Welfare of Dogs in Commercial Breeding Kennels
A major focus of our research is investigating the welfare of dogs kept in commercial breeding kennels. While the term, "commercial dog breeding", is often used synonymously with "puppy mills", they are not the same. We define a puppy mill as a dog breeding facility where profit is clearly given priority over the well-being of the dogs, and where there is no interest in or effort toward supporting dog welfare. This lack of consideration of dogs' welfare needs and interests may manifest in filthy and/or unsafe kennel conditions. Dogs may be dirty, ill or injured, and they may receive little to no veterinary care. Their home quarters may be cramped, crowded and lack opportunities for dogs to engage in behaviors of importance to them, such as socializing with others of their own kind, play, positive caretaker interactions, or exercise. Puppy mills (as defined here) are completely unethical. We do not support them and we do not work with such operations. We study dogs kept at licensed commercial breeding kennels. At minimum, kennels in good standing must be USDA inspected and in compliance with state and federal standards for dog care and well-being. These kennels may range in size from very small to very large (hundreds of dogs).
Our overall aim is to understand the care and welfare practices used in licensed commercial breeding kennels of various scales of operation and their effects on dog welfare. We also aim to determine which housing, husbandry, and management interventions are practical, feasible, and effective in contributing to positive welfare outcomes for dogs residing in kennels and those that are rehomed.
Featured Research
Do You See What I See? Evaluating Socialization in Commercial Breeding Dogs
Breeding dog responses to their familiar caretaker
Breeding dog responses to unfamiliar observer
In the video clip where the dogs are in the arena with a caretaker, they have a high level of positive interaction with him. These dogs are clearly used to seeing and interacting with the caretaker and they appear to enjoy those interactions based on their behavior. In contrast, when the dogs are in the arena with a person with whom they are unfamiliar, their behavior changes drastically. They stay very far away from the stranger and look for a way out of the arena. One of the dogs begins to show repetitive behavior by running back and forth between the same spots while barking. This repetitive behavior indicates the dog is fearful. The differences in responses of dog to the caretaker vs. the unfamiliar person suggests that while they appear to have positive, frequent enough interactions with him to solicit his attention and continue to engage with him, they are not generalizing their perceptions of such interactions to strangers. This suggests that the dogs need more, gentle, effective socialization to different people to reduce fearfulness when in the presence of unfamiliar people.
Behavioral and Physiological responses of dogs to commercial breeding kennel management and caretaker interactions
To ensure the welfare of dogs in commercial breeding kennels, it is important to evaluate the role management practices may play in influencing their behavioral and physical health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a short, positive caretaker intervention on the behavioral and physiological responses of dogs in commercial breeding kennels and to determine if effects persist over time and generalize to strangers.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Kari Ekenstedt, Shanis Barnard, Traci Shreyer, Aitor Arrazola
Funding Source: Spring Point Partners, LLC
Evaluation of genetic and physiological metrics of stress and welfare experienced by dogs FROM COMMERCIAL BREEDING KENNELS before, during and after rehoming
Rehoming of dogs from commercial breeding kennels requires study and careful planning to avoid creating problems. It is important to properly transition dogs from the kennel environment to retirement, to identify and prepare those assessed to be viable rehoming candidates, increase the number of adoptable dogs, and plan appropriately for retirees who are unlikely to be successfully rehomed.
In an effort to understand lifetime stress in dogs maintained in commercial breeding kennels and stress associated with transitioning to new family homes, a longitudinal study is currently ongoing to help investigate whether associations exist between genetic, behavioral, and physiological metrics. This will ultimately determine which of these markers may yield the most useful information for long and short-term assessments of canine stress and welfare in breeding kennels during and after rehoming.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Kari Ekenstedt, Shanis Barnard, Traci Shreyer, Aitor Arrazola
Funding Source: Spring Point Partners, LLC
Transformative education, engagement and community-building plan
A major limiting factor in creating positive change in dog welfare in commercial breeding kennels is breeder access to high quality, evidence-based information and educational venues on the topic of canine welfare science. There is currently an unmet need for accessible resources on canine welfare and related tailoring of kennel management for breeders as well as for shelters and rescues.
The aim of this project is to develop, deliver and evaluate a comprehensive outreach education plan translating the new research-based knowledge we create to dog breeders, animal health and pet industry professionals, kennel managers and other interested parties via multiple media.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Traci Shreyer, Taylor Rezvani
Funding Source: Spring Point Partners, LLC
Does maternal fear and stress impact puppy health and behavior?
Maternal factors such as fear and stress influence offspring welfare in many species, but these relationships are currently understudied in dogs. The aim of this project is to conduct a longitudinal study to explore the effects of dams’ stress levels, behavior, and welfare on that of their litters within commercial breeding kennels. The outcome from this study will help inform breeder decision-making on dog selection, health care and management practices to mitigate welfare risks in adult dogs and their puppies.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Kari Ekenstedt, Shanis Barnard, and Traci Shreyer
Funding Source: The Stanton Foundation
Characterization of maternal care in commercial-breeding and working dog populations and its relationship To puppy welfare
Puppies from commercial-breeding kennels may experience fear and distress when they are transported to a distributor and during their transition to a new family home. Maternal care may influence the behavioral and physiological responses of offspring to stressors, but these effects have not been investigated in dogs.
The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between maternal care and puppy welfare and to ultimately improve puppies’ ability to cope with stressors.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Kari Ekenstedt, Shanis Barnard, Traci Shreyer, Alessia Diana
Collaborators: Lucia Lazarowski, Paul Waggoner, Auburn University
Funding Source: The Stanton Foundation
Establishing science-based standards for the care and welfare of breeding dogs
Commercial dog breeding, which helps to meet high public demand for purebred dogs, faces significant scrutiny and criticism relative to the health and well-being of the dogs and puppies produced. Regulated commercial breeding kennels often have difficulty distinguishing themselves from puppy mills, wherein profit is prioritized over the well-being of dogs. This project aims to help the US pet industries address the socio-ethical and scientific (well-being) concerns embedded in commercial dog breeding by developing and testing voluntary standards for the care and well-being of dogs in commercial breeding facilities that far exceed minimum (legislated) standards.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI)
Funding Source: World Pet Association & the Pet Food Institute
The Purdue Standards for breeding dog care and welfare (now Canine Care Certified) have gone national!
Related Publications:
- Animal Welfare Concepts: Applications to Dogs.
- Auditory Stress: Implications for Kenneled Dog Welfare.
- Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Environmental Considerations.
- Implications of Weaning Age for Dog Welfare.
- Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Space Allocations and Exercise.
Effects of flooring on breeding dog welfare and cleanliness
The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between flooring types common in US breeding kennels and the physical health, body and kennel cleanliness of dogs housed on them. The results indicate that dog foot health and cleanliness can be maintained on the flooring substrates assessed. Dog comfort, behavior and preferences for flooring types require investigation.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Judith Stella
Funding Source: World Pet Association & the Pet Food
Does Flooring Substrate Impact Kennel and Dog Cleanliness in Commercial Breeding Facilities?
Findings
- The foot health of dogs housed on 3 types of flooring- diamond-shaped coated expanded metal (i.e. Tenderfoot), polypropylene, and concrete- were assessed. Few foot, elbow or hock problems were identified on any flooring type.
Related Publications:
- Does Flooring Substrate Impact Kennel and Dog Cleanliness in Commercial Breeding Facilities?
- Assessing the Physical Well-being of Dogs in Commercial Breeding Facilities
- Effects of Flooring on Animal Health and Well-being: Implications for Kenneled Dogs
Prevalence of periodontal disease in commercial breeding kennels
Periodontal disease, inflammation and breakdown of the structures that support the teeth, is one of the most commonly mentioned health concerns for dogs in commercial breeding facilities. However, to this point, no research has been performed to determine how common periodontal disease actually in within breeding facilities. This project has 2 goals: to determine what percentage of dogs in commercial breeding facilities have severe periodontal disease and to evaluate how well inspecting the teeth and gums of an awake can detect periodontal disease.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Judith Stella, Amy Bauer
Funding Source: World Pet Association & the Pet Food Institute
Evaluating the validity of a visual dental scale for detection of periodontal disease in non-anesthetized dogs.
Findings
- A visual assessment tool for scoring dental disease in awake dogs was compared to the "Gold Standard" of examination under anesthesia with radiographs to determine its validity and reliability.
A cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of periodontal disease in a population of dogs (Canis familiaris) in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana and Illinois
- Periodontal (dental) disease (PD) was visually scored using a 0-IV scale where 0 is no disease and IV is severe disease.
Related Publications:
- Preventing periodontal disease in dogs
- A Cross-Sectional Study to Estimate Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in a Population of Dogs (Canis Familiaris) in Commercial Breeding Facilities in Indiana and Illinois
- Welfare Implications of Dental Health in Commercial Breeding Dogs
Development of field-ready welfare assessment tools for breeding kennels and shelters
Quick and accurate assessments of the health and welfare of kenneled dogs are essential for ensuring and promoting dog welfare. Because many welfare metrics exist and observers or inspectors may prioritize these differently, reliable, standardized measures of welfare may facilitate consistent, objective evaluation of dogs. A non-invasive tool, incorporating behavior was developed and pilot-tested by experts and novices in animal behavior and welfare with dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities and at shelters.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Amy Bauer
Funding Source: World Pet Association & the Pet Food Institute
Do you see what I see? Developing a field-ready welfare assessment tool for kenneled dogs
- Developed a field assessment tool that allows for a rapid assessment of the health and welfare of kenneled dogs by individuals with limited training.
Related Publications:
- Evaluation FIDO: Developing and pilot testing the Field Instantaneous Dog Observation tool
- Assessing Kennel Dog Welfare
- Kenneled Dog Welfare: Challenges of Field Assessment
Behavioral wellness considerations in breeding dog retirement and rehoming
Objective, science-based information is needed to establish best practices for transitioning dogs out of their breeding careers and to minimize risks of poor rehoming outcomes. This study aims to develop physical and behavioral well-being criteria for rehoming candidates, identify breeder practices that facilitate or make transitioning to rehoming risky, and develop a breeder education program emphasizing behavioral well-being, self-assessment and appropriate planning for all phases of a breeding dog's life with emphasis on preparing retired breeding dogs for success outside of the kennel environment.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Judith Stella, Amy Bauer
Funding Source: The Stanton Foundation
Welfare Considerations in Rehoming Breeding Dogs
Improving canine welfare in commercial breeding operations: evaluating rehoming candidate and practices
- Assessed the behavior of dogs for risk of transition problems during rehoming using a 4-step stranger approach test. Based on the results of this test, 41.7% of the dogs assessed were at risk.
Related Publications:
Public perceptions of dog welfare, acquisition and information sources
Project Leaders: Courtney Bir, Nicole Widmar, Candace Croney (PI)
Funding Source: World Pet Association & the Pet Food Institute
Related Publications:
- Factors that Impact Dog Selection and Welfare
- Stated Preferences for Dog Characteristics and Sources of Acquisition
- U.S. Residents' Perceptions of Dogs, Their Welfare and Related Information Sources
- Public Perceptions of Dog Welfare, Sourcing and Breeding Regulation
- Public Perceptions of Dog Acquisition: Sources, Rationales and Expenditures
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