Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection

1/27/22 HASS Behavior Job-Alike:  Debunking Myths for Dogs that come from Dog Fighting Backgrounds

Guest Speakers:

• Carley Faughn, Best Friends Animal Society
• Morgan Rivera, HSUS

Dog fighting is an underground bloodsport that made its way into mainstream news with the Michael Vick case. Most people in animal welfare have either worked with survivors of dog fighting or heard myths about them. Dr. Carley Faughn and Morgan Rivera shared their experiences with survivors and aim to debunk some of the many myths that surround these dogs. They will share their experiences using pictures, videos, and firsthand testimonials. There is a need for more data and research to prove what they know to be true: these are simply dogs that come from a tough background but deserve to be treated the same way as any other dog that finds themselves in the care of animal welfare professionals. Mainly, each dog should be treated as individuals to understand who they are and what their likes and dislikes are so that animal welfare professionals can find safe placement for them within a community.