Friend of Familiars Animal Training

08/28/2026

06/14/2026

06/03/2026

Herding in 2026.. 📱

05/02/2026

Hello Friends! We are currently experiencing difficulties with our phone line, so please direct training inquiries to our email or Chat here on Facebook.

Apologies for the inconvenience, thank you Friends!

04/14/2026

04/09/2026

📚🐾 Did you know kids can read to shelter animals? 🐾📚

Our Book Buddies program gives young readers a fun way to boost confidence while comforting our dogs and cats. Recently these two incredible kids came in to work on their reading skills and provide some company to our shelter pups! 🐶📚

How it works:
• Sign up at hsdayton.org/book-buddies
• Check in at the front desk
• Choose a book or bring your own
• Grab a towel and name tag
• Read aloud to a dog or cat with a parent present. On nice days, enjoy reading outside by the outdoor kennels

💵 A 30-minute session is only $5
💵 For $15 you can upgrade your 30-minute session with a stuffed dog or cat plushie and HSGD bandana (while supplies last)

Learn more and sign up: hsdayton.org/book-buddies

04/09/2026

It doesn’t mean playing.
It never did.
“Socialisation” has a lot to answer for.

It has a far more important meaning, and it’s often missed because of that one word.

It’s not all about interactions with other puppies or dogs. That’s a very small part of it.
Yet we get stuck thinking socialisation = play.

That’s the issue.

Socialisation is the whole world around them.
The one we’re used to. They’re not.

And if we reduce it to just play with other dogs?
Problems are on the way.

Socialisation is about teaching safety.
Creating safety.
Letting your puppy feel safe.

Even if they’ve never seen a plane or heard a crowd, the goal is the same.
Slow, careful exposure so they can take it in without overwhelming them.

We forget, or maybe don’t fully appreciate, how much they need to get used to in our world.

Socialisation is careful, positive exposure.
Acclimation.
And yes, a level of "neutrality".

Wet grass.
Stairs.
Rain on their head.
A cat passing by.
A scooter moving past.

The goal was never just play.