The Importance of Socialisation: What it is, Fear Windows, Social Deprivation Syndrome, Social Regression and the Effects of Covid-19 on Canine Behaviour.

There are several crucial windows in relation to a dogs socialsation and level of nurturing it receives which directly influence their adult behaviour in terms of aggression and ability to cope.  These are split into the neonatal (0-2 weeks), transitional (2-4 weeks) and the primary socialisation window (3-12 weeks) and behavioural development (12 weeks to adulthood). Behavioural development is split into the juvenile/ pre-adolescence period (12 weeks up until sexual maturity) and adolescence (sexual maturity and fully developed behaviourally, this is breed specific) 

These windows are all important to the development of a dogs temperament, ability to cope with new experiences/stimuli and resultantly their levels of fear/aggression in later life. In relation to the Neonatal and Transitional periods research has shown that puppies who are handled gently during this period are calmer and more exploratory than their counterparts. Also being exposed to this mild stress associated with being handled has been linked to positive attributes in relation to being able to handle stress in later life. Other studies also established that dogs raised in kennel environments with limited stimuli and human contact show increased fear responses to both humans and environmental factors.  

The initial socialisation window of 3 - 12 weeks is crucial in relation to behavioural development and a dog's ability to cope in social situations in adulthood. This window is linked to their ability to form attachments to environmental stimuli and social attachments. Puppies need to be exposed to as many situations, people, children, sounds, smells, stimuli and other animals as possible at this time. It is crucial to ensure that new experiences have positive associations; this can be achieved through the use of verbal cues, treats, engaging in play or even physical attention ( a nice stroke or scratch). This helps reinforce positive associations for later life. If a dog learns through negative reinforcement or is continuously exposed to triggers that induce fear during this window can lead to severe behavioural changes. These may present in the form of anxiety/aggression and in severe cases learned helplessness. It is essential not to force a puppy to ‘face its fears’ or push them into situations they are fearful of. Through the use of positive training methods a puppy can be desensitised to the trigger and start to form positive associations. Puppies learn many social behaviours from their mothers and littermates. In the period up to 7 weeks they learn how to play, bite inhibition,and positive human interactions. They also learn what they should and should not be afraid of through their exposure and mothers/littermates help. Those that experience a maternal environment alongside their littermates are found to be more confident and display lower levels of anxiety in adulthood than those who did not. 

It is crucial to remember that a puppies initial fear window occurs during this socialisation window. Research by Dr. Scott and Dr. Fuller in 1965 established that at about 5 weeks old puppies show a strong fear response to loud noises and novel stimuli. If they receive gradual introductions and are shown that the stimuli is non-threatening they accept it as a normal part of life. The initial fear window is documented to occur between 8-10 weeks. During this time frame puppies are very sensitive to traumatic events. A single event may be enough to traumatise the puppy, influencing their future behaviour. This fear can be in relation to people, objects, certain situations (e.g. fireworks, busy locations) or other dogs (or animals). This is why certain reputable breeders will keep puppies with their littermates and mothers till 10 weeks of age to get through this initial fear window with the reassurance and nurturing of their family. Another factor that has been identified as causing long term behavioural issues such as aggression and low tolerance to stress in adulthood is removing puppies from their mothers and transporting them before 8 weeks of age. This causes high levels of stress at a very sensitive time as well as invoking sustained levels of fear. 

During the Juvenile/pre-adolescent period it is important to keep exposing the dog to various stimuli and situations in a positive way. A secondary fear window occurs during this time frame, most research indicates this occurs between 6 and 18 months . During this time dogs continue to develop a sense of what is safe stimuli and what is dangerous. Limited exposure to stimuli during this developmental period can lead to detrimental effects on adult behaviour including heightened levels of aggression. 

The importance of early positive socialisation has been clearly documented in regards to its association to adult behaviour and links to aggression, fearfulness and anxiousness. If a dog's socialisation needs are not met during these critical stages of development it can lead to the development of Social Deprivation Syndrome, the fear of new things. Fear is a natural feeling to experience in a transient way which has been triggered by a specific form of stimuli, it is part of an animal's natural instinct of survival. However, fearfulness is a trait interlinked with a dog's personality. If it is generalised, prolonged or excessive it can lead to health and behavioural problems interfering with the dogs life and ability to cope in the world . 

Social Deprivation Syndrome has been directly linked to insufficient exposure to varied environments as well as limited positive interactions and exposure with/to people. Negative or traumatic environmental events have also been found to trigger this syndrome; such as neglect, abuse and being attacked by another dog. Studies have linked mass breeding environments which lacked socialisation, human handling and exposure to stimuli to increased aggressive behaviours in adulthood. Research has shown that dogs from kennels, barn and other non - domestic environments and those that lacked exposure between 3 and 6 months of age to urban environments showed significant avoidance behaviours and high levels of aggression toward unfamiliar people. 

Dogs suffering from this syndrome can present a spectrum of behaviours relating to their levels of fear. Some display shyness and avoidance, anxiety based behaviours whilst others can display outward aggression lead behaviours such as lunging and barking. Unfortunately the higher the level of fear and prolonged exposure to triggers the greater the risk of a bite occurring if the dog is not removed from the situation causing the stress/fear. These behaviours can be directed towards people, environments, other animals or a specific trigger. With the correct training techniques, desensitisation, positive reinforcement, time and love new neural pathways can be created and reinforced. As a result a dog can build their trust with their guardian and learn to overcome their fear of new things.

Socialisation and behaviour are not just intertwined in relation to the early developmental phases of a dog’s life. They need continuous exposure to environments, people and stimuli otherwise social regression can occur. Social Regression occurs due to prolonged periods of withdrawal from social stimuli. Regression can occur at any age however research indicates that regression is more prevalent in dogs who lack socialisation between 3-6 months who were previously exposed to a range of stimuli and environments. This is associated with the findings that the adolescent phases of a dog have a distinct impact on their personality development, temperament and abilities to cope in regards to exposure to stress and fear .

Various studies conducted post Covid-19 have documented increased negative behaviours due to the social withdrawal they suffered from. Research has found puppies raised during Covid-19 displayed increased levels of aggressiveness and fearfulness.  The route cause of this was either associated with lack of early socialisation, deprivation or regression dependent on the age of the puppy when the isolation commenced. The social withdrawal puppies suffered from during the pandemic resulted in increased negative behaviours including increased aggressive responses. 

Behavioural changes associated with regression present in a similar fashion to those of canine deprivation syndrome, including aggression lead behaviours towards other animals and humans. Other associated behaviours included the inability to read canine social cues, interact with humans, increased levels of vocalisation as well as other behavioural signs of aggression.