, and people, may decrease fear and help to successfully rehome retired breeding dogs.