This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the behavior and experiences of dogs during the first year of life and their temperament later in life. The study analyzed data from 1,008 dogs that had undergone a temperament test at 18 months of age and found that the behavior and experiences of dogs during the first year of life were strong predictors of their temperament later in life. Specifically, the study found that dogs that had positive experiences with people and other dogs during the first year of life were more likely to have a positive temperament later in life, while dogs that had negative experiences during the first year of life were more likely to have a negative temperament later in life. The study also found that the behavior of the mother dog during pregnancy and lactation was a predictor of the temperament of the offspring. The findings of this study suggest that early experiences and maternal behavior can have a significant impact on the temperament of dogs later in life, and that early socialization and positive experiences can help promote a positive temperament in dogs.
Behaviour and Experiences of Dogs During the First Year of Life Predict the Outcome in a Later Temperament Test
Foyer, P., Bjällerhag, N., Wilsson, E., & Jensen, P. (2014). Behaviour and experiences of dogs during the first year of life predict the outcome in a later temperament test. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 155, 93-100.