Dog behaviour is determined by many interdependent biological and experiential factors.  This behaviour is guided and modified by factors such as experience. Puppies early environmental circumstances can be either a beneficial or a destructive influence. Every experience offers the potential for constructive learning and adaptation or the reverse.

  

"According to research, 35% of a dog's ultimate behavioural make up is genetic and 65% is attributed to management, training, socialization, nutrition and health care of the puppy." (Hastings & Rouse, 2004).

 

Puppies that do not socialize with other puppies or are deprived of environmental exposure, often develop lifelong dysfunctional behaviours.

Such a lack of experience in early stages of development (first 8 weeks of life) will make it harder for the puppy to bond with other dogs or people later in life.

These puppies are at a higher risk of developing and exhibiting the following:

• Behavioural and cognitive disabilities;

• Poor learning and problem solving skills;

• Extreme hyperactivity;

• Fear of people and other dogs;

• Intense aggressiveness;

• Separation anxiety; and

• Are extremely difficult to house train.

 

The average puppy with learn more during its first 3 – 16 weeks of life than during the remaining years of its lifetime!