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Dr. Valeri Farmer-Dougan

Professor Emeritus,  Psychology

Director, Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory

Illinois State University

  • PhD in Experimental Psychology: Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Specialty: Animal Behavior, emphasis in Canine Behavior
  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Puppy Start Right certified trainer
  • Free Free Certified Dog Trainer
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Trick Dog Evaluator
  • Member, Association for Pet Dog Trainers and the Animal Behavior Society

Why don’t dogs don’t live as long as people?

People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life.
— like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?

Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.’​ ​


Office Hours: Fall 2022

Office: I no longer have an office on the ISU campus. I do hold office hours before labs begin at Pet Central Helps at 3 pm on Monday and Wednesday, or by appointment (in person or zoom).

  • Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory:
    • Pet Central Helps Animal Rescue and Shelter
    • 360 Wiley Drive, Suite 720, Normal, IL 61761

Current Course and Laboratory Info

P33​​​​1.03-01: Advanced Laboratory in Operant  Behavior

  • Monday lecture 11-12:15 in Deg. 463 
  • Mon/Wed labs at 4, 5 and 6pm at PCH

Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory​

Academic vitae


My Canine Research Assistants

SHADOW:

Born 7/29/2014 he is now my service dog.
Please don’t pet him if he is working, but if his vest is off…he is just a bundle of love! He will keep you entertained, and eat your lunch if you are not careful!

AKC Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Trick titles

CGC title


Pip The Pouting Poodle

Born 5/9/2103, Pip is our resident Therapy Dog. 
Excellent at greatings and being in a snit! She may look innocent, but don’t believe her!​


Perkins:

Born 9/20/2019 Deaf/Low vision

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Growing like crazy and a wonderful addition to our lab.


Moe:

8 year old Deaf/low vision Australian Shepherd​
He may not see or hear well, but he always makes sure the doors and gates are closed!


Keller:

7 year old Deaf/blind
Australian Shepherd. 
Rocks at scent work….including finding treats you have  left around the lab


IN MEMORIAM

My faithful companions now on the Rainbow Bridge

In Memoriam:
​ZOOMBA: 

9.5 year old Deaf Australian Shepherd. 
December 29, 2009 to June 20, 2019

Miss Zoomba Changed my life, my research, my career. Forever am I grateful for her. I miss her dealy.


In memoriam: 
Seamus  (CGC titled)

My “old man” Golden Retriever ​and faithful test dog. He was my KPA dog, my savior, he was my everything. March 23, 2005 to June 24, 2015.
He was the bestest
4-legged

friend ever!


In memoriam: Miss Lilly Puppy  

2000-2013​

Faithful friend and sweetheart


A Dog Lover’s Motto

So live like a dog:
Live simply; Love generously; Care deeply; Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps, Stretch before rising and run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your 
back on the grass..
On hot days, drink lots of water 
and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around 
and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. 
Be loyal and never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. 
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY


Want to help? Here are two rescues that I currently work with……. 

they love donations and/or volunteers. 

-And think of the karma you will build up with the dogs!

Our Partner: PetCentralHelps.org​

Pet Central helps the community by example and action. We uphold the highest standards in progressive 

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