Observations on the behavior of new-born puppies: II. Summary of movements involved in group orientation.

Abstract

Quantitative records of the movement patterns of new-born puppies in their orientation reactions when separated from litter-mates are reported. Earliest movement patterns are circular, developing into partial right and left turns in the manner suggestive of swimming behavior in amblystoma. These are followed by backward pushing movements but even after the animals could stand circular behavior persisted until about the 23rd day. Tactile stimuli appear most important for orientation cues. (See 27: 245). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)