Dap Collars

[bridgie_cat]

Hey,

I've read some studies on the benefits of using DAP (dog appeasing pheromone - or 'Adaptil') prophylactically on puppies during the socialising period and for easing the move to new homes and was wondering if any breeders had heard of this or do this themselves?

Would love to hear your opinions or experiences!

It sounds like an excellent theory IMO but would be interested to know if people have heard of it or actually use them!!

Bridget

eta: theory = DAP is pheromone released between mammary glands by lactating mothers and has a slight calming effect on dogs. The collars are a constant release of DAP for the 1 month they are left on the dog/puppy. Thus if they are put on prior to leaving mum, they have that calming influence during transition, and they do not lose both the pheromones AND all their familiar surroundings in one hit making it a more gradual change. Also having it on during socialisation (the experiment used it for 2 months of puppy class starting at 14wks - would love to see what happens if used in the 6-14wk period!) is hoping to increase your chances of each new experience being a positive one or of that experience being more positive than it would have otherwise been (the experiment found the DAP pups had longer and more positive social interactions than those without and that this had a lasting positive effect at 1yo)

Edited April 23, 2013 by bridgie_cat

[Christina]

Who did the experiment & on how many pups ? How was the test conducted ?

Unless a puppy is obviously really timid & one desperately needs to try something I think this is a sales pitch. How would one know that a positive experience was more positive ? More tail wagging after the stuff is used ? One may as well use a sedative if safe & no one would do that just in case.

Leaving home & learning about the world outside is a normal experience with some stress & not all of it bad, excitement is a kind of stress. Most pups are fine.

This seems to imply a problem needs treating before or when there is no problem.

Just my opinion maybe others think its a good idea.

[LizT]

Who did the experiment & on how many pups ? How was the test conducted ?

Unless a puppy is obviously really timid & one desperately needs to try something I think this is a sales pitch. How would one know that a positive experience was more positive ? More tail wagging after the stuff is used ? One may as well use a sedative if safe & no one would do that just in case.

Leaving home & learning about the world outside is a normal experience with some stress & not all of it bad, excitement is a kind of stress. Most pups are fine.

This seems to imply a problem needs treating before or when there is no problem.

Just my opinion maybe others think its a good idea.

Agree, Christina, a little bit of patience, love and kindness (all free and readily available) should be enough to help a new puppy settle into it's new home. A soft toy or blanket that smells like mum, a ticking clock and carefully wrapped warm water bottle may also help. :)

[bridgie_cat]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) in reducing fear and anxiety in puppies and its effects on training and socialization.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS-45 puppies between 12 to 15 weeks of age at the time of inclusion.

PROCEDURES: Puppies enrolled in puppy classes were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups: 2 large-breed groups (1 DAP and 1 placebo group) and 2 small-breed groups (1 DAP and 1 placebo group). The investigator, trainers, and owners were unaware of treatment allocation throughout the study. Classes lasted 8 weeks, and owners were asked to complete a questionnaire before the first lesson and at the end of each lesson thereafter. Data collected included amount of learning and degrees of fear and anxiety for each puppy. Follow-up telephone surveys of owners to obtain information on subsequent socialization of puppies were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the classes ended.

RESULTS: Dogs in DAP and placebo groups were significantly different with respect to degrees of fear and anxiety; longer and more positive interactions between puppies, including play, were evident in dogs in the DAP groups. Data from follow-up telephone surveys indicated that puppies in the DAP groups were better socialized and adapted faster in new situations and environments, compared with puppies in the placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When compared with a placebo treatment, DAP was useful in reducing anxiety and fear in puppies during puppy classes and resulted in improved socialization.

Denenberg, Sagi; Landsberg, Gary M, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume: 233 Issue: 12 Pages: 1874-82 Published: 2008-Dec-15

So imo not the best age to run the test from (tail end of "socialisation period"), and there is always the issue of using surveys that it is subjective etc. It is not the perfect test in my mind but it was quite well run with decent numbers and random allocation of animals to placebo vs DAP from groupings of size - owners, trainers and experimenters did not know if the pup was in DAP or placebo.

There are only a few studies at this stage - which is why I was interested to hear if anyone has heard of them being used in real life on puppies. (lots of people already use them as an adjunct for behavioural therapy for adults - although the benefit in that case is debatable based on reviews of its use)

But I did not want to sell anything and have no inclination to defend it either and by the looks of it people have not heard of their use so I am happy to sit and wait for some more studies to come out instead.

ps - msg me if you would like the full article for your own interest as I can email it but it is a link I have through uni so not one that will work if I just post it on here.

[oakway]

Do you know what worries me the most ? what are some people breeding out there that this is even thought necessary.

Yes, I can understand it being tried out on an animal that has had a sudden change in it's life after years of a stable environment, to be suddenly confronted with a huge change but on puppies ???? no way, breed them with good temperaments in the first place.

[bridgie_cat]

im sorry i posted this.

I was excited as I always enjoy reading different theories on early stimulation/socialisation/manipulation that can influence adult temperament - particularly where this applies to performance and high demand working positions.

Yes we breed for good temp - but then we utilise early rearing and stimulation to gain the greatest benefit from whatever genetic potential we started with. This genetics environment interaction I think is endlessly interesting (and important) and I do not see the harm in investigating/discussing any potential improvements in this area. Maybe it is overkill for many pets, but they are certainly always looking for that extra edge for things like guide dog/police dog programs or performance dogs... and I am not saying this is the answer by any means!! I am just saying that it is a topic that is always being investigated and that is why I had posted on this, in hopes of discussion on the topic.

[espinay2]

Don't be sorry. It is actually an interesting application that had not occurred to me. There ate lots of things that different breeders do to prepare pups for life 'out there' from the super dog program, desensitization CDs, rule of sevens and the like. the use of DAP to help transitioning to new homes sounds interesting though the jury is likely still out on its usefulness. Would be interesting for instance to see if first night crying etc which many owners experience would lessen statistically when using DAP in this way.

[Christina]

im sorry i posted this.

I am just saying that it is a topic that is always being investigated and that is why I had posted on this, in hopes of discussion on the topic.

Why are you sorry you posted it ?

We few are all having a discussion on it & giving opinions which is what you asked for We can't give our experiences on it as its fairly new to us.

I asked about the testing & numbers as well as giving an opinion based on the info posted.

No need to be sorry it is interesting even if we would not use the product or agree with it

When a subject is posted for discussion its hoped people can have a say without being offensive or personal. Sometimes this happens & sometimes it gets heated & somewhat insulting & personal but this hasn't. Its merely being discussed. Doesn't mean everyone has to agree.

[persephone]

Do I think DAP collars should be used on baby puppies? NO

Do I think D A P may help puppies feel more settled in those first few days ? yes.

Do I think DAP could be sprayed onto bedding to help puppy relax and sleep ? Yes

Do I think it is a neccessary thing?NO

[bridgie_cat]

thanks christina - in that case carry on - no issues with people disagreeing.

[becks]

I think the study misses out a lot of things and would perhaps be better splitting up a litter with even temperament who go to homes who have a very similar way of raising a pup, just to minimize the variables

i don;t think dap is worth it as a routine thing but may help some pups who are in the more difficult to adjust category

[bridgie_cat]

yeah becks - absolutely agree - I would love to see this done with dividing litters of guide dogs or even just volunteer breeders but guide dogs etc are particularly good since they are in relatively controlled rearing programs also.

[angelsun]

Good money making proposition for those involved with the making and distributing of these products.

That's about the only benefits I can see from this sort of thing.

Yes, breed good temperaments, BUT....and more importantly....screen buyers PROPERLY and ensure that THEY are the right temperament for your puppies. FOLLOW UP with the buyers...make sure they don't over compensate and make sure they are tough when it comes to crate training and new puppy sooking.

I'm all for keeping up with new science and 'the times' but this one in my opinion, is bubble wrapping...but then, it's what society is doing in all other aspects, so I guess it was just a matter of time before it hit the dog breeders.

[Christina]

Good money making proposition for those involved with the making and distributing of these products.

That's about the only benefits I can see from this sort of thing.

make sure they are tough when it comes to crate training and new puppy sooking.

Yes to the first part but I would be an epic fail on the last bit :laugh: What does tough mean :) however pups soon settle in here without any aids & grow to be pleasant & obedient dogs for the most part. I do wish we could bottle Common Sense though.

[bridgie_cat]

I suppose my thoughts fall in 2 directions: first, if it is a true effect then I am all for practices that will reduce fear behaviours and improve the relationship people can have with their pets (given - not needed, but if there is a benefit - then it is an option for those that want the extra cushion)

Second: it becomes another factor to consider in selecting for good temperament for the next gen - if - and a big IF it is changing anything does that slightly mask normal for that animal and make the selection pressure a bit less in that area - but this can be said for many enviro factors.

I agree the studies are aimed at selling collars in a much bigger market than they are currently used.

I will regardless be watching for further studies and recommendations in the area - it may become a more done thing for the more reactive pup in a litter or similar - who knows :)

[LizT]

I just personally believe that to be able to give an item with the natural scent of the mother and or siblings along with the puppy when going to it's new home would have a better effect than any artificial pheromone would (and be more readily obtainable and cheaper to boot.)

Now if for some reason those items were not available and the puppy had been in a stressful situation (dare I say it as in maybe from a pet shop situation) then a DAP unit may be of great assistance given the lack of socialisation the puppy may have received prior to going to it's new home.