Farrah has learned about dog training & behavior through countless hours of coursework, reading, researching, experience, and hands-on cases. In light of this, please read the following with an understanding that it may not be the best protocol for your individual dog. If your dog has behavior issues, especially aggression, seek professional help immediately. The following is for general informational and educational purposes for current, former, and future students. = A Farrah Favorite.

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on puppy socialization.

"The Primary And Most Important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life... For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated."

"Temperament problems must be prevented during early puppyhood because rehabilitating adult dogs is complicated and extremely time-consuming." "We know that insufficient early socialization causes hard-to-reverse changes in brain function and anatomy, leading to temperament problems later in life, such as fear and aggression towards people." "When puppies and young adolescents start to go off-track, the early-warning signs (evident as early as eight to 10 weeks of age) of future aggression are often subtle and easily missed and so, people simply do not respond quickly enough. Without immediate remedial socialization, classical conditioning and progressive desensitization, puppies gradually but progressively become more fearful and eventually, reactive and aggressive."

Why I Never Socialize My Puppies.

Seemingly controversial and maybe even contradictory; here's another view point on "socializing."

Dr Ian Dunbar's Book "After You Get Your Puppy." Free PDF

Very good information on raising your puppy. Some things may need to be modified for your pup and lifestyle.

Puppy Socialization Checklist & Progress Assessment.

If your pup is in the "needs work" category, seek professional behavior modification immediately.

On Puppies, Pet Stores, and Behavior Problems

"Research finds puppies from pet stores are more likely to have behavior problems than those from non-commercial breeders." Stress affects pups, even before they are born! If mom is stressed then the pups are living in a cortisol filled environment (in utero). They are often born with tendencies towards fear and aggression. Research what and from whom you are getting your pup! If you notice a problem with your puppy (fear, aggression, etc) get a behavior modification plan in place right away! If you address behavior problems in early puppyhood, you have a greater chance of successfully modifying the behavior. Changes can be accomplished more quickly, more affectively, and it will be less expensive!

Give Your Pup a Safe Haven

How Does Your Puppy Learn

Younger is Not Better

Why it is critical for puppies to stay with their mom and littermates until they are

at least 8 weeks of age.

Puppy Culture

A program that helps create healthier, more confident, stable dogs.

If you're looking for a breeder, find one that implements this or similar protocols.

Perinatal Period and Puppy Development

"The Perinatal period, from conception until just after birth, is a time when puppies undergo dramatic neural and immune development. In fact, this period sets the stage for every dog’s lifetime health, mental stability, and longevity. Here are three of the more fascinating perinatal effects."

Adolescent Dogs: 6 facts

Puppies

Dr Ian Dunbar's Bite Scale

Aggression Between Dogs in Same Household

Reactivity Chart

On "Fixing" Behavior Problems

"In the end, “fixing” behavior problems is about learning to accept your dog’s quirks and limitations, and working with what you have to make things better. It’s not about replacing a faulty circuit, giving a personality transplant, or creating a perfect dog who never has a setback.

So if your dog has a behavior issue that concerns you – by all means, ask for help! In almost every case, there are lots of things you can do to help your dog work through his problem."

Things I wish I Could Tell You; From the Owner of a Reactive Dog

"My dog will send signals through his body language that he wants to be left alone, but to humans, unless you know what you are looking for, these signals will be subtle and most probably missed."

"This is why I turn and go the other way when your dog approaches. Sometimes I will ask you to call him. If your dog is approaching at speed, I will stand in front of mine and shout “NO”. Please do not take offence. I have been chased down the road by indignant owners telling me that their dog is friendly – I get that there is prejudice against some breeds but my reaction is the same whatever size or breed your dog is. There is usually not enough time to explain all this while I am trying to persuade you that however wonderful your dog is, mine does not need or want to meet him – so I have to be abrupt.

"Just like humans, some dog have issues that can’t be cured – they can be improved and managed, but not totally fixed."

Growling as a Sign Post

"The next time you hear a dog growl, stop and evaluate the situation. Maybe you should thank them for communicating with you! That dog is speaking loud and clear!"

When Your Dog Bites

"A growl is a good thing. It tells us that our dog is nearing his bite threshold, and gives us the opportunity to identify and remove the stressor. Snarls and air-snaps are two steps closer to the threshold – our dog’s last ditch attempts to warn off the stressor before he is forced to commit the ultimate offense: The actual bite."

Aggression

ADA Laws regarding Service Dogs

Service Dog Law - Colorado

FHA / HUD Guidelines

Emotional Support Animals

Landlord Rights Concerning ESA

Why You Should Never Pet a Service Dog

"But in just a moment of distraction Flynn had missed a crucial opportunity to warn Hailey about an oncoming seizure. When he did warn her, it was too late."

5 Questions to Ask Before Partnering With a Service Dog

Faking Service Dogs

" Twelve states now have laws criminalizing the misrepresentation of a pet as a service animal."

Fun Fact:

Farrah's husband calls her a dog geek because she's always reading & researching

to further expand her dog knowledge

Difference between Service, Emotional Support and Therapy animals

Service Dog Questionaire
$200 processing & consultation fee.

Service & Emotional Support Animals

Why are European Dogs So Well Behaved

Deadly Trust

"I trust my dog 100%..."

Do Dogs Have a Right to Say No

"Regardless of our opinion, dogs do say no and they do so fairly often. It is a good idea to listen (or may be better watch as they don’t really speak English or German for that matter)."

Sleep Enhances Learning

Self-Control is a Limited Resource

Canine Emotion

Using Food in Training

"Food has the power to not only enhance a dog’s ability to learn but also to help a dog overcome fear or anxiety by raising the levels of dopamine in the brain and stimulating the desire to seek or move towards the food reward."

AKC Position Statement on Dog Training

"...Individual dogs respond differently to a variety of approaches. AKC recognizes that there are numerous effective approaches to training that produce desirable results such as obedience and Canine Good Citizen® designations. Government entities should not arbitrarily restrict accepted, appropriate and effective dog training practices.”

Training

Spay & Neuter Effects on Orthopedic Disease, Behaviour, and General Health in Dogs

Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence

Spay & Neuter Effects...

"Spaying or neutering dogs can cause unexpected and unwanted behavior changes."