The Ruff House Unleashed

03/03/2025

"He's afraid of X, so he must have been abused by/with X."

In rescue, a lot of dogs come into care with unknown histories. Many of these dogs present with specific or generalized fear and anxiety.

It can be easy - so, SO easy - to attach a story to their behaviour. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common for people to adopt dogs BECAUSE of their story. The more tragic, the better.

The problem with this is that it tends to freeze dogs into their neuroses. Their owner becomes so attached to the story, so emotionally invested, that they themselves cannot move past it. When the owner gets stuck, so does the dog.

Then the story becomes an excuse.

He's aggressive to the postman because one must have abused him.

He's leash reactive to other dogs because he was a 'bait dog'.

He runs from us when we grab the fly swat because someone has hit him with it.

In most cases, these behaviours are caused from a lack of experience in the critical period of socialization. Their inexperience can present itself as fear, anxiety, stress and aggression; mechanisms they develop over time to cope.

But what exactly caused their rescued dogs behaviour is irrelevant. It's a fools errand to try to figure it out; an addictive oxytocin-fueled quest to justify a lack of action.

He's afraid of men? Make men = good things. He runs from the fly swatter? Pick the damn thing up and throw the dog a handful of steak a few times. See what happens.

When we adopt a dog, we're making a commitment to BETTER their life. Holding on to their past is doing the opposite. Show them they're in a better place by overcoming their problems, not nurturing them.

03/02/2025

Hey everyone!

I have ONE spot available for the month of March for either a two week board and train or a 30 day board and train bootcamp. This spot would need to start any day before March 9th to apply.

Next available spots will begin April 9th - reach out asap if you are interested!

Bootcamp prices

Puppies 6 months and younger
$45 a day at a two week minimum
$300 off for those that stay a month

Dogs 7 months and older
$60 a day at a two week minimum
$300 off discount for those that stay a month who are not reactive/or aggressive. (Will still take in reactive dogs as this is what I work with often, there are just no discounts available for reactivity)

Please call or text to reserve the bootcamp spot. Classes and one on one sessions are included with both options.

We also will be having our Advance drop in class today out at Moore Park at 1pm out by the pavilion on lake side. Class will only be $15 - all dogs must have a good foundation in obedience started to attend this class as there will be difficult new challenges.

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

03/01/2025

Recall (come/here command) is SO important

Not only can it save and prevent bad things from happening - it gives you and your dog more freedom to explore the world out there

Join us for our beginner drop in class tomorrow (Saturday) at 1pm! We’ll meet at lake side underneath the pavilion/covered picnic table area. Class will be $30

Advance class will be Sunday at 1pm same location for $15

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

02/28/2025

02/28/2025

Dog training saves lives

Dog training builds a more committed relationship between owners and their furry companions

Dog training helps keep dogs home

Dog training is not only for dogs who need help due to behavioral issues - early training can help prevent them and can help create good habits from the very beginning.

Dog training is for all breeds and sizes

Dog training is for puppies and adult dogs

If you’d like to strengthen that bond with your pup join us this weekend at our drop in Beginner obedience class at 1pm Saturday March 1st

Class will take place at Moore Park on lake side at the pavilion (covered picnic tables). It is $30 per dog.

Please bring a 4-6ft leash and high value treats.

There will also be an Advance class Sunday March 2nd at 1pm the same location for just $15

See you then and happy training 🐕

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

02/23/2025

Why wait to train? Starting engagement building from the very beginning helps create a beautiful bond immediately. If you want a dog who enjoys it, make it fun and interesting. For the month of March there are several group class opportunities along with one on one sessions and bootcamp options too. Riot is just a baby and is having a blast.

02/22/2025

Huskies are notorious for being runners, escape artists, and stubborn.

But is it a breed issue or lack of training?

My girl who I adopted several years ago loves to train, does off leash hikes, and has a wonderful relationship with me.

It takes time to build that relationship - training helps so much

02/19/2025

911 HELP KLAMATH COUNTY

Does anyone have a side by side or anything with tracks?

We plowed out a road yesterday to be able to evacuate all of the remaining 13 dogs and 6 puppies from Sycan Estates, but the road has melted to a slushy boggy muddy mess and we can not pass through it.

Our only option is to go around the pond through a bunch of rocks hiding under the snow. Because of the snow, drifts, and slush we need something super light weight or a D6 or bigger to be able to get in and out safely.

The other option is to walk 1.13 miles one way to load them up on (borrowed sleds we would need) and drag them out. (NONE of them are leash trained)

02/17/2025

***NEW March Group Classes***

For those interested in indoor evening classes - there will be a new 3 week Advance/Performance class Mondays starting 3/17 at 5:30pm for $80

This class will be available for all past bootcampers and those who have dogs with a good foundation in obedience that would like to advance their training or get more involved in performance/competitive AKC obedience. This class will also include Canine Good Citizenship preparation and will be available for those looking for an indoor evening environment to practice their rally etiquette too.

This is a pre sign up package class that will take place Monday March 17th, 24th, and 31st.

3 spots currently available

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There will also be a Beginner three week class starting March 19th at 5:30pm for $105.

This is a pre sign up packaged class that will take place Wednesday March 19th, 26th, and April 2nd.

Class will be available to all non reactive dogs who would benefit in working on their foundation obedience skills. No previous training or experience is necessary. All dogs 12 weeks and older are welcomed to join.

Some skills we will work on throughout this three week course…

Leash mannerism, sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, engagement building, recall/come, and much more. We will discuss topics like jumping, barking, digging, kennel training, potty training, mouthing/nipping when overly excited along with impulse control.

6 spots currently available

(Dogs must be current on vaccinations and spots reserved prior to the start date)

Indoor evening classes will take place at

Express Pet Wash
2811 Broadmore St
Unit 206
Klamath Falls, OR 97603

Big shout out to them for providing a dog friendly location for this wonderful opportunity!

Drop in classes will still be available on the weekends for anyone interested in joining that can’t commit to packaged courses.

March drop in Beginner classes will take place at Moore Park March 1st and March 22nd at 1pm. Each class will be $30 per dog.

Advance drop in class will take place March 2nd and March 23rd at 1pm for $15 each. Both classes will take place at Moore Park.

For questions or how to sign up - please contact me directly via text or phone call

Thanks again Express Pet Wash and happy training 🐕

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

02/17/2025

March boarding and Bootcamp board and train services

For those interested in booking boarding services for any past bootcamp dogs - please remember spots are limited during spring break. Please reach out as soon as possible to reserve a spot. Boarding for past bootcamp dogs will continue to be only $30 a day.

For those interested in Bootcamp board and train services for the month of March - there are three spots available for the beginning of the month and only ONE spot open for the end of March.

Bootcamp services are a minimum of two weeks for those wanting good foundation started on obedience cues.

For those that stay a month (for non reactivity) there is a $300 off discount.

Any reactive dogs (those that lunge/bark at people or dogs) are required to stay a month minimum - there are no discounts for reactivity. All breeds are welcomed

Puppies 6 months and younger are $45 a day

Dogs 7 months and older are $60 a day

Group classes and one on one private sessions are included with all bootcamp services.

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

Please call (714) 388-5615 to book an appointment 🐕

02/14/2025

Due to Moore Park being closed currently we will be having our drop in Beginner class Saturday and Advance drop in class on Sunday at

Pet Medical Center (parking lot)

The address is

2615 Bristol Ave
Klamath Falls, OR 97603

Shout out to them for letting us use their space for the weekend!

Beginner drop in will be $30
Advance drop in will be $15

Class will take place at 1pm both days

I will also be starting an evening class in the very near future on a week day at an indoor location. This would be a three week course for $110

Would there be anyone interested in evenings around 5 or 5:30 and if so what day of the weeks would be most ideal?

Weekends classes will continue being drop ins twice a month.

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

02/02/2025

Hey everyone!

We are going to cancel advance class today.

Classes the weekend of the 15th and 16th will still be taking place this month though 🐕

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

01/30/2025

ATTENTION CORGI OWNERS!

All corgis and corgi mixes will receive 20% off ALL training services for the month of February

- Drop in group classes ($24 discount price)
- One on one private sessions ($52 discount price)
- Both puppy & adult Bootcamp board and train
($36 a day for puppies 6 months and under or $48 a day for 7 months and older)

I will be offering a special discount every month for particular breeds. Stay tuned for more!

Also we WILL have class this weekend rain, snow, or shine.

If it’s not weather is okay we will work at the main entrance side. If weather is crummy we will work on the covered picnic area on lake side of Moore Park.

See ya then!

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615 (text or calls are okay)

01/28/2025

And I am back in town!

I will be returning all phone calls and messages within the next few days of this week for everyone who reached out while I was gone.

There are also several openings for board and train along with one on one sessions available for February and March.

We are also going to be having TWO Beginner drop in obedience classes the month of February

Feb 1st at 1pm @ Moore Park
Feb 15th at 1pm @ Moore Park

We will be meeting between the first parking lot of the main entrance and the tennis courts. Please bring high value treats, a regular 4-6ft leash, and a long leash if you have one. This is a drop in class - no experience is needed. All breeds are welcomed! Class will be $30

Please no reactive dogs (those that bark and lunge at the end of the leash) but I am always available to work with reactivity during a private session with my personal dogs present.

There will be TWO drop in Advance classes
Feb 2nd at 1pm @ Moore Park
Feb 16th at 1pm @ Moore Park

This will be a drop in class for those who have a good foundation in basic obedience and would like to work more on impulse control, distant training, and advance cues. Class will be $15

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615

01/24/2025

Yesterday I went to OHSU for a follow up appointment with my pulmonary and rheumatologist specialists due to my scleroderma.

Reno who just turned a year old in September has been working very hard with his public access and service dog training. When Phantom officially retires in the next two years Reno will be taking his place full time.

Service dog training takes time with a lot of consistency. He has been doing fantastic for his age.

A good dog is priceless - they deserve patience and dedication to accomplish training goals.

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(714) 388-5615