30 Jul 2023

Lucy Scott: Puppies and sibling recognition

From Sunday Morning, 8:45 am on 30 July 2023
Dog and two puppies (Photo by Thorsten Milse / Robert Harding Heritage / robertharding via AFP)

Photo: THORSTEN MILSE

For most of us, becoming a dog owner or guardian usually involves buying one if we don't adopt from animal shelters. That, more often than not, involves separating a puppy from its mother and siblings.

Some experts have claimed that dogs separated at eight to 12 weeks won't forget about any siblings they parted for up to two years, and these same dogs often continue to recognise their mothers beyond the two-year mark.

Dr. Lucy Scott from Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ is a Veterinarian with a special interest in behaviour and training.