The Generation Pup cohort study is a research project carried out by Dogs Trust which follows individual dogs over their lifetime. The study tracks puppies under 16 weeks of age (or under 21 weeks if they have been through quarantine) through to adulthood and enables researchers to investigate whether, and to what extent, early life experiences, genetics and environmental factors influence health, welfare and behaviour of dogs as they age.
Generation Pup data will provide researchers with pioneering new insights into canine companions to improve dog welfare for future generations. The results of the study may suggest preventative measures that can be put in place or lead to new approaches for therapy or treatment.
Nine-week-old Golden Retriever Maddie recently joined Generation Pup as the 6000th recruit (Figure 1). The team is hoping to recruit 10 000 puppy participants by the end of 2023 — the charity is currently looking for people living in the UK or ROI, with any breed or crossbreed of puppy to sign up to this unique study.
For this type of research to be successful Dogs Trust needs to enrol and follow many puppies through the study — and they need your help to spread the word and recruit more puppies (Figure 2).
Could your veterinary practice spread the word about this ground-breaking study?
Whether it is at a puppy health check, first vaccination appointment or at a ‘puppy socialisation session’ at the practice, could you encourage owners to sign their puppies up for the study? Owners are asked to regularly complete 10–30-minute questionnaires about their dog's life and there are optional aspects they can also sign up to (for example submitting hair brushings and buccal swabs).
How can veterinary practices help?
- Place posters throughout the veterinary practice — in receptions and consultation rooms
- Flyers can also be displayed in reception and included in puppy packs
- Add the Generation Pup video to your Vet Channel stream
- Spread the word to clients, breeders, dog walkers etc
- Like and share Generation Pup on social media — find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Encourage new puppy owners to sign up to help future generations Thank you so much for any assistance you can provide in helping Dogs Trust reach their target of 10 000 puppies by the end of 2023!