University of Glasgow partners with Dogs Trust to study how littermate upbringing influences puppy behaviour and wellbeing

University of Glasgow partners with Dogs Trust to study how littermate upbringing influences puppy behaviour and wellbeing

(IN BRIEF) The University of Glasgow, working in partnership with Dogs Trust, is calling on owners of two or more puppies from the same litter to join the Generation Pup study, a large-scale project aimed at understanding how early life experiences affect canine development, behaviour, and wellbeing. The research will explore whether being raised alongside littermates or in multi-dog households impacts stress resilience and long-term behaviour. Generation Pup, which is nearing 10,000 participants, is already gathering valuable data on diet, exercise, environment, and social interaction to improve understanding of dog health and welfare. By enrolling, owners contribute to evidence-based recommendations that will benefit dogs across the UK and beyond.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 19-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Glasgow, in collaboration with Dogs Trust, is inviting owners of at least two puppies from the same litter to take part in a new research initiative that will help shed light on how early social environments shape canine development. The project is part of Dogs Trust’s landmark Generation Pup study, the most extensive investigation into dog health and welfare ever undertaken in the UK, which is now approaching 10,000 recruits.

While owners may choose to sign up both puppies, participation in the University of Glasgow project requires only one puppy to be enrolled in Generation Pup. The study will focus on how different early-life environments—such as staying with littermates, entering multi-dog households, or moving into single-dog homes—can influence a puppy’s behaviour, stress response, and overall wellbeing.

“The first year of a dog’s life is a crucial stage for learning and development,” explained Dr. Chih Hsin Kuo of the University of Glasgow. “By working alongside Generation Pup, we aim to discover whether growing up with other dogs influences stress resilience and behavioural outcomes. This research will provide vital evidence-based guidance for breeding, training, and caring for young dogs, with the goal of improving welfare standards across the board.”

Generation Pup, operated and funded by Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Glasgow and West Calder, is already providing invaluable data for the veterinary and scientific community. By gathering detailed information on puppies’ health, environment, diet, exercise, daily routines, and social experiences, researchers are beginning to uncover key insights into the causes of health and behavioural issues that can affect dogs throughout their lives.

Jane Murray, Welfare Project and Grants Deputy Head of Research at Dogs Trust, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Generation Pup is designed to help us understand the long-term impact of early life experiences on dogs’ wellbeing. Every owner who signs up is making an important contribution to advancing canine welfare, not only for their own pets but for future generations of dogs.”

Media Contact:

email: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE University of Glasgow