Kindness Dog Training

09/06/2024

08/20/2024

🐾 Do you have any used and well loved equipment you are looking to get rid of?
🐾 Don’t want to hassle with trying to sell that box of stuff sitting in the attic you never use?
🐾 Has your dog grown out of their puppy gear and it’s just taking up space?

With the upcoming Free Training Class (and continued training outside of class) for our Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc shelter dogs we are hoping we can get some better equipment for training!

We will happily take any old equipment off your hands and give it as much use as it can stand!!!! We are primarily looking for:
🐶 quality leashes
🐶 flat collars
🐕‍🦺 back clip And/or Y-front harnesses
🛍️ treat pouches
🐶 basket muzzles
🦴 treats
🪢 training toys/tugs
whatever you are willing to part with really!

As anyone in the world of dog training knows, good gear is 💸expensive💸 and cheap gear doesn’t last and unfortunately as a rescue with a good amount of dogs that runs entirely on volunteers and donations it gets VERY expensive VERY quickly. 😭 The current leashes and collars are particularly sad and in desperate need of an update (direct quote from Allie of Nerdy Dog Training who is hosting and running the free* foster training class, "the dog trainer in me absolutely can’t handle it any longer, I might just parish if I see one more spaghetti noodle of a collar on a large dog 😵‍💫😅")!

If you don’t have gear to donate, but still want to help, you can send donations with a note for it to be used for training gear!
Alternately you can message Nerdy Dog Training for what she plans to order and you can order and send directly to us.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CCTBMLKJ3PT4Q&ssrt=1724168280557

This gear will greatly improve our ability to provide the best care for these animals and get them into forever homes! ❤️

Message for shipping address!

If you are local and want to help with training here is the link to sign up for the class!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/NerdyDogTraining1/FreeShelterDogClass

08/16/2024

Looking for ways to work with dogs even though your stuffy landlord won't let you have one?

Wanting to learn skills that you can apply to your own dogs but finances for you down?

Heart bursting at the seams to train your own dog, but they hate car rides/other dogs/completely introverted pup?

Check out this amazing opportunity offering ways to learn dog training skills with free* classes, dog provided to you so you don't have worry about transporting your own dog from home.

What’s this?? Something new?! Something Exciting?!? 👀

An opportunity to learn the information in the Basic Manners class for free AND help shelter dogs!?!

✨How does this work?✨
Once a week for 8 weeks we will meet at the Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc Training Center at the Quincy Mall, just like my main classses, except instead of bringing your own dog, you will be working a dog from the shelter that is assigned to you!

✨Why?✨
1- because the shelter dogs need time out of the shelter and training is proven to increase their chances of adoption!
2- it’s a great volunteer opportunity!
3- it’s a great way to meet and get to know a dog you may have had your eye on at the shelter!
4- you can get the exact same information from my paid class, you just will have to take that information home and work your dog by yourself (I believe in you!). Whether you are on a budget or just can’t wait until the next round of classes this is a great way to get a jumpstart on your own dogs’ training!

✨What we need!✨
We need 4 more people interested and able to commit to at least 6 of the 8 classes, we are also highly encouraging people to come to the shelter outside of class to work with their assigned dog, but that’s not required. We also have options for people that do not want to work dog during the class (or if we get more than 4 people interested, which would be amazing!!) where you can observe/audit the class in exchange for volunteering at the shelter or a $50 donation to HBW! ❤️

Sign up below and we will get back to you as soon as possible with additional details!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/NerdyDogTraining1/FreeShelterDogClass

07/03/2024

Kept your pets safe this holiday.

The fireworks have started!! And it is too late to get meds now for your pets. So PLEASE keep in mind when dogs get spooked by the sounds of the fireworks going off they will go over, under and thru to make a run for it. PLEASE do NOT leave your pets out unattended to potty for the next, well about 2 weeks, and if you don't normally have them on a leash when letting them out to potty and you don't have a fence PLEASE put them on a leash for the next couple of weeks. This two week period is the highest running at large period of the entire year!!!! PLEASE don't let your pet become a statistic!! Keep them safe!!!

07/01/2024

This Saturday the Spring 2024 classes wrapped up with these two wonderful ladies, and their equally wonderful dogs graduating the CLASS Highschool program. A huge congratulations to Kelly and Liza, and Gretchen and Bazel!

They will now be eligible to enroll in the CLASS Bachelor's program to continue to advance their training in the fall, which will prepare them for the Master's and PhD courses if they want to continue to pursue further training goals.

It truly takes persistent and dedication to continue to carve out the time to show up to each and every class along the way. Each student that completes the course always remarks on how much improvement they see within themselves as a handler, leader, and voice for their dog; as well as how much their bond and ability to work together with their dog has improved.

Are you ready for the challenge? Stay tuned for the Fall 2024 schedule.

05/06/2024

*Class update!
The Tuesday night Basic Manners is now scheduled for 6:30, instead of 5!

Registration for the summer round of classes is officially open!!

Register here 👇🏻
https://www.cognitoforms.com/nerdydogtraining1/classregistrationform

Puppy Class-
For puppies 8 weeks to 5 months of age and will focus on teaching how to properly socialize your puppy, set them up for success into adulthood, and how to manage and prevent inappropriate behaviors. If you want to start your new best friend off on the right paw, this is the class for you!

Basic Manners-
For dogs 6 months and older with no prior training and will focus on teaching the basic skills every dog should know, proper handling skills, improve bond and engagement, and how to stop common inappropriate behaviors. Whether your dog is brand new or you’ve had them for years, this class will help you be the best team possible!

Intermediate-
For dogs 6 months+ AND have been through the Basic Manners class. The focus of this class is to build on the foundations built in the previous class and build a more reliable dog. We will also have a heavy focus on Social Responsibility and learning the skills for the GRC SR1 test. The goal is to promote responsible dogs and owners through relationship and control.

Want to learn more about GRC and the SR test? Here’s a link! 👇🏻
https://www.grcdogsports.com/intro

*these classes are not intended to work on behavioral issues like aggression or reactivity. While dogs with behavioral issues are allowed in class, these issues MUST be at a manageable point in training. Pm me if you are interested in private lessons to work on those issues.

04/22/2024

There are a few spots left in each class. After some inquiries we have decided to re-open registration to allow a couple of more people to join us starting this Saturday. If you were interested in signing up, do not wait. We will NOT be taking in additional participants for these classes after this Saturday and courses do not become available again until FALL.

Registration will remain open until April 26th, unless all spots are filled earlier.

This year there are two classes offered. Beginner (H.S.) and Basic (B.A.). Beginner is best for first time owners and young puppies. Basic is best for previous owners with new dogs that can use a refresher or older dogs that are learning the basic skills. if you aren't sure which is right for you, you can take the Beginner Course self assessment. Dogs that pass the assessment qualify for the Basic course. If you still aren't sure please reach out and we can help you decide.

Courses consist of 6 in person classes running from April through June. Beginner is held from 1-2pm, Basic is held from 2:30-3:30pm. All classes are held in the Homeward Bound Waggin, inc- Training Center located in the Quincy Town Center

Beginner registration https://form.jotform.com/240834734519158
Held from 1-2pm

Beginner self assessment https://form.jotform.com/233283241680049

Basic registration https://form.jotform.com/240834320418147
Held from 2:30-3:30pm

These courses are NOT acceptable for reactive or aggressive dogs.

Students will need to bring the following items to class:
• Leash (4’ to 6’ made of leather, nylon or rope,
non-retractable)
• Collar and/or harness (prong, chain, choke, e-collars are not allowed)
• Treat pouch
• Treats (a variety of at least 100 pea-sized treats)
• Mat for the dog’s comfort
• Chew item or food-stuffed toy

Weekends don't work for you? Not a problem. Check out Nerdy Dog Training for week day classes. Different trainer, similar classes, same location.

04/07/2024

Classes start this Saturday. Don't wait to sign up, spots are very limited!

Registration will remain open until April 11th, unless all spots are filled earlier.

This year there are two classes offered. Beginner (H.S.) and Basic (B.A.). Beginner is best for first time owners and young puppies. Basic is best for previous owners with new dogs that can use a refresher or older dogs that are learning the basic skills. if you aren't sure which is right for you, you can take the Beginner Course self assessment. Dogs that pass the assessment qualify for the Basic course. If you still aren't sure please reach out and we can help you decide.

Courses consist of 6 in person classes running from April through June. Beginner is held from 1-2pm, Basic is held from 2:30-3:30pm. All classes are held in the Homeward Bound Waggin, inc- Training Center located in the Quincy Town Center

Beginner registration https://form.jotform.com/240834734519158
Held from 1-2pm

Beginner self assessment https://form.jotform.com/233283241680049

Basic registration https://form.jotform.com/240834320418147
Held from 2:30-3:30pm

These courses are NOT acceptable for reactive or aggressive dogs.

Students will need to bring the following items to class:
• Leash (4’ to 6’ made of leather, nylon or rope,
non-retractable)
• Collar and/or harness (prong, chain, choke, e-collars are not allowed)
• Treat pouch
• Treats (a variety of at least 100 pea-sized treats)
• Mat for the dog’s comfort
• Chew item or food-stuffed toy

Weekends don't work for you? Not a problem. Check out Nerdy Dog Training for week day classes. Different trainer, similar classes, same location.

03/31/2024

Spring Class registration is now open! Registration will remain open until April 11th, unless all spots are filled earlier.

This year there are two classes offered. Beginner (H.S.) and Basic (B.A.). Beginner is best for first time owners and young puppies. Basic is best for previous owners with new dogs that can use a refresher or older dogs that are learning the basic skills. if you aren't sure which is right for you, you can take the Beginner Course self assessment. Dogs that pass the assessment qualify for the Basic course. If you still aren't sure please reach out and we can help you decide.

Courses consist of 6 in person classes running from April through June. Beginner is held from 1-2pm, Basic is held from 2:30-3:30pm. All classes are held in the Homeward Bound Waggin, inc- Training Center located in the Quincy Town Center

Beginner registration https://form.jotform.com/240834734519158
Held from 1-2pm

Beginner self assessment https://form.jotform.com/233283241680049

Basic registration https://form.jotform.com/240834320418147
Held from 2:30-3:30pm

These courses are NOT acceptable for reactive or aggressive dogs.

Students will need to bring the following items to class:
• Leash (4’ to 6’ made of leather, nylon or rope,
non-retractable)
• Collar and/or harness (prong, chain, choke, e-collars are not allowed)
• Treat pouch
• Treats (a variety of at least 100 pea-sized treats)
• Mat for the dog’s comfort
• Chew item or food-stuffed toy

Weekends don't work for you? Not a problem. Check out Nerdy Dog Training for week day classes. Different trainer, different classes, same location.

03/19/2024

This year we are happy to announce new and additional training courses. The goal is to be able to build up to offering more advanced classes later in the year and moving into 2025.

In the images below you will find an explanation of the first two courses that will be offered starting in April. Registration will begin about 2 weeks prior to the first class start date. Classes will be on Saturdays, twice a month for three months at 1pm and 2:30pm.

Weekends don't work for you? Current courses not advanced enough? That's ok, check out what Allie is doing over at Nerdy Dog Training! We will be sharing the same space in the Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc Training Center, so it will be super easy to fine either one of us!

Not sure what course is right for your dog? Feel free to reach out and we will help you decide.

03/12/2024

12/28/2023

They're here they're here!!

Surprisingly no Mud, Muppet or Rag detected in Sheldon, but Cattle dog might as well be velociraptor.

Cookies background looks like someone's purebred might have gotten out and had a frisky night on the town 🤣

Cookie's panel
https://www.wisdompanel.com/app/s/8r034g7

Sheldon's panel
https://www.wisdompanel.com/app/s/hrtx93j

Both are still available for adoption through Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc

12/05/2023

Thanks to all of the love and support this year, on top of the donations we were able to make through the year to HBW, we were also able to purchase two Wisdom Panel DNA tests!

There are some dogs we absolutely couldn't pass up the chance to see what sort of breeds can come together to create so much personality in one little package! So of course Sheldon gets one.

For our second choice, we are all too curious to see what breeds Cookie has in her. Dew claws on back feet are uncommon enough. But an actually polydactyl is even more unusual and typically only seen in a select few breeds.

Join us and the volunteers at Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc by tossing in your guesses for what you think they will come back as!

Here are some of the guesses from the HBW volunteers:

Sheldon (Black and white dog): unanimously voted "Muppet". We don't think that rare breed is in their data base yet though. 🤔Maybe he'll help them get started? One individual also commented, "He reminded me of Sprocket from Fragile Rock. So maybe he's a Fraggle." Followed by guesses of Chinese crested, Lab, Wire haired Pointing Griffon, Portuguese Water dog, Border Collie, Terrier, Poodle, and .001% cat.

Cookie (Tan and black dog): Brought in some unique guesses herself with comments such as, "I can tell you that when I first saw her back paws, I remembered something in Jurassic Park, so probably a velociraptor-pit with a sprinkle of terrier." And "I also thought dinosaur, or some sort of alien super intelligence." Followed by Shar-pei, Shepherd, Lab, Beauceron, and Collie.

Edited to add: Both Sheldon (neutered male) and Cookie (neutered female) are available for adoption!

(Not sponsored or affiliated with Wisdom Panel. These tests were purchased independently.)

11/25/2023

With the holidays around the corner we know that some people will be getting puppies and dogs as presents.

If you, or someone you know, is planning to or already has brought home a new furry friend I definitely encourage signing up for one of the following classes below to help insure a smooth transition into the home.

Two classes will be offered on 12/9/23, divided by age group.
8wk-6month - 12p-1pm
6mo and older - 1:30-2:30pm
Classes are held at the Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc Training Center in the Quincy Town Center
Spots with puppy/dog in attendance are $20
Spots without the puppy/dog in attendance are $10

Space is very limited! Sign up today to make sure your spot is confirmed.

A portion of the proceeds goes back to Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc

Puppy Class Registration - https://form.jotform.com/233165141106141

Dog Class Registration -
https://form.jotform.com/233285879696176

11/25/2023

The adoption center is closed today but you can come see Sheldon who is adoptable at the training center from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

11/14/2023

Over excited/over arousal/hyper arousal IS a form of reactivity.
I know many may struggle understanding that having a dog that is desperate to meet others is a reactive dog...because they don't appear "aggressive".
They can be described as "friendly" or "just LOVES other dogs".
It is also incredibly stressful for these dogs.
Stress hormones can be released with both positive and negative stimuli....a difficult concept for some to accept that their "friendly" dog can be stressed.
This is not about dogs that get excited when they see a dog they know...this is purely aimed at dogs that go straight to over arousal at the mere sight of a dog/cat or person...whatever their trigger is.

Bite risks...
Yes even these dogs can bite (or be bitten).
There is no emotional self control and things can change in an instant with these dogs....they do pose a bite risk...and I appreciate that is hard to hear for many as their friendly dog would "never" bite another.
EVERY dog has the capability to bite given certain circumstances and over arousal puts dogs into positions where their emotions take over.
Many dogs bite when over aroused.
Bites can also be redirected back onto their guardians/owners or the nearest person/dog/child present.
They also fail to "read the room", there is no time taken to assess the other dog they desperately want to interact with....so the lead is taken off that friendly dog so they can meet their new "friend".

This is a new graphic based on another I made but this is specifically for over aroused dogs.
Your dog will also have their own unique changes you can see as they go over that all important threshold.

You are not alone with this issue...it is very common.
Reactive dog guardians/owners are some of the most dedicated I have ever met.
These dogs can be incredibly hard to live with.

You can make a difference.

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Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

11/12/2023

Bailey, adoptable through Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc got to come up to the training center yesterday. First she said we needed to stop for some coffee and a pup cup though, so we went to Wink's Drinks afterwards she was ready to shine.

🤫 Don't tell the dogs but I also gave the cats some attention yesterday too.

11/07/2023

I'm a bit behind but I still wanted to make sure this post got up. On October 28th the Fall Basic Training class had it's last session. On this day three lovely ladies and their wonderful dogs received their certificates of completion. They attended every session without fail.

These ladies deserve the extra recognition because one of the hardest but best things to accomplish in dog training is consistency! The dogs also got to have some celebration cake, and the left over cake went to the dogs at Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc Check out the comments for videos of a few of the residents enjoying their treats. (I promise they don't always get their special treats through their kennel doors, but I was trying to hurry to make sure I didn't have a cake riot break out 😆)

And to top it all off, this class resulted in being able to donate just over $186.00! It might not seem like a lot to some, but for this fully volunteer, donation funded shelter, every bit helps. Especially with the recent bid for drain repairs with an estimate of $4,000.00