Question submitted as part of the Crash, Boom, Bang: Update on Canine Noise Phobia Treatments webinar:
Is it possible for breeders to 'over-do' exposure with very young puppies (via one of the popular early neurological stimulation programs), and thus predispose them to noise phobia?
Answer provided by Julia (Julie) Albright, MA, DVM, DACVB:
There are very few quality, peer-reviewed controlled studies on the early enrichment or stimulation programs. Data on the development of temperaments and fear suggests that it may be possible to create aversions during early development. We should always be trying to pair potentially frightening stimuli with a reward and not assuming that every dog with “get used to” any stimuli it is exposed to in any manner during the socialization development period.
