The Ruff House Unleashed

The Ruff House Unleashed Please call (714) 388-5615 to book an appointment šŸ• There is no breed discriminate.

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Group Classes & Private Training

Puppy
Basic
Intermediate
CGC Canine Good Citizenship
Heel Work and Intro to Rally-O
Rally-O
K9 Clown Circus Tricks Class
Off Leash Classes
Advanced
Private one on one sessions

We specialize with fear and aggression cases!

Thank you everyone who attended our Monday night Advance class at Express Pet Wash !Tentatively the next Advance evening...
04/01/2025

Thank you everyone who attended our Monday night Advance class at Express Pet Wash !

Tentatively the next Advance evening class will be Monday April 28th at 5:30pm. We will need 6-7 people to fill these spots to officially confirm it. So far 3 spots have been spoken for. Class will be $80 per dog for the total of 3 weeks. Class can be paid for the night we start.

Our next evening Beginner class will be Wednesday 23rd at 6pm. We will need 6-7 people to enroll to confirm this class date. Class will be $105 for the 3 weeks.

Please call or text to enroll. Beginner spots will need to pay in advance to reserve a spot for any new clientele. A Square invoice can be emailed or PayPal/venmo works as well.

I look forward to seeing more of you soon!

Happy training šŸ•

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

Roxy finished a month long stay of bootcamp board and train at my home and did amazing! I love working with a variety of...
03/31/2025

Roxy finished a month long stay of bootcamp board and train at my home and did amazing! I love working with a variety of breeds.

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

Donā€™t rely just on fetch for exercise
03/29/2025

Donā€™t rely just on fetch for exercise

There is a question I get asked constantly:

ā€œBart, should I play fetch with my dog every day? He LOVES it!ā€

And my answer is always the same:
No. Especially not with working breeds like the Malinois, German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, or any other high-prey-drive dog, like hunting dogs, Agility dogs, etc.

This answer is often met with surprise, sometimes with resistance. I get itā€”your dog brings you the ball, eyes bright, body full of energy, practically begging you to throw it. It feels like bonding. It feels like exercise. It feels like the right thing to do.

But from a scientific, behavioral, and neurobiological perspectiveā€”itā€™s not. In fact, it may be one of the most harmful daily habits for your dogā€™s mental health and nervous system regulation that no one is warning you about.

Let me break it down for you in detail. This will be long, but if you have a working dog, you need to understand this.

Working dogs like the Malinois and German Shepherd were selected over generations for their intensity, persistence, and drive to engage in behaviors tied to the prey sequence: orient, stalk, chase, grab, bite, kill. In their role as police, protection, herding, or military dogs, these genetically encoded motor patterns are partially utilizedā€”but directed toward human-defined tasks.

Fetch is an artificial mimicry of this prey sequence.
ā€¢ Ball = prey
ā€¢ Throwing = movement stimulus
ā€¢ Chase = reinforcement
ā€¢ Grab and return = closure and Reward - Reinforecment again.

Every time you throw that ball, youā€™re not just giving your dog ā€œexercise.ā€ You are triggering an evolutionary motor pattern that was designed to result in the death of prey. But hereā€™s the twist:

The "kill bite" never comes.
Thereā€™s no closure. No end. No satisfaction, Except when he start chewing on the ball by himself, which lead to even more problems. So the dog is neurologically left in a state of arousal.

When your dog sees that ball, his brain lights up with dopamine. Anticipation, motivation, drive. When you throw it, adrenaline kicks in. It becomes a cocktail of high arousal and primal intensity.

Dopamine is not the reward chemicalā€”itā€™s the pursuit chemical. It creates the urge to chase, to repeat the behavior. Adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones, spike during the chase. Even though the dog ā€œgets the ball,ā€ the biological closure never really happensā€”because the pattern is reset, again and again, with each throw.

Now imagine doing this every single day.
The dogā€™s brain begins to wire itself for a constant state of high alert, constantly expecting arousal, movement, and stimulation. This is how we create chronic stress.

The autonomic nervous system has two main branches:

ā€¢ Sympathetic Nervous System ā€“ ā€œFight, flight, chaseā€

ā€¢ Parasympathetic Nervous System ā€“ ā€œRest, digest, recoverā€

Fetch, as a prey-driven game, stimulates the sympathetic system. The problem? Most owners never help the dog come down from that state.
Thereā€™s no decompression, no parasympathetic activation, no transition into rest.

Chronic sympathetic dominance leads to:
ā€¢ Panting, pacing, inability to settle
ā€¢ Destructive behaviors
ā€¢ Hypervigilance
ā€¢ Reactivity to movement
ā€¢ Obsession with balls, toys, other dogs
ā€¢ Poor sleep cycles
ā€¢ Digestive issues
ā€¢ A weakened immune system over time
ā€¢ Behavioral burnout

In essence, weā€™re creating a dog who is neurologically trapped in the primal mindā€”always hunting, never resting.

Expectation Is a Form of Pressure!!!!!!

When fetch becomes a daily ritual, your dog begins to expect it.This is no longer ā€œfun.ā€ Itā€™s a conditioned need. And when that need is not met?

Stress. Frustration. Obsession.

A dog who expects to chase every day but doesnā€™t get it may begin redirecting that drive elsewhereā€”chasing shadows, lights, children, other dogs, cars.
This is how pathological behavior patterns form.

Many people use fetch as a shortcut for physical exercise.

But movement is not the same as regulation.
Throwing a ball 100 times does not tire out a working dogā€”it wires him tighter.

What these dogs need is:
ā€¢ Cognitive engagement
ā€¢ Problem solving
ā€¢ Relationship-based training
ā€¢ Impulse control and on/off switches
ā€¢ Scentwork or tracking to satisfy the nose-brain connection
ā€¢ Regulated physical outlets like structured walks, swimming, tug with rules, or balanced sport work
ā€¢ Recovery time in a calm environment

But What About Drive Fulfillment? Donā€™t They Need an Outlet?

Yes, and hereā€™s the nuance:

Drive should be fulfilled strategically, not passively or impulsively. This is where real training philosophy comes in.

Instead of free-for-all ball throwing, I recommend:
ā€¢ Tug with rules of out, impulse control, and handler engagement

ā€¢ Controlled prey play with a flirt pole, used sparingly

ā€¢ Engagement-based drive work with clear start and stop signals

ā€¢ Training sessions that integrate drive, control, and reward

ā€¢ Activities like search games, mantrailing, or protection sport with balance

ā€¢ Working on ā€œdown in driveā€ ā€” the ability to switch from arousal to rest

This builds a thinking dog, not a reactive one. The Bottom Line: Just Because He Loves It Doesnā€™t Mean Itā€™s Good for Him

Your Malinois, German Shepherd, Dutchie, or other working dog may love the ball. He may bring it to you with joy. But the question is not what he likesā€”itā€™s what he needs.

A child may love candy every day, but a good parent knows better. As a trainer, handler, and caretaker, itā€™s your responsibility to think long term.
Youā€™re not raising a dog for this moment. Youā€™re developing a life companion, a regulated athlete, a resilient thinker.

So noā€”I donā€™t recommend playing ball every day.
Because every throw is a reinforcement of the primal mind.

And the primal mind, unchecked, cannot be reasoned with. It cannot self-regulate. It becomes a slave to its own instincts.

Train your dog to engage with you, not just the object. Teach arousal with control, play with purpose, and rest with confidence.

Your dog deserves better than obsession.He deserves balance. He deserves youā€”not just the ball.


Bart De Gols

Monday nights Advance class has been rocking down at Express Pet Wash  along with our Wednesday evening class as well! T...
03/26/2025

Monday nights Advance class has been rocking down at Express Pet Wash along with our Wednesday evening class as well!

There will be plans for a new Beginner three week course evening class soon. Tentatively looking to start an evening class Monday the 14th (at either 5:30 or 6pm) if at least 7 people can confirm they will attend or I will book one at the end of April instead. Leave a comment below with a pic of your pup if youā€™re interested! Class would be $105 for all the three week package.

As for our weekend drop in classes the next set will beā€¦

Saturday April 12th & 26th at 1pm for Beginner
$30

Sunday April 13th & 27th at 1pm for Advance
$15

Location: Moore Park

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

Does your pup have a good understanding of their basic commands and youā€™d like to start advancing their training more? W...
03/23/2025

Does your pup have a good understanding of their basic commands and youā€™d like to start advancing their training more?

Want to work on more difficult tasks like distant stays, difficult leave itā€™s, distractible recalls, and heel work along with many more things?

Join us today down at Moore Park 1pm for our Advance class which is only $15.

The Ruff House Unleashed
Klamath Falls, OR
Marcus Shepherd
(814) 388-5615

Join us for drop in Beginner class today out at Moore Park! Weā€™ll be there at 1pmClass is one hour long for $30We are go...
03/22/2025

Join us for drop in Beginner class today out at Moore Park! Weā€™ll be there at 1pm

Class is one hour long for $30

We are going to meet at the main entrance side by the first parking lot/restrooms. If itā€™s raining we will head over to the covered pavilion on lake side.

Tomorrow will be Advance class at 1pm for $15

Happy training šŸ•

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

100% why I will never recommend retractable leashes
03/22/2025

100% why I will never recommend retractable leashes

Our first evening Advance and Beginner classes went well this week at Express Pet Wash !If anyone is interested in atten...
03/20/2025

Our first evening Advance and Beginner classes went well this week at Express Pet Wash !

If anyone is interested in attending the next batch of evening group classes please drop a comment below and I can put up a schedule soon for more classes starting mid April

I do also have our weekend drop in classes this Saturday and Sunday for anyone interested in attending. Drop in class will be $30 on Saturday for Beginner and $15 on Sunday for Advance. Both classes will take place at Moore Park at 1pm - dress warm!

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

One of my current bootcampers - Lightening My handlers and I have been working on his engagement and confidence boosting...
03/17/2025

One of my current bootcampers - Lightening

My handlers and I have been working on his engagement and confidence boosting. Heā€™s had the opportunity to go out and train in public several times with us and the other bootcampers and is doing very well.

Bootcamp is a great experience for confidence boosting, proper socialization, desensitizing, behavior modification, and also wonderful for obedience training. If your dog has a start with some commands but needs help working with distractions in the real world - thatā€™s where bootcamp is extremely beneficial.

Want to travel with your dog on your next vacation? Want a better behaved pet when you visit the vet?

What do your future goals look like for you and your dog? The possibilities are endless.

I personally like my dogs to have a good recall under any circumstance for example when there is wildlife around, other dogs, people, and interesting smells around them. This strengthens our bonds and opens up many off leash opportunities too. I love to hike with my dogs, take them to the coast/beach, and enjoy taking them swimming. A recall is so important for those type of outings.

Maybe your goal for you and your dog is to have better leash mannerism and skills so walks are more enjoyable.

Board and train (bootcamp) is one of three training services I offer along with one on one sessions and group classes.

With bootcamp we get your dog started and work on the most difficult tasks so itā€™s easier for you to follow up with them and continue the training. It includes free drop in classes plus one on one sessions too.

For puppies six months and younger it is $45 a day

Teen and adult dogs 7 months and older are $60 a day

Bootcamp is a two week minimum

Thereā€™s a $300 off discount for those who stay 30 days or more (non reactive/non aggressive)

For special cases like reactivity and aggression dogs are required to stay a minimum of 30 days.

I have nineteen years of professional dog training experience and MANY references

Bookings for April and May are currently open!

Happy training šŸ•

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

Group classes!Our first indoor evening group classes begin next week - Advance class has TWO spots available at $80Class...
03/12/2025

Group classes!

Our first indoor evening group classes begin next week

- Advance class has TWO spots available at $80

Class will start Monday the 17th at 5:30pm

- Beginner class has TWO spots available at $105

Class will start Wednesday the 19th at 5:30pm

Both classes will take place at Express Pet Wash

Please text or call me directly to reserve a spot. Each course is three weeks long same day and time.

I also have a drop in Beginner class March 22nd (Saturday) at 1pm for $30

And an Advance class Sunday March 23rd (Sunday) at 1pm for $15

Both drop in classes will take place at Moore Park

P.S. Bookings are available for bootcamp board and train for both April and May currently

Happy training šŸ•

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

03/07/2025
This is Georgie a sweet but very shy young shepherd mix being fostered currently through Best Friends of Baker, Inc.Heā€™s...
03/05/2025

This is Georgie a sweet but very shy young shepherd mix being fostered currently through Best Friends of Baker, Inc.

Heā€™s hanging out with us for the month for board and train bootcamp to help build confidence, socialize more, and to work on foundation obedience cues.

Heā€™ll be available for adoption soon. Heā€™s wonderful with other dogs and would thrive in a home with other playful canine companions. He doesnā€™t seem to mind my cats and heā€™s gradually getting more comfortable around all of my handlers the longer he stays. Heā€™s wonderful with his kennel manners and is extremely affectionate once he gets to know you. With time and patience heā€™ll make a wonderful dog for a lucky person. If anyone may be interested in meeting him while heā€™s staying with me feel free to contact via phone/text. The adoption process itself will take place through the rescue directly.

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

03/04/2025

Things your dog was born already programmed to do -

Eat
Sleep
Eliminate
Smell
Vocalize
Chase
Chew
Dig
Play/interact with own species
Self groom

Things your dog is NOT born already programmed to do -

Wear a collar
Walk on a leash
Sleep in a crate
Be confined
Eliminate only outside
Live in a house
Understand human language
Know how to stay
Modify play based on the species
Come when called
Chew only approved objects
Do stairs
Go on car rides
Be restrained
Be groomed
Not chase
Not vocalize at the ā€œwrongā€ times

I could go on and on. When you sit back and look at this, how many of us have just EXPECTED the stuff on the second list? How many of us have gotten frustrated or disappointed or impatient when our dogs didnā€™t immediately understand what we wanted?

The human world that we ask our dogs to live in is NOT always what comes most naturally to them, so we need to be patient and teach them about it thoughtfully and respectfully. We also need to then understand that some of their born with traits will need outlets, even if we donā€™t always understand them. They do it for us, we can definitely make the effort to do it for them.

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

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Klamath Falls, OR
97601

Telephone

+17143885615

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