Collaborating Just Behaving for Behavior Research

Overview: Just Behaving is a comprehensive canine behavior philosophy dedicated to raising emotionally stable, well-balanced dogs – not through traditional obedience drills, but via structured mentorship, consistent calmness, proactive behavior management, and holistic wellness. It evolved from decades of observing how puppies learn naturally from mature dogs and humans, focusing on intrinsic understanding rather than rote responses​. Instead of relying on repetitive commands or treat-based training, Just Behaving prioritizes deep trust, mutual respect, and clear communication between dogs and humans​. The result is a dog who “just behaves” appropriately out of understanding, not simply because a cue was given.

Just Behaving’s core approach centers on guided social learning and emotional stability. At its heart is a mentorship model: puppies are guided by calm adult role models (both canine and human) and learn by imitation and gentle feedback​. Early on, excitement and chaos are intentionally minimized – families are coached to interact with puppies in a low-arousal, confident manner that models calm behavior rather than inadvertently encouraging hyperactivity​. By maintaining this emotional steady ground, puppies develop robust self-regulation skills, and can default to a relaxed state even in stimulating situations​. This emphasis on emotional calmness gives dogs greater freedom in life: when a dog is stable and trustworthy, they can safely enjoy off-leash play, social outings, and novel environments without constant micromanagement​. In short, structured mentorship and emotional stability go hand-in-hand to produce a reliably well-behaved companion.

A prevention-first mindset underpins the program. Rather than waiting for bad habits to form and then trying to correct them, Just Behaving proactively prevents unwanted behaviors from ever taking root​. Puppies are gently steered away from problematic actions (jumping, nipping, excessive barking) from day one, so there’s nothing to “un-train” later. This preventative approach means aversive punishments or constant corrections are largely unnecessary – the puppy simply grows up with good habits established as the norm. Finally, the Just Behaving philosophy integrates holistic wellness on the principle that a dog’s physical health and emotional behavior are deeply interconnected. For example, maintaining optimal gut health and nutrition is seen as pivotal to emotional well-being; families are guided on high-quality diets and preventive care to support resilience against issues like Giardia or Coccidia, which in turn helps stabilize behavior​. By combining mentorship-based learning, emotional consistency, proactive habit formation, and wellness, Just Behaving creates an environment where puppies flourish into calm, confident dogs.

Purpose & Benefits of Collaboration:  Collaborating with Just Behaving offers unique academic and clinical value for veterinary behavior residents (DACVB candidates) and canine behavior researchers. For the academic researcher, Just Behaving provides access to real-world behavioral data and has an established framework prepared that is ready to be examined scientifically. The program’s methods have been refined in practice, but like any evolving approach they invite rigorous validation​. A resident or researcher can leverage this collaboration to ask research questions that are difficult to address in standard clinical settings – for example, do puppies raised with mentorship-based methods show measurably fewer anxiety-related behaviors than those raised with conventional training? By partnering with us, you gain a controlled, rich source of observational data and case studies to help answer such questions. In turn, your analyses and publications contribute to the advancement of veterinary behavioral science, empirically evaluating an innovative methodology that has, until now, primarily been supported by anecdotal success. This synergy helps bridge the gap between academia and real-world practice.

Clinically, working with Just Behaving can expand a DACVB resident’s toolbox and perspective. You will be exposed to a structured mentorship model in action – an approach that emphasizes developmental psychology, preventive behavior management, and emotional welfare. Observing and analyzing dogs raised under this philosophy can deepen your understanding of early-life factors in behavior. It offers a chance to see how concepts like secure attachment and social learning manifest in household settings​. Collaborators can apply insights from our data to their own cases: for instance, learning how fostering calm mentor-like interactions might help a client dog with separation anxiety or how incorporating a prevention-first strategy could avert escalation of reactivity. Furthermore, the Just Behaving team is committed to structured mentorship at the human level too – we welcome residents and researchers as partners in learning, providing open discussion, transparency in our protocols, and context for each case. In essence, you not only gain valuable research data but also a mentor-like support system for your academic growth. This collaborative experience can culminate in co-authored case reports or studies, conference presentations, and a deeper evidence-based appreciation for how early environment and guidance shape canine behavior.

Key Areas for Collaborative Research: There are several exciting topics where Just Behaving’s real-world experience and your research expertise can intersect for mutual benefit. We invite collaborators to explore areas such as:

• Mentorship-Based Development & Canine Anxiety: Investigating how a structured mentorship upbringing impacts the prevalence or severity of anxiety disorders (e.g. separation anxiety, generalized anxiety or reactivity) in dogs. Our approach aligns with attachment theory – a puppy raised with consistent, responsive leadership forms a secure bond and is “less prone to separation anxiety and more resilient” later in life​. A study could compare cohorts of dogs raised with mentorship and prevention to those with conventional socialization, measuring outcomes like anxiety-related behaviors or cortisol levels when alone. This research can quantify the long-term emotional stability conferred by early mentorship and consistent calm interactions.

• Emotional Reciprocity and Human-Canine Modeling: Delving into the two-way emotional feedback between owners and dogs. Just Behaving explicitly teaches that dogs mirror      human emotions and that consistent human calmness yields calmer dogs​. Collaborators could research how owner behavior and emotional regulation training (for the humans) affect canine stress signals or recovery from excitement. For example, a project might track whether dogs whose handlers practice our “calm creates calm” approach (mindful breathing, low-arousal responses) show fewer stress behaviors in clinic or novel environments compared to dogs with more emotionally inconsistent handlers. Such work would illuminate the power of emotional modeling and could validate training programs for owners to improve canine outcomes.

• Gut Health, Nutrition, and Behavior Intersection: Exploring the links between physical health (especially gastrointestinal health) and behavior development. Just Behaving places      heavy emphasis on gut health (e.g. using probiotics, high-quality diets) to support overall wellness and believes this has behavioral payoffs​. A research collaboration could analyze our puppies’ health and behavior records to see if puppies with optimized nutrition and proactive parasite management (preventing Giardia, Coccidia, etc.) have lower incidences of stress behaviors or better learning progress. This could be part of a broader look at the gut-brain axis in canines, using our population as a case study for how preventive healthcare and diet contribute to behavioral resilience. Data could include stool analyses, growth and immunity metrics alongside temperament assessments over time.

• Structured Companionship & Indirect Correction Effects: Studying the efficacy of      structured companionship (our practice of calm, guided engagement vs.  chaotic play) and indirect correction (subtle, non-forceful discipline) in developing emotional regulation and behavioral resilience. Just Behaving dogs are raised with plenty of play and exercise, but always in a way that they can switch back to calm easily, rather than staying hyper-aroused​. Research could measure if dogs trained with these calm-interaction protocols cope with stress or novel stimuli better than those accustomed to high excitement. Additionally, our use of gentle interrupters and body language  for correction – mimicking how adult dogs discipline puppies – is designed to set boundaries without instilling fear​. A study might evaluate behavioral outcomes (confidence, aggression, handler focus) in dogs who’ve only experienced indirect corrections versus those with more aversive or permissive training histories. This would provide data on how guidance style impacts a dog’s emotional development and trust. Ultimately, such research can quantify how structured companionship routines and low-stress corrections contribute to a dog’s ability to self-regulate and bounce back from surprises.

Detailed Overview of Just Behaving’s Methodology and Philosophy: Just Behaving is grounded in a well-defined yet continually evolving methodology, built on both practical experience and insights from behavioral science. The approach originated from recognizing that conventional training often left dogs obedient but emotionally unbalanced​. Rather than accepting the status quo of dogs that “comply but remain internally anxious or unpredictable,” the founders of Just Behaving questioned mainstream assumptions and looked to how dogs naturally learn in stable social groups​. Over years of refinement, this led to a philosophy that sees dog rearing not as a series of command-and-reward drills, but as an interactive mentorship fostering the dog’s own decision-making and emotional maturity. Importantly, Just Behaving is not a static or doctrinaire method – it’s described as an “evolving framework” that welcomes skepticism and demands continuous improvement through evidence​. This openness means we actively incorporate new findings and adapt our practices, staying rigorously thoughtful about what truly benefits the dog’s well-being.

At its core, Just Behaving rests on Five Pillars – five interdependent principles that together produce a holistic framework for raising a well-adjusted dog​. These pillars, briefly outlined below, encapsulate the key elements of our methodology:

• Mentorship: Learning through natural social interaction. In lieu of formal obedience classes, puppies learn by observing and interacting with well-behaved adult dogs and by receiving gentle guidance from humans​. We create a structured environment where mature dogs model appropriate behavior, and human caregivers set consistent expectations. This combination of canine role models and human mentors allows puppies to internalize norms by imitation and immediate feedback, rather than through constant commands. A mentorship approach ensures the dog-human relationship is built on trust and understanding, not fear or bribery – much like a wise older dog teaching a younger one, the guidance is firm but friendly.

• Calmness: The foundation of balanced behavior. Just Behaving treats a calm emotional state as the default and most desirable mood for a dog, in contrast to the common notion that a happy dog is always hyper or excited​. From puppyhood, excitement is not indulged for its own sake; instead, calm behaviors are consistently reinforced. One of our hallmark practices is structured companionship – engaging with dogs through low-arousal activities (like quiet exploration, relaxed leash walks, or simply coexisting in the same space) rather than riling them up with frenetic play​. This doesn’t mean dogs never play; rather, play and exercise are done in a context where the dog can easily return to a relaxed state afterwards. By prioritizing calmness, we prevent anxiety and over-stimulation from taking hold early in life. Dogs learn to self-soothe and find comfort in human presence without constant activity,   which in turn makes them more adaptable and less prone to stress-induced behaviors.

• Indirect Correction: Subtle guidance, not punishment. Effective discipline in our model looks very much like a well-socialized older dog teaching a puppy – it’s quick, calm, and never harsh​. Rather than loud scolding or physical punishment, we use mild cues and consequences to redirect misbehaviors. For example, a timely block with the body if a pup starts to jump, a brief withdraw of attention for mouthing, or a gentle “uh-uh” sound to mark an off-limits      action​. These indirect corrections communicate “that’s not okay” without startling or intimidating the puppy. The approach prevents the erosion of trust that heavy-handed corrections can cause, and it avoids creating anxiety or conflict. The puppy instead experiences guidance as a normal part of interaction, much as they would among their litter or pack. Over time, this builds a rich communication system between human and dog – the dog learns to read subtle cues and the human learns to give feedback at the right moment, usually within 1-3 seconds of the behavior, so the puppy can connect cause and effect​. Indirect correction works in tandem with prevention: because we strive to stop major misbehaviors from ever becoming habits, the corrections we do make are gentle refinements rather than large punishments.

• Structured Leadership:  Being a parent, not a playmate. Just Behaving encourages owners to take on a calm, leadership role in their dog’s life – analogous to a wise parent – rather than just a constant play buddy or servicer of the dog’s demands​.  Structured leadership means providing clear guidance and boundaries so the dog understands the rules and their place in the family hierarchy. It is not about domineering or “alpha” posturing, but about consistency and fairness. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect and whom to look to for direction. We teach owners to lovingly enforce rules (for instance, not giving in to a dog’s every attention-seeking whim) and to make choices in the dog’s best interest,  even if that means sometimes resisting the urge to spoil or excite the dog. By exercising self-discipline – e.g. greeting a dog calmly even if you’re happy to see them, or sticking to a training boundary when it would be easier to let it slide – owners demonstrate reliable leadership. This pillar recognizes that many behavior problems stem from dogs being confused about who is in charge. With structured leadership, the dog doesn’t have to guess; they can relax and “just be a dog” because they trust their human to handle things. Over time, this structured leadership naturally evolves into a less hands-on mentorship as the dog matures, but the foundation of trust and respect remains throughout.

• Prevention: Addressing behaviors before they start. The final pillar, prevention, is arguably the most powerful.  Rather than allowing undesirable behaviors to develop and then trying to fix them later, Just Behaving focuses on preventing those behaviors from the very beginning​. This proactive strategy shapes the puppy’s habits by managing their environment and interactions thoughtfully. For example, if we know we never want an adult dog to jump on people, we simply never encourage a puppy to jump – even when they’re small and it seems cute or inconsequential​. From day one, all greeting and play is done with four paws on the floor, so the puppy never learns jumping on humans as an acceptable action. Similarly, to prevent mouthiness or biting, we don’t use our hands as toys and we provide appropriate chew objects during the intense teething phase. In doing so, we eliminate the future need for      harsh corrections because the “bad” behaviors never become established. Prevention works hand-in-hand with the other pillars: it leverages mentorship (puppies follow the lead of polite adult dogs and humans), reinforces calmness (a pup that never gets overstimulated has less opportunity to behave badly), minimizes the need for correction, and strengthens the owner’s role as a guide​. A preventive approach is also more humane and less stressful for the dog – they are set up for success, so they experience more praise and easy wins rather than confusion or punishment.  In short, we strive to make good behavior almost automatic by engineering the puppy’s early life in a positive, structured way.

These five pillars are interconnected and mutually reinforcing – each principle supports the others in creating a balanced, happy dog​. For instance, by providing calm mentorship, we inherently prevent many issues; by preventing issues, we rarely need more than indirect corrections; by being good leaders, we keep dogs calm, and so on. Our foundational literature (such as Foundations 1.1 and Pillars 1.1) elaborates on the theory behind each of these pillars and why they work​. A central practice that ties multiple pillars together is structured companionship – intentionally designing day-to-day interactions to be calm and constructive. In practical terms, this might mean a family chooses a quiet afternoon of the dog following them around the garden or resting at their feet during office work, instead of engaging in constant high-energy play. The dog still enjoys exercise and fun, but within a framework where excitement is tapered before it becomes overstimulation. This approach teaches the dog when and how to be excited, and more importantly, how to smoothly return to relaxation afterwards​. By switching between activity and calm in a controlled manner, the dog builds emotional resilience – they don’t get “stuck” in an adrenaline state and can cope with transitions (like coming inside after a romp) without protest or anxiety.

Equally important is the communication and emotional development progression that Just Behaving fosters as a puppy grows. Early on, the human’s role is more directive – akin to a parent setting rules – but as the puppy matures, the human shifts into more of a mentor role, allowing the dog to make choices and modeling desired behaviors​. This mirrors natural development: a very young puppy needs frequent management and teaching of basics, whereas an adolescent dog with a solid foundation can take more cues from observing and less from constant instruction. Throughout this progression, the dog’s ability to understand human communication deepens. We move from simple signals (body blocks, leash guidance) to very subtle cues (a look or slight hand gesture) as the dog learns the “language.” Likewise, the owner learns to read the dog’s body language and emotional state with increasing finesse. By adulthood, a Just Behaving dog and their owner share a kind of unspoken dialog and trust that is hard to achieve with training methods that focus only on commands. The outcome is a dog who behaves almost instinctively polite and calm because their whole upbringing has shaped their instincts toward those behaviors.

Just Behaving’s methodology is thoroughly documented in a series of guides and papers that we provide to clients and collaborators. For context, our Historical Context paper situates the Just Behaving philosophy within the evolution of dog training methods over time, and Just Behaving: An Evolving Philosophy further discusses the scientific, ethical, and psychological rationale behind our approach​. These give insight into why we do things differently and how our approach aligns with modern animal behavior science (for example, drawing parallels to attachment theory and stress research, and acknowledging areas where empirical validation is needed). On the practical side, we have detailed guides that translate the philosophy into day-to-day practice. For instance, our Leash Philosophy guide provides strategies for achieving calm, structured walking on leash – teaching dogs to follow a human’s lead without pulling, through gentle techniques that avoid the need for prong collars or constant treats​. The How We Talk to Dogs guide breaks down mindful communication, showing how tone of voice, words, and even our facial expressions affect a dog’s understanding and emotional state​. Additionally, our Teething Guide offers developmental insight and preventative tips for the challenging puppy teething phase (3–6 months) – keeping puppies comfortable and owners sane while ensuring that nipping habits don’t form​. And for families with young children, we created Just Behaving with Kids and Puppies, which provides structured interaction techniques so that kids can be part of the mentorship process rather than inadvertently encouraging bad behaviors​. Each of these materials is part of the comprehensive Just Behaving curriculum, and together they ensure that our philosophy is not just theory but a practical, teachable system covering all aspects of raising a dog. (All these foundational documents can be made available to interested researchers for review, giving you full visibility into the program’s underpinnings.)

Data & Documentation Availability: One of the strengths Just Behaving could offer to collaborators is a wealth of well-organized documentation and long-term data from our puppy raising program. We can maintain meticulous developmental journals for each puppy and young dog in our system – essentially longitudinal records that chronicle their behavioral milestones, social exposures, health events, and training progress week by week. These journals could include qualitative notes (e.g. observations of temperament changes, reactions in new situations) as well as quantitative tracking (such as the number of new people or dogs met in a given period, instances of anxiety, etc.). Over years, we could build a library of structured case studies on individual dogs and family implementations of Just Behaving. For example, when a family adopts a puppy from us, we could document the entire process: the puppy’s baseline behavior, the mentorship techniques the family uses, any challenges encountered (like a fear period or a specific behavioral hurdle), and the outcomes achieved. These case studies could be narrative-rich but also include data like before-and-after assessments or scoring of certain behaviors. These could serve as ready-made research case reports or as data points in a larger analysis. We could also record longitudinal emotional development data – this might include periodic evaluations of a dog’s confidence levels, stress responses, and adaptability as they mature. Because our approach emphasizes emotional state, we would have notes like “at 4 months, pup could settle in crate 10 minutes after play; at 6 months, settles in 2 minutes” or “by 1 year, dog shows no signs of resource guarding, which were minor at 5 months,” and so on. These kinds of longitudinal observations are gold for researchers interested in developmental trajectories.

Furthermore, Just Behaving incorporates health and wellness records alongside behavior. Since we consider factors like diet, gut health, and medical status part of the whole picture, our data would include vet check-up summaries, growth charts, parasite test results, etc. This means a collaborator could, for instance, correlate a Giardia infection or dietary change with any regression or progress in a puppy’s training journal. All identifying information can be removed from these records; our priority is to share the substance of the data in a usable format. We would uphold systematic record-keeping, so multiple dogs’ data can be compared because they often follow similar logging formats. This opens the door for robust cohort studies – for example, comparing two cohorts raised in slightly different mentorship settings, or a retrospective analysis of dozens of dogs’ histories to find patterns (perhaps linking early mentorship intensity to later obedience scores, as one could investigate). Because prevention makes “problems” less visible, we could even log what doesn’t happen – e.g. noting that a dog reached 1 year with zero incidents of separation anxiety symptoms, which is significant when you have a large sample. All these documents and datasets would be available for researchers in a collaborative project, with appropriate agreements. We believe in transparency and have built a culture of thorough documentation – and we actively encourage collaborators to use and even augment these record formats. In fact, we invite those working with us to contribute their observations and data as well, further enriching the dataset for everyone’s benefit​. The end goal is a comprehensive evidence base that can validate and refine the Just Behaving philosophy while offering publishable insights into canine development.

Expectations and Collaboration Process: To ensure a productive partnership, we have clear expectations and a structured collaboration process for DACVB residents and researchers working with Just Behaving. Below is an outline of how a typical collaboration might proceed and what each party can anticipate:

1. Initial Consultation & Project Proposal:   Interested residents or researchers start by reaching out (see contact info below) to discuss their research interests and goals. We typically schedule an introductory meeting to explore where your academic questions intersect with our program’s offerings. At this stage, we encourage you to propose ideas – whether it’s a formal study or an exploratory analysis – and we share insight into the available dogs, cases, or data that could support those ideas. Both parties will identify clear objectives for the project (e.g. “evaluate effects of mentorship on separation anxiety metrics in 20 dogs” or “publish a case series on three severe reactivity cases handled with prevention-first methods”). We’ll ensure the project scope is realistic and valuable for all involved.
   
2. Project Design & Agreement: Once a project idea is mutually agreed upon, we move into detailed design. This includes outlining the methodology (e.g. study type, data needed, timeline) and addressing any ethical or logistical considerations (for instance, if new data collection is required from client-owned dogs,  ensuring client consent and IACUC approval if applicable). We’ll define roles – who will collect or provide data, who will perform analysis, etc. – and set milestones. At this stage, we usually formalize the collaboration with a written agreement or protocol so that expectations on data use, confidentiality, and publication rights are clear to everyone.   Just Behaving is committed to scientific rigor, so we are happy to assist in refining the study design to meet publication standards (we can also connect you with any veterinary practitioners or our consulting biostatistician if needed for design input).
   
3. Data Access & Collection: With a plan in place, we grant you access to the relevant documentation and data.   For existing records, this might mean providing de-identified case files, journal entries, video footage, or Excel datasets as needed. If the project involves prospective data collection (say you want to observe behavior in real time or implement an intervention), we will coordinate scheduling: you might visit our facility, join our team during training sessions, or we might facilitate remote video observations. Throughout this phase, we maintain close communication. Expect a secure data-sharing setup (such as a shared drive or database) where all project materials are organized. We also ensure you have any background information required to interpret the data correctly – for example, explanations of our scoring systems, definitions of terms in our records, or context about any unique cases. Our team will be on hand to answer questions as you delve into the data.
   
4. Ongoing Collaboration & Support: As the project progresses, we set up regular check-ins (e.g. biweekly or monthly calls) to discuss preliminary findings, troubleshoot any issues, and ensure you have everything you need. This is very much a two-way mentorship: we offer our practical insights on canine behavior to help interpret nuances in the data, and we eagerly learn from your analytical perspective. We can also facilitate contact with families or veterinarians in our network if direct interviews or additional queries come up (with appropriate permissions). Essentially, you are welcomed as part of the Just Behaving team for the duration of the project – we value open dialogue, whether it’s sharing an unexpected observation or re-evaluating a hypothesis based on initial results. We find that this collaborative spirit often leads to new ideas or follow-up studies. Throughout, we ask that collaborators uphold the welfare-first ethos of our program (for example, if testing any new protocol with our dogs, it must be gentle and in line with our philosophy) and maintain professional courtesy with any clients or staff involved.
   
5. Analysis, Publication & Dissemination: As you analyze the data and draw conclusions, Just Behaving will continue to support you. We can provide historical context for findings, help interpret surprising results, or run additional observations if a question arises late in analysis. When it comes to writing up the results, we are happy to contribute background information or manuscript editing from the practitioner’s point of view. We fully expect and encourage collaborators to seek publication of the work in journals or present at conferences – our one request is to be acknowledged appropriately (and we will gladly co-author if our contribution warrants, or simply be thanked in acknowledgments if not). We can also assist with visuals, such as providing high-quality photographs of the dogs or diagrams of our training setup, to enhance your presentation or paper. Before any publication or public presentation, we do a mutual review to ensure accuracy regarding the description of Just Behaving methods and to protect any confidential information. The end of the project isn’t the end of our relationship: we welcome ongoing partnerships and many collaborators choose to pursue multiple studies or a larger follow-up project after an initial pilot.   Ultimately, our process is designed to be supportive and enriching – you can expect transparency, robust data, and cooperative engagement at every step, and in return we count on your professionalism, objectivity, and adherence to scientific and ethical standards.

Contact Information & Next Steps: If you are a DACVB resident, veterinary behaviorist, or canine science researcher interested in collaborating, Just Behaving enthusiastically invites you to connect with us. We believe that working together will not only advance your goals but also contribute meaningfully to the field of animal behavior. 

To initiate a collaboration, please reach out through our website’s contact form or send us an email at droach@justbehaving.com expressing your area of interest. We will respond promptly to arrange an introductory discussion.  

Whether you have a fully formed research proposal or just a general curiosity about exploring our data, we encourage you to get in touch. This collaboration program is a priority for us, so you can expect a dedicated point of contact and a welcoming team ready to facilitate your project. 

Together, we can explore new insights into canine behavior and improve the lives of dogs and their people through science and compassion. 

Contact us today to start the conversation – we look forward to working with you on pioneering behavioral research that makes a real-world impact.

Supporting Sample Materials:

• Sample Case Study Packet (PDF):     A comprehensive example of a Just Behaving case study, packaged for research reference. This packet would include a narrative description of the case (e.g. a puppy with early signs of separation anxiety that were resolved through mentorship-based strategies), along with extracts from that dog’s actual developmental journal, behavior assessment forms, and outcome summaries. Charts or timelines highlighting key interventions and behavior changes for quick visual reference. The format starts with a one-page case synopsis (background, goals, results),  followed by sections like “Daily Journal Excerpts,” “Before/After Behavior Metrics,” and “Analysis/Discussion” where we annotate what was done and how the dog responded. This document serves as a template to show how data is organized and how a real-world case can translate into an academic-style report.

• Longitudinal  Behavior Tracking Template (Spreadsheet): A ready-to-use template for tracking a dog’s  behavior and development over time, which collaborators can use for data      collection or analysis. This can be in Excel or Google Sheets format with predefined columns and formulas. For example, columns  include Date/Age, Environment/Context (home, park, etc.), Notable  Behaviors Observed (with dropdown for categories like calm, moderate excitement, anxious, etc.), any Intervention Used (if applicable), and Comments. The template  includes sample rows to illustrate how to log entries (e.g. “16 weeks old – met 2 new adults calmly, slight startle at loud noise, recovered in 5 seconds – noted with a ‘recovery time’ column”). We include a sheet for summary statistics that auto-calculate trends (such as average calm duration, frequency of stress signals per week, etc.). This tool would help standardize data recording for any new observations a researcher makes and facilitate easy analysis of longitudinal data.

• Mentorship Structure Planning Guide (PDF/Worksheet): A guide designed to help a collaborator plan out the implementation or observation of the Just Behaving mentorship model in a study or case. This is part explanatory text and part fillable worksheet. The guide  recaps the key components of mentorship and structured leadership (so the researcher remembers what to look for or implement), then provides planning templates. For example, one section is Environment Setup – with prompts to outline how the dog’s environment will be managed to prevent unwanted behaviors (the researcher would fill in: e.g. “Use baby gate to prevent door rushing; set up crate as safe space”). Another section is Mentor Interactions – where the planner notes who the canine or human mentors are and how/when they will interact (e.g. “Adult dog mentor play sessions: 2x daily for 15 minutes, supervised”;  “Human mentor will practice calm greetings each morning”). Essentially, this guide ensures that if a researcher or resident wants to apply the Just Behaving framework in a new setting (such as a trial at their clinic or a shelter study), they have a checklist and planning tool to maintain fidelity to our methods.

• Puppy Development & Socialization Journal Template (PDF or Digital Form): A simplified version of our developmental journal for general use, which is provided to collaborators who want to collect similar data on their own cases or research subjects. This is a PDF form and a set of journal pages that can be printed or used in a note-taking app. It is organized by week  (e.g. Week 8, Week 9, ... Week 52) with prompts each week for key areas:  “New Experiences This Week,” “Mentorship Activities Observed,” “Notable Behaviors/Progress,” “Challenges/Stressors and Responses,” and “Health/Nutrition notes.” There are tick boxes for common developmental milestones (like “First teeth lost,” “Started teething  biting,” “Met other species (cats/horses/etc.)”). By using this template,  a researcher can systematically record data in a way that aligns with how our existing records are kept, making comparisons easier. The format encourages thorough, consistent journaling, which is useful for both clinical reflection and research coding later.