What is the strength of the relationship between dogs and their biological families?

Experts from The Dog People, as quoted by the Daily Mail, suggest that dogs who are separated from their siblings between eight to twelve weeks of age generally lose memory of them after about two years of solitary living.

The process of bringing a new puppy into a household is thrilling for anyone desiring a fluffy friend. However, the thought of separating the young pup from its mother and siblings shortly after birth can induce feelings of guilt in some.

Insights from The Dog People provide clarity on the actual impact of this situation on puppies. It appears that dogs who are separated at eight to twelve weeks of age and live independently typically lose memory of their siblings after two years. Interestingly, these dogs often continue to recognize their mothers even after two years, and the feeling is mutual.

To support this, veterinarians refer to a 1994 study conducted at Queen’s University. The study involved scent-based tests on 10 mother dogs and 51 puppies. Notably, fourteen out of eighteen mother dogs showed a preference for their puppies’ scent when presented on a cloth.

Britt Rosendahl, a dog behavior specialist and trainer at Woodgreen Pets Charity, stated: “Dogs having a strong bond with their mothers is understandable as they are an altricial species. This means that puppies are born underdeveloped and depend on their parents for growth. Their survival is largely dependent on the mother, hence the significance of recognizing her. Altricial animals share this strong bond, which may explain why they are more likely to remember their mother as opposed to their siblings.”

However, veterinarians assure that puppies separated from their birth families can adapt to their new surroundings without much distress. Dogs’ memory and emotional responses function differently from humans’, allowing them to form deep connections with humans.

Furthermore, research indicates that dogs may have episodic memory, enabling them to remember specific past events. But this ability seems to be somewhat limited, with dogs often forgetting things over time. Hence, experts advise that puppies should stay with their families for eight to twelve weeks post-birth. Premature separation could result in behavioral problems in the future, such as anxiety and aggression.

To nurture strong relationships with dogs, veterinarians recommend investing time in socialization and maintaining a regular routine of walks, meals, and playtime. Also, providing a peaceful and safe environment for dogs to flourish is crucial, allowing them to adjust at their own speed during the transition phase.

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