Beyond puppy selection—considering the role of puppy raisers in bringing out the best in assistance dog puppies

Problem behaviors are the most common reason to reject young dogs from entering advanced training and obtaining certification for work as an assistance dog. Therefore, working toward preventing undesirable should be prioritized reduce failure rates. The development of problem in puppies, such those associated with fearfulness anxiety, results interplay between their genetic predisposition, puppyhood experiences, other factors raising environment. This article uses adapted general systems model a framework review relevant literature, following its three-stage structure, that is, input, throughput, output. To produce desirable behavioral traits (output), much effort has been devoted optimizing puppy breeding selection (input) developing socializing protocols (throughput). However, findings mixed effects generally small. In this article, we suggest that, although it is critical industry enroll suitable puppies adopt evidence-based program designs (organizational levels throughput), raisers play central role implementation (individual level throughput). Puppy raisers' individual differences will likely influence adherence programs developed by dog provider organizations. Specifically, prior experience more competent at handling therefore raise behaviorally favorable puppies. When lacking competency skills, novice may rely on methods existing parenting attachment styles when addressing puppies’ behaviors. Future research investigate these human factors, so inform management ensure they effective spite raiser differences.