Guest Bio

Jessica Perry Hekman, DVM, PhD, is a behavioral geneticist. She is one of the founders of the Functional Dog Collaborative (functionalbreeding.org), a non-profit which seeks to change the conversation around dog breeding in the dog loving community. She also teaches behavioral biology at the Virginia Tech online Masters program for Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare, and offers webinars online and consults with breeders about genetic testing and breeding choices. Perry lives in Raymond, NH with her husband and two dogs.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Perry Hekman unpacks the science behind puppy development, behaviour, and socialisation. She discusses why the first 12 weeks of a dog’s life are so crucial, how genetics interact with experience, and what we know (and don’t know) about creating stable, resilient adult dogs. Jessica and Daniel talk about how breeders, shelters, and puppy buyers can all play a role in shaping behavioural outcomes—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. They also dive into the mission behind the Functional Dog Collaborative and how a more inclusive, science-informed breeding culture can benefit dogs and humans alike.

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