TY - JOUR
T1 - ‘Generation Pup’ – protocol for a longitudinal study of dog behaviour and health
AU - Murray, Jane K
AU - Kinsman, Rachel H
AU - Lord, Michelle
AU - Da Costa, Rosa
AU - Woodward, Joshua
AU - Owczarczak-Garstecka, Sara
AU - Tasker, Severine
AU - Knowles, Toby G
AU - Casey, Rachel
PY - 2021/1/5
Y1 - 2021/1/5
N2 - Abstract
Background: Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered about common problems that
impact dog welfare, particularly where there are multiple contributing factors that can occur months or years
before the problem becomes apparent. The Generation Pup study is the first longitudinal study of dogs that
recruits pure- and mixed-breed puppies, aiming to investigate the relative influence of environmental and genetic
factors on a range of health and behaviour outcomes, (including separation related behaviour, aggression to
familiar/unfamiliar people or dogs and obesity). This paper describes the study protocol in detail.
Methods: Prior to commencing recruitment of puppies, the study infrastructure was developed, and subject specialists
were consulted to inform data collection methodology. Questionnaire content and timepoint(s) for data collection for
outcomes and potential predictors were chosen with the aim of providing the best opportunity of achieving the aims
of the study, subject to time and funding constraints. Recruitment of puppies (< 16 weeks, or < 21 weeks of age if
entering the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland through quarantine) is underway. By 23 January 2020, 3726
puppies had been registered, with registration continuing until 10,000 puppies are recruited. Data collection
encompasses owner-completed questionnaires issued at set timepoints throughout the dog’s life, covering aspects
such as training, diet, exercise, canine behaviour, preventative health care, clinical signs and veterinary intervention.
Owners can elect to submit additional data (health cards completed by veterinary professionals, canine biological
samples) and/or provide consent for access to veterinary clinical notes. Incidence and breed associations will be
calculated for conditions for which there is currently limited information (e.g. separation related behaviour).
Multivariable statistical analysis will be conducted on a range of outcomes that occur throughout different life stages,
with the aim of identifying modifiable risk factors that can be used to improve canine health and welfare.
Discussion: The Generation Pup project is designed to identify associations between early-life environment, genotypic
make-up and outcomes at different life stages. Modifiable risk factors can be used to improve canine health and
welfare. Research collaboration with subject specialists is welcomed and already underway within the fields of
orthopaedic research, epilepsy, epigenetics and canine impulsivity.
AB - Abstract
Background: Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered about common problems that
impact dog welfare, particularly where there are multiple contributing factors that can occur months or years
before the problem becomes apparent. The Generation Pup study is the first longitudinal study of dogs that
recruits pure- and mixed-breed puppies, aiming to investigate the relative influence of environmental and genetic
factors on a range of health and behaviour outcomes, (including separation related behaviour, aggression to
familiar/unfamiliar people or dogs and obesity). This paper describes the study protocol in detail.
Methods: Prior to commencing recruitment of puppies, the study infrastructure was developed, and subject specialists
were consulted to inform data collection methodology. Questionnaire content and timepoint(s) for data collection for
outcomes and potential predictors were chosen with the aim of providing the best opportunity of achieving the aims
of the study, subject to time and funding constraints. Recruitment of puppies (< 16 weeks, or < 21 weeks of age if
entering the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland through quarantine) is underway. By 23 January 2020, 3726
puppies had been registered, with registration continuing until 10,000 puppies are recruited. Data collection
encompasses owner-completed questionnaires issued at set timepoints throughout the dog’s life, covering aspects
such as training, diet, exercise, canine behaviour, preventative health care, clinical signs and veterinary intervention.
Owners can elect to submit additional data (health cards completed by veterinary professionals, canine biological
samples) and/or provide consent for access to veterinary clinical notes. Incidence and breed associations will be
calculated for conditions for which there is currently limited information (e.g. separation related behaviour).
Multivariable statistical analysis will be conducted on a range of outcomes that occur throughout different life stages,
with the aim of identifying modifiable risk factors that can be used to improve canine health and welfare.
Discussion: The Generation Pup project is designed to identify associations between early-life environment, genotypic
make-up and outcomes at different life stages. Modifiable risk factors can be used to improve canine health and
welfare. Research collaboration with subject specialists is welcomed and already underway within the fields of
orthopaedic research, epilepsy, epigenetics and canine impulsivity.
KW - Canine
KW - Dog
KW - Puppy
KW - Cohort
KW - Longitudinal
KW - Health
KW - Behaviour
KW - Genetic
KW - Environmental
KW - Management
U2 - 10.1186/s12917-020-02730-8
DO - 10.1186/s12917-020-02730-8
M3 - Article (Academic Journal)
C2 - 33397375
SN - 1746-6148
VL - 17
JO - BMC Veterinary Research
JF - BMC Veterinary Research
IS - 1
M1 - 1
ER -