Puppy behaviours when left home alone: A pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to investigate which behaviours puppies exhibited when left home alone within the initial weeks (0–11 weeks) following adoption, as well as describing variability and temporal distribution of these behaviours. Eighteen puppies (9 aged less and 9 aged more than 90 days) were filmed home alone for 90min after the owner left. Owners were asked to complete a brief questionnaire including information on the puppy's characteristics and history as well as on the physical and social environment of the dog. Analysis of behaviours on tape showed that puppies did not behave homogeneously but rather separated into three distinct groups. Puppies were clustered based on behaviours such as (1) playing and exploring or (2) exhibiting passive behaviours or (3) presenting lip licking, yawning, scratching, orienting to the environment and vocalising. Passive behaviour increased significantly over time (p<0.001) and was significantly lower during the first 15min with respect to the other observation periods (p<0.05). Orientation to the environment tended to decrease (p=0.08). Vocalisation (p<0.05) and play behaviour (p<0.01) both decreased significantly over time.