So you just got a new puppy and you have all your training tools at the ready- the collar, leash, and dog crate. But beyond that, do you have the one thing that can make your training tasks easier all around? Tap into your puppy’s own sense of smell using canine pheromones, and ease your new pup’s training and transition into the home.
Pheromones are scent signals emitted by all animal species,
including humans. Various pheromones work under the radar to influence the
perceptions and behaviors of others within a species.
Shortly after whelping, a pheromone is emitted from the
bitch’s sebaceous (oil) glands located between the mammary glands. The pheromone,
dubbed the canine appeasing pheromone, reassures the puppies, calms them and facilitates
nursing. The bitch stops emitting this pheromone as the pups mature, but all
dogs retain the ability to “read” this pheromone. Not only do older dogs
recognize this pheromone, but it continues to have a natural calming effect on
canines of all ages.
In veterinary behavior cases, the dog appeasing pheromone is
used for dogs with noise phobias, car travel anxiety, separation anxiety, and
other fearful situations. Various forms are available including pheromone
collars, plug in diffusers and sprays. The canine appeasing pheromone doesn’t
sedate the dog; rather it decreases fear and excitability.
The dog appeasing pheromone is also helpful for newly
adopted puppies. Those first few days to weeks in a new home are full of
changes for the pup faced with novel environments far from the comfort of mother
and siblings. The dog appeasing pheromone has been shown to ease the transition
of the pup into new home and improve sociability and training during a pup’s
critical socialization period.
Pheromone Research
For skeptics that need to see the proof in the studies...veterinary
behavior studies have examined the positive influence of the dog appeasing pheromone.
When comparing treatment responses for dogs with separation anxiety, the use of the
dog appeasing pheromone equaled the benefit of the anti-anxiety medication, amitriptyline.
One study looked at 66 puppies as they settled into new
homes after adoption. Approximately half of the puppies wore a pheromone collar
and half wore a placebo. The study found that puppies wearing a pheromone collar
displayed significantly fewer nuisance behaviors like vocalizations or
scratching within 3 days of adoption. Pups wearing the pheromone collar woke
their owner’s less during the night and displayed fewer signs of distress and vocalizations
throughout the course of the study.
The researchers concluded that pheromone collars helped both the pup and family. Pups were less stressed and adapted easier. By decreasing the pup’s stress and fearful behaviors, the pet owners found a more enjoyable bonding experience with the new pup and faced less frustration through the training process.
The researchers concluded that pheromone collars helped both the pup and family. Pups were less stressed and adapted easier. By decreasing the pup’s stress and fearful behaviors, the pet owners found a more enjoyable bonding experience with the new pup and faced less frustration through the training process.
In another study, puppies 8 to 15 weeks were enrolled in an eight-week
long puppy socialization and training class. Half wore a pheromone collar and
the other half wore a placebo collar. The pups wearing the collar were calmer
in the face of novel experiences and displayed less fear, anxiety, and
aggression. In the end, the pups with
pheromone collar not only were less nervous, but had fewer behavioral problems
and learned better. And a long-term
effect on sociability was recognized in dogs up to one year after the class and
study was completed.
Pheromones and My Pup
As the new owner of a nine-week old Bouvier puppy named Nikki,
I used both the pheromone collar and diffuser upon welcoming my new pup home.
One day before bringing Nikki home, I placed a pheromone diffuser close to the
puppy crate, where it would have maximum benefit during her first nights in the
kennel away from mother and siblings. Immediately upon leaving the breeder’s
home, Nikki was fitted with a pheromone collar to serve as a source of
reassuring pheromones that went everywhere she did. The pheromone collar has
become a tool in Nikki’s socialization – it’s on her when she meets new people
or animals, when she explores new environments, and during puppy kindergarten
class.
Did pheromones help in my pup’s transition and training? The
four hour drive home from the breeders was a dream- no crying or whining the
entire trip. Now three weeks later from acquiring my pup, and Nikki never soiled
in her kennel during the day or night. I’ll admit I had my share of interrupted
sleep in the first two weeks, but most of Nikki’s night time wakes were for
genuine elimination needs. Overall her transition into the home was smooth and
lacked the wailing, inconsolable cries of a stressed pup.
The canine appeasing pheromone isn’t a magic bullet though. Nothing
matches a quality pup obtained from a reputable breeder who focuses on health,
genetics, and early socialization. Likewise pheromones do not replace the hard
work and consistent training efforts that any new pet owner must provide. However,
by adding the the canine appeasing pheromone to your new puppy training, you can help your pup become the
best he or she possibly can.
For more information on the DAP
products, visit the CEVA’s website:
References:
“Effects of dog-appeasing pheromones on anxiety and fear in
puppies during training and on long-term socialization”, Sagi Denenberg DVM and
Gary M. Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, JAVMA
Vol 233, No 12, December 15, 2008.
“Efficacy of Dog Appeasing Pheromone in Reducing Stress
Related Behaviors of Newly Adopted Puppies Coming From a Pet-Shop”, E.
Gaultier, L. Bonnafous, D. Vienet-Legue, et al, Pherosynthese Research Center,
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, France.
