Case reports of two dogs from commercial breeding establishments: Their behavioral and health problems - treatment, training and outcomes

Abstract

Dog puppies from commercial breeding establishments often face poor early-life conditions, leading to higher chances of developing problem behaviors. We present two cases of Labrador-type dogs with such a background to illustrate how problem behaviors, in combination with medical issues, underpin animal welfare risks. Both dogs were diagnosed with serious problem behaviors that found an onset in early-life and carried a very poor outcome. Both dogs suffered from several medical issues, which, in one case, likely worsened early-life aversive experiences, leading to a very poor prognosis. These two cases illustrate how dogs from commercial breeding establishments are predisposed to high animal welfare risks, despite the efforts of veterinarians, shelter personnel and behavioral therapists to lower such risks.