Hazel, SusanNielsen, TorbenChristley, Rober (Dogs Trust, UK)Goncalves Costa, Ana Sofia2024-09-132024-09-132024https://hdl.handle.net/2440/142307Prioritising the positive development of puppies we breed and nurture is crucial as it directly influences the health, behaviour and outcomes of both animal and human involved. While the link between dog breeding, raising practices and their impact on welfare is widely recognized, literature concentrates primarily on two aspects: 1) development factors relevant to puppies in the care of the breeder, and 2) socialization. This underscores a lack of comprehensive understanding and appreciation for the complexity of puppy development. Addressing the significant gap in existing literature, this thesis employs a combination of research methods and study design over six Chapters including a proposed conceptual model for researching puppy development, and three research Chapters, all of which have been published (or accepted for publication). Chapter 2 offers a modified Bronfenbrenner bioecological theory of human development ready for application in puppies. This Chapter includes a detailed description of the Bronfenbrenner theory for researchers unfamiliar with the ecological model, as well as an example of appropriate study design for puppies as a guide for its application. Further to this discussion, Chapter 3 uses the Bronfenbrenner model to emphasise the potential benefits of its use and identifies three key gaps in current literature on puppy development and guardian experience: the dangers of using individuals as representatives of their household, the role of relationships in learning, and the impact puppies have on others in the household. Chapter 4 dives into the guardian experience of puppy raising until 6 months of age, with guardians reporting they most enjoyed getting to know and bonding with their puppy and celebrating milestones along the way. Managing their puppy’s training and behaviour, and managing their internal struggle to feel like an adequate guardian for their puppy, were the biggest reported challenges for guardians. Access to resources and communities, training and socialising their puppy and shifting their mindset to include realistic expectations of themselves and their puppies were reported by guardians as the most helpful during their puppy-raising journey. Chapter 5 expands on the challenges of puppy raising by investigating stress levels in guardians and introducing a new tool, the modified Parental Stress Scale, for use in puppy research. Guardians who were satisfied with their puppy’s behaviour, lived in Australia, scored higher in self-esteem, were happy with the division of puppy responsibilities in their household and were raising puppies scoring higher in trainability were all associated with lower stress scores. Opposite to this, first-time puppy guardians, guardians who worked from home some or all of the time, guardians raising puppies scoring higher in extraversion or neuroticism, and guardians who agreed that managing more than one dog in the household took up a lot of their time and energy, were all associated with higher stress scores. Chapter 6 offers a summary of research findings within the previous chapters and offers discussion on their implications, applications, and potential pathways for future research. Ultimately, this thesis advances our understanding of puppy development, providing insights and offering new tools for researchers and guardians alike. It serves as a foundational guide for future research, presenting a conceptual model and aiding in comprehending the complexities of puppy development. Additionally, it explores the guardian experience with the aim of enhancing the well-being of guardians and puppies.enpuppyguardianstressThesis