We are working on a solution to improve breeding dog welfare; ensuring puppies are well-prepared for modern life; providing trained assistance/therapy dogs for use by researchers and community groups.
This research focuses on fostering dogs within the community as part of a structured socialisation program hosted at two La Trobe University campuses. Exceptional graduates of the program will receive advanced training to become therapy dogs and will be supported in a specialist facility to continue breeding. Their puppies will be raised with expert care, preparing them for roles as trainee assistance or therapy dogs, future breeding dogs, or family pets. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to measure the effectiveness of this innovative breeding and socialisation approach.
