Staywilddog Training LLC

07/08/2024

Anyone else struggling to keep your pups busy and cool during this heat? Try some fun simple snacks for enrichment.

30/07/2024

Hey everyone! It has been a bit since I have posted but I wanted to update you on exciting new additions to StayWildDog Training!

First off, there is now a pop-up shop available for dog themed items and apparel. One of my personal favorites is the one posted below, inspired by my very own demo dog Kodiak! You had me at AWOO, buddy!

Second, our first Adventure Classes for Recall, Leave it, Drop it, Heel and Rattle Snake Avoidance- will begin in August! Prices will be posted next week for early enrollment! Great class for intermediate students.

And Third, I have been working HARD on creating online courses for your learning needs! Ranging from

Fearful to Fearless: A guide to boosting your pups confidence
Reactive Rover: Understanding Thresholds
Potty Training the Fear Free Way
Fear Free Adventures: Exploring the Great Outdoors with your dog!

These will be available for purchase either individually, or as a collection and come with quizzes and certificates.

Check out the shop and grab yourself some StayWildDog merch, support Fear Free training, and as always, STAY WILD!

Buy this product for only $24.99

24/06/2024

Thank you all for your patience with me and the update on Bernie during my medical leave. I spent the past month recovering from a necessary surgery (with a few minor hiccups) and couldn't work on anything during that time. But now that I'm back, I've hit the ground running, updating information, classes, and students. I apologize for the delay, but here is the promised video update on BERNIE!

His foster family has no intention on letting him go!

07/06/2024

Hey everyone! Thank you so much for your patience during my healing process. It has gone a little slower than I would like but I should be cleared to go soon and am now taking new students and schedulings beginning the 17th!

Those who have outstanding sessions will have a minor assessment to see where they are currently at since the break and training plan adjustments if need be.

The website will be down for a day or so to update our programs and learning center with all new content and handouts, so you may not be able to book through the calendar link until the 9th. If you would like to book with me before then, please message me here, call at 509-540-3093, or email me at [email protected]!

A video update for Bernie is coming soon! Keep an eye out!

18/05/2024

Reminder to all that I will be out of town and out of reach for a small chunk of time. Keep up your training, message me if you have any questions.

For those wanting to join the new exciting adventures coming when I return, there is a waitlist form now on the front page of www.staywilddog.com.

Some things to look out for when I return!

ADVENTURE CLASSES

Reactive Rover:
How To Read your Dog and How to Counter Condition Responses.

Wild Walks:
Returning Service: Free, Group Walks

Paddleboard Puppers:
Learn everything you need to know to paddleboard safely with your dog.

Canoeing Canines:
How to stay balanced, and settled in your canoe, plus emergency back up.

Hiking Hounds
Necessary skills needed for off leash work, requires strong recall, leave it and snake avoidance.

LIFE-TRAINING
30-Minute Sessions conducted in life-environments to help dogs habituate to our ever changing world. Teaches you how to read your dog and how to help them function in our ever-changing world.

Locations like:
Local parks
Farmers Market
Local Bars/Pub
Social Events
Public Access
And More!

These are invaluable classes which both pet parents and dogs find tremendous confidence and growth. We keep these sessions short to ensure each dog begins and ends the session while under threshold (their learning period with out stress).

We will continue to offer our normal in-home coaching sessions and behavioral modification for fearful, anxious and over-reactive dogs.

Podcast are expected to resume with new topics and new guest!

As well as our normal in-home coaching sessions and behavioral modification for fearful, anxious and over-reactive dogs.

Podcast will resume upon my return with all new topics and guest!

Thank you all for being so patient with me during this medical procedure I must go through, and thank you all for supporting StayWildDog during Bernie's Crisis. (He is doing amazing, and I will be posting a video update upon my return).

Until I see you all again, STAY WILD!

25/04/2024

Personal Update/Booking Adjustments:

Hey everyone! I know I have been a bit MIA since we haven't had a lot of time to post things NOT Bernie oriented (which he is doing AMAZING with his current foster family!)

But I wanted to notify you all that this upcoming month is going to be a doozy.

I will be out of town from May 2nd to the 5th, and again from May 19th to May 30th due to a medical procedure.

The recovery period is going to be rough, and I will be unavailable to take clients during this time.

Don't worry, it's not life or death- but I wanted to give everyone a heads up about the blocked out dates.

When I return, I will be unable to drive to locations for sessions until cleared by my doctor. Last time I had a surgery and pushed it, which caused my recovery to slow down drastically....this time I will listen to the doctor.

That said, I intend to create a small training space to allow students to visit during my recovery period and keep training moving.

I will also offer Zoomies for those who prefer online teaching at a distance.

Until that date, I will open the calendars up to include Mondays and Tuesdays, my typical days off from client booking.

The new hours are as stated until my departure on May 19th.

Sunday-Friday

10 am - 6 pm.

Saturday: Off

Those who have sessions remaining, please consider getting them booked before my medical leave, or please be patient with me upon my return.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message me at:

[email protected]

Call at 509-540-3093

Visit www.staywilddog.com

And until then, stay WILD!

P.S. Say Hi to Mollie who has made amazing progress from her slipped disc injury last year!

20/04/2024

BERNIE UPDATE!

Some very exciting news! Bernies foster family has been smitten with him and his adorable and fun personality.
They are going to take him to their family home in another town to trial him with their other dogs and expand his forever home search (though they have connected so much with Bernie I believe he may have already found it 😉)

I am so incredibly excited and a bit emotional because I love Bernie as does this town! Our little celebrity is on his way to bigger and better things! I will keep everyone updated on the official status of Bernie through his journey.

Thank you, everyone, for being on TEAM BERNIE. By helping us with his foster hunts, his supplies, food, and training supplies- this is proof that when our community is in need that we can band together and save a life!

Bernie is alive and well today thanks to YOU!

Let's keep him and his fosters in our thoughts as he takes this next step in his journey!

17/04/2024

Bernie Update:

Thank you everyone for your patience.
Bernie has been doing well with his current foster.

I wanted to remind everyone that Bernie needed the decompression period and that was the most important thing for him.

Most of his stress induced chewing came from a lack of enrichment, a lack of exercise, and lack of communication and cue definition. He is not a bad dog, and never was. His current foster is ensuring that he has training times through the day as well as proper exercise with two good walks per day.

I hope people will look at him and see that just like any dog that we bring into our homes, they are professionals at being DOGS, but not professionals at living in our world. It is up to us to show them the way. "Instead of chewing on this, chew on that. Instead of doing this problem, do this good thing instead."

He has done well with basic training, waiting at doors, reducing pulling on walks, and even allows the cats to approach him in the crate without issue.

This is what it looks like to have a relaxed dog matched with someone who makes the time to teach him how to live in our world.

Bernie will need dog food soon and we are looking for additional supplies.

If you would like to donate towards Bernie, you can venmo

Or you can DM me for a drop off address for supplies.

Bernie could use:

Chicken based dog food, would like him on 4Health Large Breed, did not show interest in Instinct or Purina.

Moist Food: Preferred Science Diet so far, but Evangers is also a good choice.

Training Treats:

Low values: Dry, crunchy, brittle (Think "Charlie Bears")

Medium Values: Softer, moister, meatier (Think "Train Me's"/"Zukes")

High Values: Human Grade (Freeze dried, dehydrated)

Look below at how relaxed he is, and how he deserves to be. Still looking for his forever home.

12/04/2024

Edit to update: 3:17 pm
4. 13. 24

OK you guys, I appreciate the comments but
I am going to answer the most common comments here so I don't have to respond to every response.

First off, I am a trainer with no facility. I am doing all of this for the peace of mind that he does not get put down for reasons that are not his own.

This is why he has been re-fostered so many times for those who are angry at me for moving him so much.

Previous Owner: Woman who is used to stressed chihuahua, not a good fit for an active dog who experiences stress chewing. Rehoming was too difficult, scheduled for euthanasia.
FOSTER 1: Took him for emergency removal from owner to prevent euthanasia. Discovered with her sons autistic needs Bernie was not a good match for household despite telling me it'd be ok when I expressed concerns. The most important thing was to save Bernie, so I allowed it due to his euthanasia date being scheduled the following Wednesday.
FOSTER 2: Has 2 small children who got along great with Bernie, except they kept opening the doors and releasing Bernie which made decompression difficult and ended in a dog to dog squabble. Children where unable to rest and foster asked me to rehome.
FOSTER 3: Did the best, had good social interaction with their lab, but was unable help them settle with their other pup who was also a stress pup. They felt they were moving backwards in their calming protocol so asked to remove Bernie. The dogs in the home have priority (as they should).
FOSTER 4 : Had an amazing space. Only conflict was spousal support after Foster to adopt trial. Decided to not adopt. Had to remove.
FOSTER 5: He is currently with a shelter volunteer with experience with big dogs with hopes to maintain him.

I am spending copious amount of time, energy, money to save this dog that I have have only had 2 training sessions with.

I do not rescue. I am learning the best I can and checking out everyone's homes, giving them FULL DETAILS of his history, confirming they can handle it, and then getting backlash.

This has been stressful on me trying to help him, run my business, finish my degree. I have not been sleeping, nor eating well because when I am not working with clients then I am working for Bernie. I'm nonstop trying to help him.

Please respect that the few people who have reached out and showed interest in Bernie that I have had to turn down due to busy, chaotic homes. I will not send him somewhere that spells disaster for Bernie and will turn into a REPEAT of this whole situation. He would be at risk again in some of the homes offering so please stop asking me what happened to them.

They are not being ignored. Through discussion it was found to not be the best place for him. Sure, I can pass him off to whoever because it would be "easier for me". But I am not that kind of man.

For those saying I am not being candid on his needs.

Behavioral concerns: Full stop.
He is a beefy boy, and pulls. Easy to fix if someone would keep him longer than 3 days.

Stress induced chewing. Another easy fix if allowed to stay through decompression. Bernie is great and easy to train, redirects well.

Some minor barking at passerby's, easy to work on.

Doesn't care for cats like many dogs.

Does well with confident social dogs and not stressed dogs.

These are his issues. That is IT. ALL of my fosters know these things. Yet a lot of comments I feel are getting out of hand and ANGRY that I have had to move him so much. I can't keep him in a place where he isn't wanted.

I have gone above and beyond for this dog, more than any person could ever ask especially after only having him for 2 training sessions.... and I would appreciate it if the comments moving forward don't bash on my ability to find fosters but instead prioritize helping Bernie get to a place he belongs.

So I hope that clears some things

_____________

Bernie Update:

Bernie is good with:
Kids
Confident Dogs (max 1-2 in home)

Bernie Needs:
Fenced Yard
Someone with patience
Walks

Bernie is NOT good with:
Cats (can be with some training).
Being 'manhandled'. Collar grabs don't help him.

I have called every shelter and rescue in our region. Please post this far and wide,past Washington, he needs a home now.

Any potential farms who want this awesome boy?

10/04/2024

Scheduling meet and greets today to get him to his forever home! I haven't found everyone who posted in all the pages so please if you are interested, message me, or comment below so we can schedule your meet and greet today!

09/04/2024

UPDATE: 11:08 AM
4.9.24

If you would like to donate to his needs, you can venmo me

If you have spare:

YAK CHEWS
BULLY STICKS
Large/XL 3-n-1 harness
Dasequin chew/power

We would appreciate it.

He shows signs of possible hip dysplasia and would like to place him on supplements to support.

Foster Update: Bernie is getting along great with the current fosters black lab. Working on getting him used to their other dog who is also a stress-pup. But going slow and steady is how this is most successful.

He only barked for a little bit at night. Relaxing on his giant bed in crate. Minor chewing but easily redirected and given a bully stick. This seems to be his favorite chew.
_____________________________________________________________________
Hello everyone following BERNIE in his emergency foster journey.

I am making this post because I feel that it's important to show just how much goes into helping a dog who has been surrendered by his owner.

Recap: Bernie has separation anxiety and a very loud voice to tell you about it. He would chew nervously and out of frustration. That is his only crime. For that, he was going to be euthanized. The owner made an appointment three times, despite my help and carefully constructed training program tailor-made for Bernie. So, I offered for the owner to surrender him to me and I would rehome him.

I immediately began reaching out to people for help. Bernie needed a new home, specifically someone who would have a beneficial environment to help with his stress. We need to avoid putting Bernie into another dangerous situation so I created a profile on adoptapet, and required an adoption fee to w**d out those who would essentially euthanize him in a much more horrible way by using him as a potential bait dog. This fee can be waived for the right person through interview and home assessment.

I spoke with as many people as I could about Bernie, fielding well over 200 people at all hours of the day and night in hopes of finding a good match. I called multiple shelters, vets, possible leads and received great help from the community. Any moment I wasn't working with a client, I was working for Bernie.

Home assessments take a lot of time, discussion, energy, and if they were done by a shelter, it wouldn't be for free.

We moved him into 2 fosters for emergency night stays and it was necessary to save him. Thank you to the people who opened their home just for the one night.

Some people who asked to foster or home Bernie felt they were a good fit, but this job is my passion, and I know Bernie personally. I know what he needs, and he just wasn't the right fit for some of those I spoke to. I'm sorry that that offended some of them, but it wouldn't have been a good situation for human or pup. We can't risk him going to a new home yet again after only a day. Others felt I wasn't quick enough to respond to their questions, which caused additional frustration, especially since most of the questions were the same.

Remember, I'm gathering information as well, and don't have all the answers.

I also asked for donations, and people were generous enough to give.

I truly appreciate that and would like to explain where that money went/ and is going, for anyone who might wonder:

- He does not eat the kibble provided and new dog food will be purchased to find his preference. I already gave him a bag of Instinct.

- Treats. For training, and decompression.

-Canned food for kongs-not only calming, but may be the only thing he will eat under high stress

- Beef chews-calming protocol

-Hard chews-calming protocol

- Lick mats-calming protocol

- Calming collars-Ease the transition

- A crate pan (our donated crate had a cracked one).

-New lead, prior lost

-Adoptapet fee

That alone used up the money donated, getting as much from discount stores as is reasonable, and still went over.

None of that money covered:

- Gas driving to those stores, or for the multiple trips to fosters.
-Did not cover the added the approx 2 hours of training for EACH VISIT to the fosters (normally $129.99 an hour as a behavioral professional).
-Nor did it cover the assessment, the transport of items or supplies, the offloading, the teaching of the fosters, setting up his gear and getting him in place.
-Spending on average 6 hours per day on just the in person foster work only to have to repeat the process the next day, and the countless hours still trying to communicate and navigate potential fosters. I am also trying to still run my business as a trainer during this time.

And of course, it doesn't cover the sleepless nights, and emotional stress from trying everything I can to save this dogs life, and always hitting a wall. Falling short.

Assessments would not be free under any other circumstance.

If Bernie has no option to a good home here, then Benton may take him which adds another fee of travel and the surrender fee. I am hoping someone will come forward ASAP. But after this post, I have to walk away from social media for the night. I've been swarmed and overwhelmed and I need tonight as a break to rest in order to be better for Bernie tomorrow. So if you message me tonight, all messages will be returned tomorrow morning at 10 am.

When I ask for help, I do so for a reason. Bernie is that reason. And as much as I would love to, I can't finance a rehoming situation on my own.

Helping dogs and their owners live in harmony is my job and my passion. Sometimes, that means turning people away who aren't a good match for a dog with Bernie's needs. Sometimes, that means being unable to respond instantly to messages. Sometimes, that means requiring an adoption fee, to save him from becoming bait. Sometimes, it means asking for support, financial and otherwise, to get Bernie somewhere he'll be safe and loved.

So, I'd like to thank those who have been helpful, understanding, and patient. I'd like to thank those who have given Bernie a chance. And I'd like to thank those who support both my profession and myself personally. This life isn't always easy, but I do it for dogs like Bernie.

08/04/2024

Bernie Update:

Transfered to short term foster #3 this morn. Safer environment, and a slower approach was given today. Made a world of difference. Fosters have experience with stressed pups, fingers crossed we can get him to his forever home or to Benton to give him more access to resources and homes.

He had a meet and greet with 2 other dogs as well, having a blast with a black lab. We are letting him decompress in his new surroundings.

08/04/2024

A side step from the a Bernie content this is a great way to explain why a lot of trainers are moving away from saying the word NO with your dogs. It lacks definition and leaves your dog in a state of confusion. Sure the behavior may be paused but if you have to say it over, and over...and get different responses...just what does you dog really know about that word? 🤔

08/04/2024

I'm tired, you guys.

Bernie doesn't deserve to be moved around so much.

I have exhausted myself, my mind and heart. Maybe it's a bit harder on me this week since it's also the anniversary of my mom's passing and I haven't had an ounce of breathing room to feel what needs to be felt...and how this has been a consistent whirl of anxiety and worry because I won't let a perfectly good dog be put down...but I am very thankful for everyone working together to still try to find Bernie a temporary foster.

I want to remind new fosters the decompression period usually takes 3-7 days. Bernie has had to move twice in 2 days. That's insane.

This is hard stuff. I have seen some comments bashing the fosters offering their help. Please note that this is an EMERGENCY.

No one was prepared for this.

No one had the set up.

They opened their home to SAVE A LIFE, which they did. He is not at risk of euthanizing...but he has been displaced.

I called Benton Humane to seek help for fosters, and or intake, we will not know until Tuesday what the options are.

I have help from wonderful people scouring around to find fosters, multiple groups, page shares...you are all amazing.

Please keep sharing the word, we really need to get him to somewhere safe that he can be for a minimum of 3 days! He needs to be placed with a foster ASAP!

07/04/2024

BERNIE UPDATE:

Hey guys, Bernie had to move to a secondary foster today. He is handling it fairly well, so we need to help support his people during this transition.

You can donate via VENMO if you want to chip in for his needs, food, toys, travel expenses and calming items.

Remember, these are emergency fosters. He can not stay long!

I have added a profile on adoptapet which you can share and spread to get Bernie to a place that would be best for him!

He can walk fairly well on the lead.

He should go to a home with limited dogs. Anyone who applies with more than 2 extra dogs, I will most likely decline.

You must be prepared for the transition period. Let him destress!

He does fine with kids.

Since some people may have asked about homing him in the previous post comments, PLEASE REACH OUT AGAIN. The post was shared over 700 times and I have been doing my best, so please if you are interested in Bernie and I missed your comment, hit me up!

Check out his profile, and SHARE.

Pictures of Bernie a American Staffordshire Terrier for adoption in Walla Walla, WA who needs a loving home.

06/04/2024

If you want to discuss the use of aversives I am here!

If you want to move away from using tools that harm your pups physical and mental well-being, I do offer an AVERSION TRADE IN PROGRAM.

Surrender your choke, prong or shock collar to us and get 10% off training bundles for 6 months! Fear Free training at its finest!

By Ren Volpe

29/03/2024

Some types of blue green algae can be toxic to dogs in tiny amounts with symptoms appearing and progressing quickly.

23/03/2024

This boy comes with (5) 1-on-1 Coaching sessions. Bernie is a sweetie who needs an emergency placement in foster or forever home. If you, or anyone you know is interested please reach out.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2hsFSSpsbFj46f6Y/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

13/03/2024

WildingDogs Podcast Episode 8
The life of Pro Grooming with Special Guest Jessica Harvey.

Jessica has been grooming for a long time, and we get to learn about her insight on the industry, the education of groomers and some of the common misconceptions about living in this sector of the animal industry.

WildingDogs Podcast with a special guest Jessica Harvey. Jessica has been a professional groomer for many years and we talk about some of the common fall out...

09/03/2024

Why is my dog panting so much? This is a helpful article for those who have wondered!

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/why-is-my-dog-panting-reasons-include-injury-disease-and-anxiety/

Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onTank, my Lab, and I returned from our weekly agility class and plopped down in the living room to relax. Two hours later, I noticed that Tank was still panting as if he had just exercised. That didn’t seem right. I watched him carefully the next day and saw he was p...

03/03/2024

Important info for our pet parents! Emergency services have been a struggle in our town ever since covid hit. Many of us have to rush to Kennewick, which can be upward to an hour away which is NOT GREAT.
I wanted to share this so you can know what is available.

I've seen this topic come up a lot lately in our community. I'll pin this to the top of my page so it's easily findable. Be prepared in the event of an emergency or urgent-care need with your pet!

02/03/2024

🖤Exactly.🖤

02/03/2024

Have you ever had a time where you got sick, or underwent a surgery and your dogs response to you had changed?

I underwent 2 major surgeries myself, and each time I saw a rise in nervousness, anxiety and stress in my own dogs. They got into more disagreements with each other, and struggled with relaxation protocols. Dog's can tell when we are not at our best. Click below to learn more.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/does-my-dog-know-if-im-sick/

01/03/2024

Hey everyone! Kodiak made this round, one more to go before we contend with the finalist! We need him at number one by March 7th so please keep voting every day! You get 1 free vote a day, but if you want to vote more, consider donating to Paws to help injured and orphaned animals. Even if we don't with the cover, the pups in need can win regardless through your support. :)

Kodiak is all about having fun, learning new things, & living life fearlessly. He reminds me to think like a dog- & live in the moment.

24/02/2024

Those who know me, know I love working on canine enrichment, exercises and fun! Since this winter has been bit of a drag so far, let's spice it up with some fun activities!

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/unique-winter-activities-dogs/

23/02/2024

Important info!

22/02/2024

WildingDogs Podcast has another episode available, this time with Jessica Johnson, RVT! We discuss some of the struggles in the animal industry, and what it's like being a vet tech in todays world.

https://youtu.be/zUQO-jyAUu4?si=OhX3rXKjuPBamFoi

WildingDogs Podcast with a special guest JESSICA JOHNSON, RVT. We discuss trainer to vet tech the struggles that are prevalent in the animal industry and way...

21/02/2024

Hey Everyone! Kodiak made the next round! We need to get him to place under 10th in order to qualify for the next round on the magazine! Please vote before Thursday at 7pm in order to help him get that spot and promote positive training!

Remember you get one free vote a day, and if you want to donate to Paws, that ALSO counts as a vote for Kodiak! Let's try to raise money for the injured, and orphaned animals by pushing for Kodiak to win!

Kodiak is all about having fun, learning new things, & living life fearlessly. He reminds me to think like a dog- & live in the moment.

20/02/2024

As dog guardians, we all want our loyal companions to be well-behaved and happy. But when our dogs exhibit undesirable behaviour, we may be tempted to resort to quick fixes like punishment collars or trainers who use forceful techniques. However, these methods come at a high cost to both the dog and...

17/02/2024

Happy Birthday again to my special Valentines Day girl Mollie Moe. We got this awesome cake from The Barkery, and added the heart cookies from them for extra flourish.:)
Mollie loves the cake (and so did her siblings), and I am happy I was able to bless this girl with a small gift for all the joy she has given me in her life. Have your cake and eat it too, girlie it's your special day.