Mannered Misfits Dog Training

05/22/2024

Voting ends tomorrow! My training business Mannered Misfits Dog Training was nominated for Best of Boise under Pet Training.

I placed second in the Boise Favorites contest through the Idaho Statesman for Pet Training last year. These contests aren’t a huge priority to me, and my small business is only in year #2 of its lifetime. However, it is cool to get my name out there and share modern dog training techniques with my community.

Dog training is a very unregulated industry and I’m only one person. So take a second to vote for me if you’re able to!

Click this link:
https://www.idahopress.com/boiseweekly/best_of_boise/2024_best_of/ #/gallery/428555977

05/02/2024

Surprise! I’m back from vacation and I got to have the coolest meet up with Tiffany from and her partner! It was amazing getting to meet someone I knew through Instagram and instantly clicking in real life. 🥰

My business is all about dogs, but I am always reminding clients how important it is to meet their own needs. I have always been someone that enjoys meeting new humans. Tiffany is a kind, genuine and hilarious soul who has taught me so much about social media. We ate tacos and laughed way too much.

When I started my business, I started feeling lonely to no longer have the connections that I did previously. Even if we’ve never met in person, the amount of support I receive from my online community is paramount. Here’s to a new month of Mannered Misfits. 🤘🏼🔥⚡️🐶🐾🤠

03/03/2024

✨SURPRISE✨

I came in second place! Thank you to everyone who voted. It’s pretty cool to be nominated in a growing city and have my name out there. Y’all are the best and I couldn’t do it without you.

01/30/2024

I remember the first day I was working on a full plan for Layla's handling issues. I pet her shoulders for two seconds, and when I stopped she walked away. I was mortified.

Allowing Layla to have choices in participating and interacting in her day to day life saved our relationship. When I learned what she was trying to tell me, allowing her to move away from situations became a repeated behavior. At first, she was walking away from being touched, training sessions, and interacting with guests. I spent so much time advocating for her around strangers and friends.

Because I allowed Layla to leave, she started to come back because she wanted to. She started to trust me. When I say it saved our relationship, I don't know what I would have done if I had kept things the way they were. Focusing on punishing her, suppressing her behavior, and not wanting to admit that I might be wrong about what I was trying to do were all working against us at that time.

If you are wondering why your dog continues to try and leave a situation that may be overwhelming to them, please respect that choice. When I reached out for professional help, I thought it was too late. What followed was years of adventures, traveling, outings, and days filled with so much love.

01/16/2024

I am often asked how I became a dog trainer, and chose the career path I did. After I adopted Layla, I knew working in shelter and rescue was going to be the best way for me to reach my goals.

Even though I am not working in this environment anymore, I think about this job I had everyday. I am asked if I miss it, or if I would ever return. I miss certain aspects of it, but am glad I made my exit when I did. It had begun to take its toll on my mental and physical health, which is something I was no longer willing to sacrifice.

This is also the first thing I suggest anyone to do when they are looking into a career as a pet professional. Shelter and rescue work will teach you more than you think, and you will carry those lessons with you for a lifetime. I wouldn't be where I am today without the eight years I spent there.

12/29/2023

There’s only THREE DAYS to take advantage of this offer for my discounted virtual behavior consultations.

If you want to get started with your training goals in 2024, let’s connect!

*All consultations scheduled after January 1st will be $30 in cost.

Click here to get started!

https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/virtualbehaviorconsultation

12/24/2023

For those of you who have worked with me, know me personally, or ever heard me tell a story from my life, it likely involved Layla. She crossed the rainbow bridge on Friday.

I adopted Layla from the Idaho Humane Society when she was 4 years old in 2014. She taught me to further gain knowledge instead of relying on the things I knew about dogs from my past. She changed my life. Because of her, I became involved with shelter and rescue for 8 years, became a dog trainer, and left my job at IHS to start my business. I did this because of her and what she taught me.

I’ll be out of the office until January 2nd. Thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, texted or sent me a message about her. I’m so thankful for our decade together of loving, learning and adventuring.

The misfit that inspired everything. I love you so much, Layla.

12/14/2023

‼️ ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️

My 30 minute primary behavior consultations are just $20 until January 1st, 2024.

Reserve your spot and get a jump start on your training goals next year. Repeat and established clients are welcome to email or DM me to schedule their spots as well.

Click here to schedule! ⬇️

https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/virtualbehaviorconsultation

Email [email protected] with questions.

11/09/2023

I have some new followers on here! I better reintroduce myself:

I’m Ashley Devine, a certified professional dog trainer with a background in animal rescue operating out of Boise, ID. I’ve been working with dogs for almost nine years, training for four years and left my position at the Idaho Humane Society to start Mannered Misfits in January of 2023.

I have two dogs - Layla (13) and Potato (6). Layla inspired me to become a dog trainer after getting professional help and learning more about severe behavior issues than I had originally planned! It inspired me to develop better relationships between humans and their canine misfits. We’ve spend almost a decade together! Camping, public outings, hiking, water sports, backpacking, and so much more. All of this was possible because of the work I did with her and I’m grateful for it.

Potato joined us in 2018! I learned that not all reactivity is the same and she is the sensitive soul who taught me even more. These two are a great pair and I love sharing my life with them.

My methods are best known as positive reinforcement based using clicker and marker training methods to teach new skills to dogs and their people. Learning about body language, providing agency, and managing environments is what leads my clients and their dogs to success. I want every individual I work with to understand why their dogs make the decisions that they do and how to modify behavior while respecting welfare.

Aside from dog training, I love pinball, horror movies, camping, water sports, attempting to keep my plants alive, and live music.

I’m grateful you’re all here! Feel free to tell me about yourself and your dog(s) in the comments.

Cheers! I look forward to learning more about you all.

-Ashley, CPDT-KA
Head Misfit

11/02/2023

Hello, Facebook world! Someone was nice enough to nominate me for the Boise Favorites category for dog training for the Idaho Statesman.

If you'd like to vote for me, it's fairly easy.
1) Visit www.voteboisefavorites.com
2) Select "services" and then "Pet Training."
3) Click Mannered Misfits Dog Training and that's it!

You can vote once a day. Even though I am listed with some top names in the valley, I'm just humbled enough that someone put my name up for the running.

Share this page with your friends! Thank you to everyone for your support this last year.

09/11/2023

Sometimes a dog trainer needs a little positive reinforcement, and looking through my Google reviews has my heart bursting!

I am so fortunate to have worked with so many dogs this summer on leash reactivity, inner household dog conflicts, shy and nervous dogs, puppy socializing, and so many other behaviors.

Thank you to everyone to who has worked with me so far this year. I can’t wait to keep helping dogs and humans understand one another.

Schedule your consultation with me today by clicking the link below or email me at [email protected] with any questions.

https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/virtualbehaviorconsultation

Cheers!
-Ashley, Owner and Head misfit
CPDT-KA

08/16/2023

Here’s some frequently asked questions I get as a professional dog trainer.

“What kind of breeds do you have experience with?”

- This is a broad question since I can name more breeds I haven’t worked with! Since I worked in the shelter, I got to work with all different breeds from different backgrounds. It made me more well rounded as a dog trainer.
I have the most experience with:
•Border collies
•Australian cattle dogs / shepherds
•Labrador and golden retrievers
•German shepherds
•Pitbulls
•Bulldogs (French, English, and American)
•Dachshunds (standard and mini)
•Siberian Huskies
•Corgis
•Livestock guardian breeds such as Great Pyrenees, Akbashes and Turkish Boz
•Small breeds such a chihuahuas, malteses, Pomeranians…..
•and an underrated favorite, the mixed breed. 🙂

“Is my dog too old to be trained?”

- Nope! Older dogs can often perform a variety of skills depending on their learning history, but it’s also dependent on what your goals are. My oldest active client is an 11.5 year old cattle dog mix named Moe. We’re working on his feelings about new people being in his house.

“What type of training is most beneficial for my dog?”

- Whatever training you (the human) can participate the most in! I offer in person training in most areas of the Treasure Valley. This is often determined during a 30 minute virtual consultation (sometimes 45 minutes depending on the behavior history and severity). If your dog is stressed by new people or you live out of my service area, virtual training and consulting is just beneficial! I have clients in Garden Valley, Salt Lake City, Spokane, Vancouver and Washington, DC.

If you’re interested in working with me, click here to schedule your consultation. I look forward to meeting more humans wanting to connect more with their canines!

https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/virtualbehaviorconsultation

08/07/2023

Thank you to Fuzzy Pawz Rescue for recommending me as a dog trainer!

As someone who spent their first years of my career in rescue, it is wonderful to be recommended by other rescues and shelters. I love helping new dog guardians welcome rescue animals into their homes!

Need a dog trainer? We'd recommend Mannered Misfits Dog Training. She uses positive reinforcement and is a friend of the rescue. Check out her page!

07/28/2023

Updates for my services! I’m looking forward to meeting some new clients to wrap up this awesome summer.

Click here to get started! https://calendly.com/d/z39-38y-trq

07/25/2023

LOOK I’M ON A PODCAST. Thank you Mandy for having me.

If you want to listen to my ramblings of having ADHD while working in an animal shelter and leaving to start my business, here you go! 😂💚

07/22/2023

ANNOUNCEMENT: my schedule for new clients will be reopening in August!

If you’re interested in working with me, now is the time to reach out! Once temperatures cool down, my days have more time for in person lessons by mid August. At least I hope so. 🙂

I offer dog walking, in person training, virtual training and consulting, and much more!

If you’re needing help with the following behaviors, let’s work together!

•Reactivity and aggression
•Resource guarding
•Inner household dog conflicts
•Puppy socialization and training
•Basic manners and leash skills
•Recall around distractions
•Prey drive

Click here to get started: https://calendly.com/d/z39-38y-trq

I hope everyone is having a great summer!
-Ashley, CPDT-KA and head misfit 🐾

07/17/2023

I don’t post on here very often, but here’s a few client updates!

If you have Instagram, I strongly advise following my page there. I post more frequently:


✨ I met Tootsie last week. This girl is shy and nervous, but we’re working on building her confidence around strangers, on leash and how to play like a dog!

✨Paddle board dog training lessons? I’m in. Porter has always had huge confidence since she was a puppy. We focused on skills to make her comfortable for paddle baording trips with her mom and she had a blast! (her eyes are only huge due to her excitement, I promise).

✨Deja used to jump ALL over me when I arrived at her home for our sessions. Her parents have done a great job at reinforcing her “spot” in the house by setting her up for success. She offers this behavior frequently with guests now!

✨Shy little Shelby graduated puppy home school just in time to welcome her brother, Graham! I’ll be starting with him this week, but it was so wonderful seeing her confidence shine through by teaching her play skills while coaching her dad about body language.

✨I did day training with Dmitri for two months. His family is relocating to Northern California. He was my only standard dachshund, but I was thankful to send them the skills of predation substitution training with them for their new chapter!

✨Nugget is improving with his dog reactivity and his new skill of “relaxing on a mat.” Even if it is the kitchen mat. 😆

✨Billy has improved so much in the last few months. Her behaviors look amazing and her mom has taught her so well! It’s crazy how big she got so quickly. 🥺

A REMINDER: my in person availability is closed currently, however anyone is welcome to refer me to someone looking for a dog trainer. Virtual training can still be beneficial, and I don’t mind pointing folks in the right direction with other references.

Happy summer everyone! Stay cool and keep your dogs hydrated!!!

07/01/2023

WE’RE ON VACATION!

I can’t wait to spend the week in the mountains with my two best pals. Thank you to everyone who has been scheduling with me and sending me updates about your dog’s improvements.

Just a reminder to all my dog guardians out there to celebrate your wins in training, even if they’re small! Be kind to yourself and your dog. The journey you’re on with them is special and independent from everyone else’s’.

I’ll be back in the office on July 10th. Everyone stay safe and cool this week! Cheers!

-Ashley, owner and head Misfit
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🦞☀️🤠

06/19/2023

I’m grateful for everyone’s support, but for now my availability to see new clients is on pause for the time being.

I’ll be able to consult certain cases virtually and have referrals for those looking for certain behaviors. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions. I’ll be updating my website and other social media pages to reflect this as well.

I hope everyone is having a great start to the summer! 💚

06/13/2023

I took my dogs camping last weekend! I'm glad we've done so much camping over the years so they're able to acclimate quickly.

Never taken your pup camping before? Here are some tips!

HYDRATION AND SHADE: Your dog may like to sunbathe but it's important to prioritize both of these things. A dehydrated dog can lead to dangerous outcomes.

MULTIPLE DOGS: If there are multiple dogs on your trip, sometimes being in close proximity during meal times and after a long day of adventuring can lead to small scuffles. Be prepared to manage as needed so everyone can still get an ample amount of rest.

SUPPLIES: For trips I always bring:
*A collar & a light for nighttime!

*6ft leash, a long line and a carabiner: setting up camp can lead to wandering dogs. I always tether mine while things are unpacked.

*A mat: Layla loves a dirt hole to nap in, but having an area for your dog makes things more comfortable.

*Treats!

A reminder that my in person time is more limited this summer especially with rising temperatures. I'm offering packages for in person 60 minute sessions, day training, dog walking and puppy socializing!

Happy summer, everyone!

06/05/2023

Good views in the Boise foothills this week while doing some day training and dog walking.

‼️UPDATE: my books are closed to new clients until July. ‼️

Did you know that I offer packages for multiple services? The more sessions you book at once, the more money you’ll save!

I offer package deals for:
•1-1 Hour Coaching and In Person training sessions (max: 5 sessions) 🎓
•Puppy Home School (max: 5 sessions) 📚
•Day Training (max: 5 sessions)
•Dog Walking (available in 30 and 45 minute timespans)

If you have already had your new client consultation, send me a DM or email me. Let’s get you and your dog prepared for summer!

05/25/2023

Potato: “you mean your calendar for summer is already filling?”
Me: “I know. Crazy, isn’t it?”
Potato: “We’re still going to see you and go on fun trips thought, right?”
Me: “Oh yeah!”

‼️IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT‼️

I am only going to be taking on 1 or 2 new clients in June and July. I’m at a point to where my current clients are filling my calendar, and things are getting way busy. Plus, I have to schedule some “fun” time, you know? 🧐

This is a reminder that my in person schedule for summer is also limited due to the heat! Virtual training will still be offered, so don’t let that stray you if it still means getting one on one time with me and personalized coaching for your dog.

If you have had a client consultation and need to schedule in person or virtual lessons, I highly suggest getting on my calendar for summer.

To sign up to be a new client and start your training journey with me, click here!

https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/new-client-consultation

Cheers, everyone! I’m grateful for all the trust you put in me to help manner your canine misfit in a compassionate and effective way.

05/17/2023

⭐️DOORWAY MANNERS

This is something I am commonly asked about when talking with clients. “Why can’t my dog calm down?” “Why do they jump up so much?” “How can I prevent them from darting out the door?” The dog in the photograph is a 95 big dude who has SO much excitement for guests coming in the door. I just helped his parents create a plan for when guests arrive to keep him successful.

Here are a few tips to keep your dog successful when new guests arrive:

⭐️ Physical exercise is an important need! So is mental enrichment. Ensuring that these two things are prioritized before a guest visits can make a world of difference.

⭐️Make sure your guests are coachable! If your dog is fearful or you’re working through excitement with your young dog, your guest needs to be understanding of these things and listen to a plan when you provide one. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your dog!

⭐️Physical management! Baby gates, expansion pens, leashes and screen door can all be helpful in preventing door darting, jumping on guests or even giving your dog distance and a safe zone to ensure safety.

✖️If your dog is rehearsing aggressive behavior such as barking, lunging, growling, snarling or has a bite history with strange people, please reach out to a certified professional in your area for help.

Schedule your new client consultation today: https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/new-client-consultation

Email [email protected] to get your training journey started!

05/10/2023

Before I head out on vacation, I wanted to highlight some amazing sessions I’ve had over the last couple of weeks.

I’ve been working with Windy since the beginning of April. She used to bite the leash, run away from it, yank at my clothes, and was not able to settle after mental and physical needs being met. I haven’t been able to document any of our sessions since my priority has been to manage her behaviors while coaching her guardian on how to work with her. These two have completely turned a corner. We still have work to do, but being able to play frisbee with Windy yesterday without her constantly jumping at me was one of the highlights of my week. Her mom has worked so hard and I am so proud of both of them.

I’ve known Andy since I first started learning how to become a dog trainer! These corgis are fast and eager to learn, but have a lot of feelings about different triggers in and out of the house. Last week, Mabel was able to disengage from a dog with some help from her dad and has turned a corner with her reactions to bicycles! Andy was able to take a stroll on the green belt briefly and disengage from dogs while rolling in the grass, paying no attention to them. Their parents are great to work with and I can’t wait to keep making progress.

Tomorrow I’m paying a visit to my misfits in SLC and I can’t wait! I’ll return mid next week to pick back up with my Boise misfits. Thank you to everyone for your support. Mannered Misfits Dog Training is only four months old and everyday I am grateful to be here.

05/04/2023

If you think your dog will never be comfortable with guests visiting, there are ways to help! This was an amazing update shared with me by a client who lives in a small mountain town in Idaho!

You would think that a dog who is reactive would thrive living in a big open space, and Mowgli does! Until visitors arrive.

They practiced my plan and it paid off. This was 100% virtual and I am so proud that this visit went so smoothly. Thank you for your trust. 🥳🎉💫

04/24/2023

This weekend was CRAZY at Ann Morrison with the nice weather, prom, and sports events. I remember always being frustrated trying to take either of the dogs out together or separately and wondering why treats couldn’t get their attention.

Now we all know how to have a good time together, but here are some ideas as to why your dog might be so distracted!

1️⃣ The weather was long this year! Things like outdoor events, more dog and human traffic and moving stimuli like bikes and roller skaters weren’t a factor for a few months. If you’ve fallen out of touch with how to motivate your dog with their training, I can help get you back to that place!

2️⃣ Not all dogs enjoy busy outings and sometimes we may be too close to the distraction for them to be successful! If this is happening to your dog, think about other outings that may be more enjoyable to them with less crowds!

3️⃣ “They love their kibble at home!” Those same training treats and meals at home won’t hold the same value for distracting environments.

My book is opening for May! Let’s learn how to get your dog motivated again while making your outings and walks less frustrating.

New clients can schedule here: https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/new-client-consultation

Email: [email protected]

04/24/2023

Hi everyone! I have some exciting announcements to share.

1) My website was edited by a dear friend of mine and looks AMAZING. Check it out - if you're an existing client of mine you might see your own pup on there.

www.manneredmisfitsdt.com

2) My calendar is open for May through July. With that said, my time will start becoming more limited due to traveling in the coming months.
If you're interested in getting on my new client schedule, click here:
https://calendly.com/mmdogtraining/new-client-consultation

If you're an established or repeat client, please email manneredmisfits@gmail to set up a follow up lesson. You can also text me at 208-576-4628 so that I can send you the appropriate scheduling link. Don't miss out!

3) I am now offering 30 minute virtual catch up sessions for virtual and in person clients. If you are an established client and don't need a full hour, these catch up sessions are offered to help with troubleshooting your current plan, answering questions, and providing a follow up email with what was discussed. If this interests you, let me know!

Cheers, everybody. As always, thank you for the continued support.

A societal categorized human misfit guiding your mischievous canine toward success in the real world.

04/16/2023

This session reminded me how beneficial virtual training can be. How listening to the dog and keeping them successful is so important to their learning process.

Goose is reactive to dogs and people. Grace and I have only ever worked together virtually. I finally met Goose in person in a parking lot this weekend and it was amazing.

This is how successful behavior modification should look. Goose was able to eat treats, offer behavior, relax on a mat, and chose to be near me after the first introductions. We were surprised by some dogs, a lot of student drivers, children, and marathon runners. She only growled once.

What might look like a dog waiting patiently for a treat is actually an important example of hard work put into changing emotions from lunging and barking to taking in information and being set up for success.

This is why I train the way I do.

Message or email [email protected] to get started with me today!