Socialisation, training, and help-seeking – Specific puppy raising practices that predict desirable behaviours in trainee assistance dog puppies

Abstract Puppies are often purpose-bred and carefully selected to be future assistance dog candidates. Early experiences during their stay with volunteer puppy raisers help shape behaviour as young adults, which is an important determinant of whether they for further training. Exactly how raisers’ practices contribute behavioural development this time remains unknown. The current study aimed address by investigating relationships between practices, various support factors, behaviour. A total 231 (205 females, 25 males, 1 preferred not say), aged 18 79 years old (M = 40, SD 18), completed online survey. They provided demographic information, described raising (e.g., ‘I walk my regularly even when I don’t feel like doing it’, know what do doesn’t behave’), ranked perceived from sources organisation’s trainers, other raisers, family members, friends) rated puppy’s [My puppy] pulls towards unfamiliar dogs). principal component analysis revealed that the puppy-raising item set was factorable, three internally consistent subscales, i.e., Socialisation, Training, Help-Seeking Behaviour. Stepwise linear regression showed Socialisation Training predicted most behaviours (Trainability, General Anxiety, Adaptability, Excitability). In turn, these two factors were mentors/counsellors, although mediation analyses indicated raiser’s help-seeking mediated relationships. While research required, it recommended that, ensure optimal rearing outcomes, organisations should invest resources in improving supervising particularly through promoting a culture amongst sharing previous raisers.