Diwa Dogs

Diwa Dogs helps Filipino dog guardians build strong, trusting relationships with their dogs. Learn a

08/07/2024

Happy, happy 4th birthday to our beloved Brooklyn 99! 🎉🎂🐾 Of course I’ll break my hiatus for a bit just for you. 😘

If it weren’t for Corgdad and your Achi conniving together during the pandemic, we’d never have crossed paths, and you wouldn’t have brought so much joy, challenge, and laughter to our home.

Stay healthy, strong, and protective over our family. I love you to the moon and back. ❤️

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Stay tuned for more updates. Diwa Dogs is finally moving back home in a couple of weeks! 🥂

🎵Music: Relaxing Ballad
Musician: Alexander Nakarada

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31/05/2024

Diwa Dogs isn’t as active on the socials, but the work continues! 💪 This is a message/testimonial I received from a Filipino guardian who struggled with their dog’s stress and anxiety over being left at home. I’m not a certified Separation Anxiety trainer, but I invited them to have a 1-hour call with me.

We talked about their experience, why it’s so important to acknowledge SA as a real problem, and possible options they can try to address it with the available resources they had. For foundational skills, the focus had to be on:

- Reducing stress in the home
- Reading stress-related body language, both the subtle and visible
- Building confidence and independence in a safe and gradual manner
- Changing associations to toys that were once indications of the guardian leaving

This guardian got to work right away, taking baby steps and observing the small but meaningful changes to their dog:

“So far I’m able to go out na po ng kwarto ng dala bag, keys, work jacket and naka sapatos na. Not just walk po inside the house pero nakakalabas po na ko ng apartment mismo namin. Will make more DIY snuffle toys pa in small boxes around sa apartment para I can try doing yung missions longer.

I thought po talaga hindi magwork yung ginagawa ko the last two weeks and about to give up na. Pero contacting your page and nung nakausap ko po kayo sa call. Lahat po ng nadiscuss natin and yung mga pinagagawa sakanya are helping. I’m ready to repeat it, do everything asked. May progress and it’s giving me more hope na mafix namin to. ❤️❤️❤️”

My heart swells with joy over this guardian’s dedication to their companion! 😭 Thank you for having faith in your dog and trust in Diwa Dogs.

To those who’re struggling with a similar situation, there’s hope and a support system for you!

- Stef and the Diwa Dogs gang

11/03/2024

Windy and I made it in time to the Pueblo campus of for “Wellness with Paws”. Hosted by my good friend and founder of .society.ph they shared the importance of responsible dog guardianship, the 5 freedoms, and to encourage adoption when bringing home a new companion. The eager grade school kids loved seeing all the dogs today! ❤️🐾

Windy and I talked a bit about R+ training and showed the kids some tricks to brighten up the kids’ day. More photos and videos to come! 😍

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09/03/2024

Windy and I are joining our first event of 2024! 🤩 We’ll be visiting the students of for “Wellness with Paws” organized by .society.ph. If traffic and weather permit, Windy and I will be attending as advocates of positive reinforcement (R+) training and responsible dog guardianship. 🐾

Huge thank you to Corpus Christi for wanting to promote empathy and awareness for dogs of all shapes and sizes! 👏

08/01/2024

⭐️ CLIENT WIN: Team Oreo ⭐️

Team Oreo make up Oreo the Aussie Shepherd and his dedicated guardians. They’re my first Control Unleashed students working with me through virtual consultations. My heart swells with pride over how much progress they’ve made since starting their R+ CU journey last year. 🥳

They’re living proof that 1) you CAN learn and apply R+ behavior modification online and 2) you CAN train a dog humanely and fear-free. 🎉

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Choosing Steph as our dog trainer was one of the best decisions for Oreo. The customized Positive Reinforcement R+ approach, combined with a deep understanding of canine behavior, set the foundation for our lifelong journey into managing Oreo’s sensitivities.

Apart from having R+ dog behavior certifications, Steph has a genuine love and sincere compassion for dog training, as well as a deep understanding of the difficult challenges pet parents go through. This has made our training sessions not just precise and effective, but it also provided the right environment where we all felt open and secure to learn and grow as pet parents.

Steph, we can’t thank you enough for your compassion and advocacy. Taking that first step with you has made a remarkable difference in our journey to providing Oreo the best life possible!”

Thank you so, so much Team Oreo! I’m super thankful and happy that we’re continuing their training program this year. ❤️🐾

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24/12/2023

Merry Christmas from the Diwa Dogs family to yours! 🐾❤️🐶🎄 Sappho and Scarlet decided to sit this “photoshoot” out because of all the noise and, well, having other, *better* things to do. 😂

I want to take this time to recognize all the people in the Philippines who love their dogs, and who love them to the point that they’ve made the decision to use kindness and science-based training. Whether it was to tackle goals or address behavior issues, thank you for making the shift and working everyday on your progress with your dog. Small wins and tiny moments of success can go a long, long way! 🏅

Windy, Brooklyn, and I hope you’ll get much-needed rest this Christmas. We’ll see you all in the new year! 🎉

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08/11/2023

11 years of Sappho. ✨❤️

Happiest 11th birthday to my soul dog, Sappho the Beautiful. She came to me at 5 months old in April 2013. Back then, I considered her my “graduation gift” after completing university. Little did I realize she was sent to be my teacher, companion, best friend, my children’s snuggle bug, and my shoulder to cry on.

Sappho is also a living testimony to the benefits of meeting our dogs’ needs before we even think of training or obedience. She stands as an example of positive and healthy change when we choose to raise dogs with kindness, trust, communication, and agency. It’s HARD WORK and a direct challenge to us humans when we’ve been so seeped into the idea that dogs are property and things we think we can force and shape into what we assume and expect them to be.

I always beat myself up for the years I have failed her, but Sappho always shows me that what matters is her ability to choose and my ability to listen to her. And with that mutual exchange, she continues to live for us. She was there throughout many of my milestones, and I pray she’ll be with me for many more years to come.

I love you Bee. ❤️

10/10/2023

Think of CROPS 🌽 when planning a training session with your dog. I encourage all my client teams to train with this mindset. I also dropped in a bonus tip in today's post. 👀

10/10/2023

Every training session is a step towards your training goals, so you want to make sure you and your dog are always successful.

Although learning is never a straight line, it can be very frustrating when your dog doesn't offer the behavior you want, or practices the very behavior you want to change. 😬

Before pulling out the juicy treats, I encourage you to consider these 5 tips to create a successful session. Think of CROPS 🌽

* Consistency - Use a reward marker that will ALWAYS mean they did a great job. A reward marker can be a clicker, a verbal marker (Yes!), clapping, tone, and the like.

* Reinforcement - Your dog is the only one who decides what's reinforcing for them. Find out what YOUR DOG finds valuable, and use this to strengthen the behavior.

* Objective - Define the skill or behavior you want to build or reinforce in your dog. What do you want your dog to do?

* Plan - Set up the environment where you and your dog can work with little to no distractions, so you're both always successful.

* Short and sweet - Keep the training session short, then give your dog a break. 2-5 minutes is already enough. 💆‍♀️

All my client teams learn with CROPS to guide them. If this is something that resonates with you, feel free to send a message! 📬
- Stef of Diwa Dogs

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07/10/2023

Scarlet and I hope you're all getting the rest you need and spending quality time with your learners! 💜

I love these photos of her wearing a purple ribbon I just plucked out of a gift basket from S&R. Knowing how frightened people usually are of her, and keeping in mind the underlying preference to light-colored dogs over dark-colored dogs*, I wanna celebrate her and how beautiful she is despite her age and appearance.

We'll see you all tomorrow!

* https://www.fotasaiken.org/why-are-black-dogs-and-cats-often-the-last-to-be-adopted/ #:~:text=It%20is%20a%20statistical%20fact,Black%20Dog%20and%20Cat%20Syndrome.

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25/09/2023

Today’s my 3rd anniversary being Brooklyn’s mom, guardian, teacher, fellow learner, provider, and friend. In a way, it’s because of our decision to add him to our family that I entered the animal welfare profession. ⭐️

Thank you for helping me learn and unlearn many things, Brooklyn. We’re both a work-in-progress, but I’ll always be proud of how far you’ve come. 🤗

* one thing I learned in the dog community is that “Gotcha Day” is only used for adopted dogs who one doesn’t have any info of their birthdays. To respect this and still celebrate the day we became dog parents, let’s reframe it to “happy anniversary to us being our dogs’ parents”. 🎉

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🏷️ #コーギー #柯基

15/09/2023

I got my CCUI certificate in the mail! 🤩

Thank you to my mentor, Leslie McDevitt–the very founder and creator of the Control Unleashed pattern games–and her team of mentors and instructors, for this acknowledgement.

Dreams do come true. ✨

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05/09/2023

Did you just take home your puppy or young dog? If this is your first time raising a dog, or you're just not sure where to begin, I encourage you to consider positive reinforcement (R+) and enrichment as a way to build a solid foundation for your companion.

They're here to stay for the next ~12-15 years, so meeting their needs and teaching them skills will help you prevent and manage behavioral issues that can become challenging if left alone.

In today's post, I share 5 reasons why you should consider positive reinforcement (R+) and enrichment EARLY in your dog's life. With R+, you can:

🐾 Encourage curiosity and confidence for the real world.
🐾 Create a long history of positive learning experiences.
🐾 Prevent potential behavior issues you'd have to work EXTRA hard on later in their life.
🐾 Strengthen your dog's relationship with you.
🐾 Provide the best quality of life for your dog.

If you already are raising your dog(s) with R+, what was the biggest benefit in your life with your dog? - Stef, Chief Treat Tosser at Diwa Dogs 🍪

Icon credits to

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21/08/2023

Last August 5th was my 1st anniversary as a credentialed R+ trainer, and the first IAABC-ADT in the Philippines. I look back at the day I got my results, and felt pure joy and gratitude for all the people, things, and events that helped me pursue dog training as a calling. I'm also amazed with how things changed in the dog community when lockdowns became a thing of the past and we got COVID-19 under control....

20/08/2023

I've been wanting to give the Diwa Dogs logo a sprucing up, so you can just imagine the giddiness and joy I felt as I updated my website banner, profile pictures, and avatars with this new look! ✨ Check out today's blog post for the back story behind the original logo and how I collaborated on the new version.

I'm so excited for what's in store for Diwa Dogs this year, and I hope you'll be there to find out with me. ⭐

I’ve been wanting to give the Diwa Dogs logo a sprucing up, so you can just imagine the giddiness and joy I felt as I updated my website banner, profile pictures, and avatars with this new lo…

13/07/2023

⭐ Diwa Dogs is officially the FIRST Certified Control Unleashed Instructor in the Philippines! ⭐

I’m so happy and proud to share that I’m now Stephanie Alexis Gonzaga, IAABC-ADT, CCUI. 🤩

Control Unleashed® is a program designed by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT-KA. It helps "dogs with issues" learn how to relax, focus, and work off-leash reliably in either stimulating or stressful situations. Dogs who work in the Control Unleashed program learn to reset, think, breathe, and calmly work through their environmental triggers with the help of predictable pattern games.

As a young dog guardian who got her start in training with pattern games, becoming Leslie McDevitt's mentee became THE DREAM for me. After earning my IAABC credentials, becoming a certified CU instructor in the Philippines was the perfect next step.

It took 9 months to complete the certification program. I'm filled with utmost humility and gratitude to so many people who became a part of this journey.

Thank you to my mentor, Leslie McDevitt, for your kindness, generosity, and time. Thank you for your knowledge, the gift of pattern games, and your detailed feedback so I can do even better for the dogs in my care.

Huge thank you to my family, especially the kids, and friends .gets.it for being my helpers in my video submissions. I wouldn’t have been able to complete my certification without their willingness to play the games with me.

Finally, thank you to Windy, Brooklyn, Sappho, and Scarlet for being the best partners and teachers. They’re the reason and purpose why I’ve set out on this path. 🐾

If you have questions about CU, feel free to message me for resources!

I can’t wait to see what’s next for us. 🔥 - Stef, Diwa Dogs

28/06/2023

📣 UPDATES as of 06/28/23

June 2023 private consultation slots are no longer available. Thank you to my client teams for choosing to work with Diwa Dogs! ❤️

With my most recent booking made today, I've also decided to put private consults on hold for the rest of Q3 instead of opening another 10 slots. This is due to changes I'm making to my current services, consultation fees, and with the direction Diwa Dogs is taking. 🍃

Starting my career and business as a credentialed +R dog trainer continues to be a process for me, and I'm making these changes based on what I'm seeing and learning. One of these is the gradual but significant shift to in-person vs. online or virtual consultations.

And that's fair! The good news is there are a handful of Filipino +R trainers now who can meet you in person and demonstrate the protocols for you. 👏

That said, expect the following:

* Diwa Dogs will continue to provide +R training services to families based in Cagayan de Oro city, Misamis Oriental.

* For those outside of my location, but who are eager and committed to working with me through online consultations, you'll have a new set of services and packages to choose from, which will be optimized for client progress and commitment.

* There will be an increase 🔼 in consultation fees and package rates starting August 5, 2023—my first anniversary as an IAABC-ADT! 🥳

* If you'd like to book a slot at my current rates and packages, feel free to message me before August 5th.

Thank you again to everyone who have been with me since Day 1. Happy training to you and your learners. 🐶 — Stef, Diwa Dogs

15/06/2023

“No,” says Windy.

This is how she tells me “no” or “I’m not ready” in specific contexts. She tucks her legs under her body and looks at me with a closed mouth.

This week, I’ve been slowly grinding her nails using and I’d take note of all the signs she’s saying “no”. This is one of them.

How does your dog tell you “no”?

If you’re not sure or you’ve never thought of them *ever* giving such a response, you can start teaching them they have this option through agency–giving the learner control over the situation, over their environment. By giving your learner some level of control over what’s happening to them or what’s being done to them, you help reduce possibilities of them resorting to growling, teeth-baring, snapping, and biting.

DMs are open if you’ve any questions! 🐾

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15/06/2023

⭐️ Diwa Dogs + Aspin Approved ⭐

If you've worked with me as a private client, you'll see local and international brands I'd recommend in your behavior or puppy foundation plans. Aspin Approved is one of them—they provide healthy dehydrated treats and chews for your dog's enrichment needs.

I've known Aspin Approved since Windy was a year old and have always relied on their affordable chews to keep my dogs busy and satisfied. I'm happy to share that apart from Windy's own discount code, you can use AADIWADOGS10 to get 10% off your order.

My treat recommendations are their Hoppin' treats (rabbit) and Lung delights (pork), but they have other variants you can try too. Their large cow ears and rabbit ears are also household faves you should try. 😋

https://www.aspinapproved.com/

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14/06/2023

"People want to justify traditional techniques just like they do in any sort of training. They wanna justify what they do, saying 'this is what we do, this works, and this is what we have to do'. And I would question that. Do we gave to do it that way? Aren't there any other options for how we can approach it?" — Dr. Deb Jones, PhD

I pulled these words from Dr. Jones during a webinar I attended because it emphasizes how crucial it is to ask questions, dig deeper, and consider other ways of doing something.

⚠️ If someone tells you that spanking or flooding your dog will make them learn, ask. Find out how and why.
⚠️ If someone tells you that hitting your dog or yanking their collar will make them stop barking, ask. Find out how and why.
⚠️ If someone tells you that you'll be able to teach your dog with positive reinforcement and management, ask. Find out how and why.
⚠️ If someone tells you that these are the steps to break down the behavior you want to teach, ask them how and why.

Work with a certified or accredited professional who can answer these questions with facts, but is also EAGER TO EXPLORE creative options that'll lead you closer to your goal.

Work with someone who'll listen to your suggestions and shape them to be even more effective, so you and your dog are set up for success.

— Stef, Diwa Dogs 🐾

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01/06/2023

I use a framework that touches on three (3) key pillars of behavior change and skills teaching. If you decide to work with Diwa Dogs on your behavior or training goals, these are the three things you'll often hear me talk about and actively guide you through.

3 Key Pillars of Your Dog’s Behavior Plan After consulting with a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant, you’re likely receive a written behavior plan. Your dog’s behavi…

01/06/2023

If you've just started following Diwa Dogs or have been watching our content for a while, I wanna welcome you and (re)introduce myself and my learners. 🐾

My name's Stephanie or "Stef" and I'm an accredited dog trainer grounded on the principles of LIMA. I received my accreditation from the IAABC. I currently offer private consultations to Filipino guardians with the hope of extending my work to shelters and rescue orgs.

These are just some of my areas:

- Puppy foundations (2-6 months)
- Adolescent dogs and working through adolescent behaviors (6-18 months)
- Dogs struggling with fear, stress, anxiety, or a lack of confidence
- Control Unleashed® pattern games for dogs of all ages
- Dog-to-dog and dog-to-human reactivity
- Muzzle training using +R

I'm currently getting education on the following:

- Becoming an instructor for dog training group classes
- Dog-to-dog household aggression
- Dog-to-human aggression
- Resource guarding and prevention

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My +R journey started in the middle of 2020 when I first brought home our big Corgi boy, Brooklyn. I learned what it means to reinforce behavior and encourage good choices. It was a delight to see my learners growing confident each day.

Becoming a trainer eventually became my calling when I started raising my partner, Windy—the winking Corgi beside me. We'd share what we do to the world and have received lots of encouragement from the community.

Windy taught me so much about being creative, breaking things down to shape behavior, and listening as she speaks through body language. I found joy in helping other Filipino guardians achieve harmony with their dogs that I decided to make it official in November 2021 by launching Diwa Dogs. I received my accreditation in August 2022.

Whether you're looking to work with a local accredited dog trainer, or just need a professional to hear you out, my inbox is open!

— Stef, Diwa Dogs 🐾

28/03/2023

Your dog deserves a life filled with fun, relaxing, and delicious enrichment activities. 🐶 But it doesn't need you to break the bank every time you want to meet your dog's needs. Here are 7 free enrichment activities you can give your dog using materials you likely already have in your home:

01: Save the next Lazada or LBC box that arrives at your doorstep. Fill it with toys, old shirts, packaging paper, and the like. Then sprinkle and hide your dog's food in the creases and folds before giving the package to them to sniff and enjoy.

02: Grab an empty egg trays or paper towel tube. Stuff these with your dog's meals or treats. Fold each end of the tube or close the egg tray shut to give your dog a challenge.

03: Lay out 2-3 old shirts or towels and sprinkle your dog's food or treats on them. Roll them up and give to your dog to sniff and unravel. Try tying each rolled up shirt or towel to make it a bundle.

04: Treats in your dirty laundry? Why not? Dump some of tomorrow's laundry and hide your dog's meals or treats in pockets, seams of shirts, and the like. Your dog's nose will need to decipher each scent or smell in your clothes to find their rewards.

05: Turn that old coffee table or sofa into an opportunity to teach your dog to station on a platform. It's something the Diwa dogs and I specifically love to do ourselves!

06: If your dog loves to dig, bury, or roll in sand or soil, give them their own sand pit so they don't find that outlet in your garden. Their own sand pit means they get to practice their natural doggy behaviors safely.

07: If you have a spare ice tray, fill it with plain Greek yogurt, kefir milk, or any other pet-friendly liquid treat. Freeze overnight then serve chilled. It's the perfect calming enrichment activity for the summer.

Which of these do you think your dog's gonna love? 🐾

Image credits to and

28/03/2023

I'm a huge advocate of enrichment as a lifestyle. It's more than just a way to keep your dog "busy". It's meeting your dog's needs and enriching their lives as they navigate what is predominantly a human world. I'm sure you've seen lots of examples of using food creatively for enrichment (have you seen some of the things people have made with a Westpaws Toppl?...

I’m a huge advocate of enrichment as a lifestyle. It’s more than just a way to keep your dog “busy”. It’s meeting your dog’s needs and enriching their lives as t…

17/03/2023

To teach our dogs using R+, to live our daily lives using R+ requires a significant shift in mindset. But the reality is that this doesn't come easy or naturally for many people.

I encourage you to try this exercise where you make small changes to language when you think of your dog and the goals you want to achieve.

On your phone, your journal, a table napkin, or whatever you have within reach, write down your vision for your dog or your training journey:

"I want _______ for my dog".

"I want my dog to ________".

"I wish to see my dog ___________".

This is so much clearer, more powerful, and more motivating than focusing solely on what we don't want our dogs to do.

Knowing what you want or what you want to see in your dog helps you plan out clear steps to actually make this vision a reality for the both of you.

And if you decide to work with an accredited or certified dog training professional, start your conversation with this vision. Show them the paper or notes, if it helps.

— Stef, Sappho, and Windy, 🐾❤️

15/03/2023

Join me and Windy in a quick muzzle training session! It's been a while since Windy wore and used her muzzle since we don't go on outdoor walks, but I felt it was a good opportunity to review what we've already learned.

I have a full tutorial on how I teach muzzle training using R+, but I shared some tips in this video for you:

1. You can use a word to cue the dog to put their nose into the muzzle.
2. Feed or reward through the muzzle's treat hole or gaps, so the dog gets familiar with taking food with the muzzle on.
3. Practice clipping the muzzle around the dog's face. This helps to gradually add duration, re: how long it's worn.
4. Liquid treats lets the dog lick the food off of the muzzle—a fun way to condition the tool to be a positive thing.
5. Walk with your dog while they're wearing the muzzle to further desensitize them to the tool.
Bonus tip: Have fun with your muzzle training! ❤️

Pop any questions you have in the comments or in my DMs. 🐾🐶

Address

Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental
Cagayan De Oro
9000

Website

https://diwadogs.com/

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Videos

November 8, 2023 - Sappho visits August Cafe CDO @augustcafe_cdo for her birthday lunch! 🎂 Dearest Sappho, I wish I could’ve celebrated all your other birthdays in this way. I was so consumed with my personal matters, raising the human children, and building my career that I never thought to remember and celebrate your life and your time with us. No matter! So long as you continue to be your sweet, puppy-like self, I will give you my all every single November 8th. Thank you for loving me, for loving us, and for forgiving us for the times I failed you. To many more healthy and funny years with you, my soul dog. ❤️ 🎵Music: Lovely Piece Musician: DaFox

For the @petminded summit, I called my presentation “Start from Scratch” because I’m a self-taught trainer who literally started from scratch. I had no access to positive reinforcement training schools, training facilities, Petsmart-like businesses, or animal welfare centers like the ASPCA here in CDO. Looking back at all that’s done and all that’s transpired to get to where I am, I feel nothing but gratitude for the people who I’ve come to know and who offered doorways for me to learn about animal behavior, communication, clicker training, and behavior modification. To give back, here’s the last part of my presentation where I share 5 takeaways for the self-taught trainer: 🐾 Identify your purpose. Identify your WHY. 🐾 Ask questions. Ask for information. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 🐾 Put in the work to gain the knowledge and experience needed to become a professional trainer. 🐾 Keep learning. Keep an open mind. Ideas and strategies that go against your beliefs and assumptions are valuable. 🐾 Give back. Pass on the kindness and generosity. That said, I’m back after my first virtual summit and look forward to creating R+ content again. Here’s to many more opportunities to spread the word! 🏷️ #thefutureisfearfree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers #choicebasedtraining #choicebased

⭐️ UPDATES: for Year 2 I’d like to dedicate Diwa Dogs to content creation, contributing to the R+ community in the Philippines, and being one of the driving forces of humane dog training in the country. This stemmed from reflections on the changes to the dog training industry since we got COVD-19 under control. You can also read about these updates in the Diwa Dogs blog. You’ll find the link in today’s Instagram stories. Feel free to ask any questions through email or a direct message here! - Stef, Diwa Dogs 🐾 — 🏷️#thefutureisfearfree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers #choicebasedtraining #choicebased

Windy and I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the new week! 💪 To kick things off, I encourage you to consider what your dog’s needs are and how to meet them before asking them to train. This is beyond treat puzzles and snuffle mats. Needs can be physical, cognitive, emotional, breed-specific, or nutritional, all of which your dog will need to be able to think, learn, and be successful in your training plan for them. If you’re not 💯 about your dog’s needs and how to meet them, ask your credentialed +R trainer these questions! They’re the best people to guide you with providing enrichment that ensures your dog’s filled their cup. ☕️ Happy training! – Stef and Windy, Diwa Dogs 🐾 — 🏷️ #canineenrichment #dogenrichment #thefutureisfearfree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers #choicebasedtraining #choicebased

Sappho’s DNA results reveal! 🧬 Is she really a purebred Cocker Spaniel? 🕵️‍♀️ I was surprised to see what the science revealed about her breed, genetics, and health. Thanks to @embarkvet for processing Sappho’s DNA all the way in the USA. I’m happy I invested in this because I got to know my dog so much more. I’m gonna print this and hang this on my wall when the house is done. Will you test your dog’s DNA? I think it’s a cool way to find out their ancestry and any health conditions they may have and that you can watch out for. In any case, this shows the level of detail the Embark Vet DNA kits can provide for you and your dog. — 🏷️ #embarkvet #embark #cockerspaniel #cockerlove #breed

Last July 8th was Brooklyn’s 3rd birthday. 🎂 I wanted to give him the opportunity to be himself, to experience freedom and safety for just a few hours. So we packed the dogs’ stuff and headed to a local ranch in Libona, CdO. I got super busy afterwards, so I only got around to compiling all his videos from that day. 🙈 I’m happy to share that it was a huge success, Brooklyn was the happiest boy, and he only reacted when the caretaker’s child approached the car. 🥲 Thank you for being in our lives, Brooklyn bebe. To many more healthy and happy years with you. Please stop peeing everywhere. 😂 🎵 Music: Lovely Piece by DaFox 🏷️ #BrooklyntheCorgi #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #happybarkday

Settling or doing nothing while a lot’s going on can either be a cinch 👌 or a challenge 🙃. It depends on several factors—your dog, the environment, their learning history, or their learning pace. To progress to the next level, think of the 3 D’s when proofing behavior: Distraction Duration Distance Then, slowly and gradually add one D into the session while decreasing criteria for the other D’s. Your dog will learn best when they’re not pushed too fast or too hard, and when they always make the right choices. Out of my four Diwa Dogs, Windy has a hard time settling down, so I practice her settling skills with as many varying distractions as possible. In this video, it’s me picking up dirty laundry. 🧺 Make sure to work with your credentialed +R trainer on a program that’ll help you and your dog achieve skills you both need to thrive in the home. Happy training! — Stef and Windy, Diwa Dogs 🐾 — 🏷️ #thefutureisfearfree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers #choicebasedtraining #choicebased

Diwa Dogs try the @embarkvet Dog DNA test 🐾 I purchased the Embark Vet DNA test to get more information about my senior lady, Sappho. Check their website for info on what these DNA tests reveal for you. 🧬 I’m honestly super worried the results will come out defunct or something because of how long shipping will take, but I’m praying we’ll see accurate results on Sappho’s genetics, breed makeup, and inherent diseases she may have. 🤞 ⚠️ Don’t try to ship your samples through couriers like LBC, 2Go, or FedEx. They’ll flat out reject your request because it contains liquids. Ship it out via Philpost and with a written statement regarding the sample. 🐶 If you’re based in the Philippines and want to explore the world of ETHICAL breeding, I think this is a good enough first step into doing your research and creating a program that will set your breeding dogs, puppies, and their future families up for success. Let’s see how this goes! – Stef, Diwa Dogs 🐾 — Music: Farewell Musician: Ilya Truhanov 🏷️ #embarkvet #embarkdna #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Windy’s nails can grow into what we like to joke about as “Sanderson sisters nails” 🧙‍♀️ if left alone for months, so I have these nail grinding sessions with her using cooperative care. It’s something I love to do with my dogs and encourage other Filipino guardians to consider when doing any form of husbandry work (for example: grooming, vet care) with their dogs. Cooperative care covers so much, but these are general tips you can use for when you need them. These emphasize a lot on giving your dog agency or control over the procedure. Wild concept, right? But it’s so good for their overall well-being! Pop any questions you have in the comments or my DMs! 🐾

Join me and Windy in a quick muzzle training session! It's been a while since Windy wore and used her muzzle since we don't go on outdoor walks, but I felt it was a good opportunity to review what we've already learned. I have a full tutorial on how I teach muzzle training using R+, but I shared some tips in this video for you: 1. You can use a word to cue the dog to put their nose into the muzzle. 2. Feed or reward through the muzzle's treat hole or gaps, so the dog gets familiar with taking food with the muzzle on. 3. Practice clipping the muzzle around the dog's face. This helps to gradually add duration, re: how long it's worn. 4. Liquid treats lets the dog lick the food off of the muzzle—a fun way to condition the tool to be a positive thing. 5. Walk with your dog while they're wearing the muzzle to further desensitize them to the tool. Bonus tip: Have fun with your muzzle training! ❤️ Pop any questions you have in the comments or in my DMs. 🐾🐶

🐾 Enrichment Tuesday: Treats in a handcrafted snuffle ball 🐾 Windy and the Diwa Dogs got this knitted snuffle ball from Tori’s mom for Christmas. ❤️ It’s such a great color and with lots of hiding places for treats. I used @aspinapproved Hoppin’ treats because it smells delicious for them and are easy to break into smaller pieces. Since we currently live in a rather busy place, you’ll see the dirt got stuck onto the ball. This shouldn’t be a problem, though, if your dog’s using their snuffle ball in your clean home. Shoutout to @toruda.gets.it for the lovely gift! 🤗 Do you use snuffle balls for enrichment? Tag us @diwadogstraining so we can see! 🎉 — 🏷️ #canineenrichment #snuffleball #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Capturing is giving clear feedback to your dog for the behaviors they’re offering and ones that you’d like to reinforce. The keyword is “offer” or “offering” because we don’t cue the dog to do the behaviors. You wait for them to offer it and then capture it with a marker and reinforcement. In capturing, you mark the behavior the second you see it with your reward marker—a click, a word, etc. Then you give your dog a food reward to reinforce it. This gets their brain thinking, “If I offer the same behavior, Mom gives me the treat.” With Sappho, I choose and capture very subtle and easy behaviors, like a shift in position or paw raise. Use the same method when teaching your puppy, young dog, or senior dog a behavior you’d like them to do more of, and see if they start offering it on their own. Tag us @diwadogstraining in your training videos so we can see! 🐾 — 🏷️ #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Have you ever had a moment where your dog made a funny mistake, but figured out what to do on their own? Windy and I were working on our chin rest behavior, and I can’t help but laugh and appreciate how she figured out that she needed to put her head BACK on my hand to keep the game going. 😂 Learning is always happening! But it’s when your dog pieces the puzzle together that makes these funny moments so worthwhile. ❤️ — 🏷️ #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Dog treat puzzles are a staple in the home. They’re not only a fun activity for the dogs, but one of our tools to keep mealtimes fun, interesting, and CONSISTENT. It’s one of the reasons why Windy loves mealtimes and one of the ways to help her and her siblings–all “picky eaters”, a term we tend to use often–eat regularly. Do you struggle with getting your dog to eat their meals? What’s worked for you and your dog? 📹 Windy the Corgi eating her breakfast kibble through the @outwardhound dog interactive treat puzzle. — 🏷️ #canineenrichment #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

It’s National Train Your Dog month! For 2023, we’ll dive into teaching techniques and the skills your puppy or companion dog can learn and use for life. Some of my favorites are focus/eye contact, default behaviors, trades, and targeting. 🤩 What’s a skill or behavior you’re excited to learn and teach your dog this month? Let me know in the comments! 🐾 📹 Diwa Dog Sappho the Cocker Spaniel gets hotdogs pieces for putting two paws on the blue platform. —🏷️ #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

📣 Diwa Dogs is now accepting bookings for the first quarter of 2023 (January to March) for both new and current clients. Please take note of the following updates: 🐾 There are a limited number of slots because I’m currently working on my next certification that’ll allow me to offer virtual group classes. Send an intake form before these run out! The next run will be on June 2023. 🐾 I’m testing out in-person consultations with Cagayan de Oro-based clients. Price: ₱750 for the initial consultation and follow-ups will only be offered as a 4-session package at ₱2700. 🐾 8PM sessions are no longer available. 1-hour consultations will now be held either 9AM-10AM or 5PM-6PM. This is so I can serve you better and I can better care for my physical and mental health. 🍃 🐾 Survey form will go out soon to gather your ideas for our first virtual training workshop for Filipino dog guardians! Watch out for an update on this. 🐾 We have a Facebook group for Filipino dog guardians looking for a R+ driven community to learn from. Link to “R+ Force-Free Dog Training Philippines” Facebook group is in my bio. 🐾 If you’re a past or current client, send me a message through WhatsApp if you have any questions or would like to jumpstart your training sessions again with Diwa Dogs. My DMs are open if you have any questions! Happy new year and happy training! 👋😊 — 🏷️ #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

📣 Just some small biz news to share with you: Diwa Dogs is now diwadogs.com! 🥳 If you were around last October, I launched our website with a free name. Thanks to your support, I earned enough to bag the diwadogs.com domain name + hosting for 2 years. ⭐️ I want you to be a part of this journey, so I hope this gives you an idea of how your shares, comments, likes, testimonials, and bookings have made this possible. 🤗 — 🏷️ #smallbizowner #dreams #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Up-down Pattern Game by Leslie McDevitt - v2 ⭐ If you’re always competing for your dog’s attention, whether that’s at home or on a walk, I highly encourage playing the Up-down pattern game by Leslie McDevitt with them! What you’ll see here is a modified version of the pattern game. - Start this game with little to no distractions in the environment (for example: bedroom). - The moment your dog looks at you, capture it with a clicker or a marker word like “Yes!”. Then place a food reward on the floor. - If your dog looks up after eating the food, mark that with “Yes!” and place the next treat on the floor. As you keep playing this game, your dog will learn that focusing on you pays waaaay more than the distractions around them. Pop any Q’s you may have in the comments, or let me know if you tried the Up-down game with your dog! 🐾 — 🏷️ #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

🐾 Find it 🐾 “Find it” is an easy game that encourages your dog to put their nose to work. By letting them follow and sniff the food out, it’s physically and mentally stimulating, enabling them to decompress and lower their heart rate. The “Find it” game is one of many ways to reward your dog for “checking in” on you, which is key to teaching them to walk on a loose leash. This is also a useful foundation skill to teach dogs struggling with reactivity. 1. Say “Find it” and throw a piece of food in the grass or ground at a short distance. 2. When the dog eats the food and comes back to you for more, say “Find it” and throw the food again in another direction. 3. Rinse and repeat. 💕 1-3 minutes is a good start! Tag Diwa Dogs @diwadogstraining to your Find it video, so we can see. 🐾 — 🏷 #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainer

For Enrichment Tuesday, I give Windy one of her easiest enrichment games (treats in a muffin tin) and increase the difficulty a little bit by wrapping it with a bath towel. You can see her sniffing this new change—yes, it's relatively new or different because the context has changed—and looking back at me to ask feedback. And because she gets my verbal and visual encouragement to keep exploring, she manages to use her body to unwrap the muffin tin and get to the treats. It's a simple tweak to what had otherwise been a predictable outcome, but it inspires learning and increases confidence in their abilities. I highly encourage you to make these small changes to enrichment games you often do everyday and in the same way, and see how your dog does. Tag @diwadogstraining to your videos and posts, so we can see! 🐾 — 🏷 #caninenrichment #dogenrichment #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

The “Place” or “go to station” cue is a useful skill to teach your puppy or dog because of its many applications. In this video, I ask Windy to go to her station or place (her KLIMB with her snuffle mat) because she’s still recovering from surgery. You can use the Place cue to have your dog station themselves for other situations, such as having visitors over, ongoing construction, health reasons, and the like. Happy training! 🐾 — 🏷 #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Hey, dog guardians! 👋 I hope you're having a good start to your week and your companions have been keeping you on your toes. I wanted to pop in here real quick tonight to thank you for all the kind messages, well wishes, and displays of love and support since I received my ADT credentials. I'm excited for the next chapter of Diwa Dogs and look forward to making an even bigger impact in the dog training industry in the Philippines. Until then, stay safe, stay dry, and watch out for new tips, tutorials, videos, and the like on Diwa Dogs both on Instagram and Facebook. Who knows, there might even be a website in the works soon. Happy training! 🐾 [Accessibility in the comments] — 🏷 #latte #lookatthat #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Did you know that physical and mental stimulation can be just as tiring and fulfilling as a 30-minute walk? The rainy season in the Philippines has made it difficult to bring your pupper out, but it shouldn't keep you from exercising and playing with them. 💪 Windy and I demonstrate 7 indoor games and exercises you can do with your dog. Whether it's a muddy road or you just don't feel like going out, it's absolutely possible to give your dog exercise and mental stimulation at home. 🎵 Music: Bensound — 🏷 #Windythecorgi #dogsofphilippines #corgisphilippines #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #pembrokewelshcorgi #corgistagram #corgisofinstagram #corgiph #corgisofcdo #corgilove #corgiloaf #コーギー #柯基

Trade with your dog to prevent resource guarding 🍗 Puppies explore and learn about their environment through their nose, eyes, and their mouth. Especially their mouth. They chew, lick, shred, and hold things to better understand the world that they live in. It's very likely your puppy will have something in their mouth that you need to take from them. To prevent resource guarding behavior issues, I encourage you to TRADE with your dog for their resource instead of prying it forcefully from their mouth. In this video, I demonstrate how I do a long-distance trade with Windy while she's chewing on a delicious shred of cow ear. If you have any questions, pop them in the comments! — 🐮ear: @treatosbyjoey 🎀: @winnieandsoleil 🎵: Bensound — 🏷 #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Puppy Talks - Episode 01

Puppy Talks with Diwa Dogs, episode 01 - Prepare your home for your puppy Join me for an evening of puppy stories and going deep into preparing your home and your family for a new puppy! 🐶 Jump to 18:55 for the start of the topics. ⭐

Before we dive into all things puppies, I’d like to get to know you and your role as a puppy parent. ❤️ In the comments or in today’s Facebook stories, tell me if you’re: 🐶 Bringing home a purpose-bred puppy 🐶 Bringing home a rescue or foster puppy 🐶 Already have a purpose-bred puppy 🐶 Already have a rescue or foster puppy Your journey will be of memories you alone will have with your puppy. Let’s make them beautiful and as positively reinforcing. 🎉 Photo credit: Anoir Chafik @anoirchafik via Unsplash [Video: A photo of three young puppies staring forward and a poll with four options about being a puppy parent appear on screen: Bringing home a purpose-bred puppy, bringing home a rescue or foster puppy, already have a purpose-bred puppy, already have a rescue or foster puppy.] 🏷 #puppies #puppytraining #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Trick training: Bar jump

If you’re looking for a fun game or a new skill for your dog, try teaching the Bar jump trick. 🏅 It’s a beginners trick that used a bar as a prop and teaching the dog to jump over it. Try this out and tag @diwadogstraining so we can see! 🥳🐾 [Video: Stef holds a broom by the head and places the end of the broomstick against the TV stand. Windy walks, hops, and eventually jumps over the broom in progression. Stef clicks for every successful movement over the stick and rewards Windy.] 🏷 #tricktraining #tricks #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

⭐️ Enrichment Tuesday: Play in a Paddling pool ⭐️ It’s summertime in most parts of the world, so what better way to cool your pupper down by letting them play in a paddling pool filled with water? 💦 This is also a fun and safe way to introduce a puppy or young dog to water, especially if they’re unsure of it. The key is to take it slowly and let your dog enjoy the water at their pace. Avoid spraying your dog with the hose, so they won’t develop an aversion to water. If you don’t have a paddling pool like this one, a large basin that your dog can step inside on their own will do! 😊 [Video: A tri-color fluffy Corgi and a red and white Corgi are walking inside a large blue paddling pool that’s being filled up with water.] — 🏷 #canineenrichment #dogenrichment #summertime #thefutureisforcefree #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainingphilippines #rewardsbasedtraining #diwadogs #diwadogstraining #dogtrainersphilippines #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainers

Windy at Watsons Pharmacy 💊

Windy and I visited the nearest mall during lunch hours, so the crowd isn’t as busy and overwhelming. She was fantastic, made people smile, and made all the right choices. 👏 Where should she go next? 🛍✈️