The Good Steward Training Company LLC

04/01/2024

There's no time like the new year to begin a new chapter! And what's better than writing your story solo? Sharing it with a new loved one!

Beauty and her son Noel are looking for their forever home in the New Port Richey or surrounding area!

Found as a very pregnant stray, Beauty found a safe place with Runaways Animal Rescue and one of their amazing fosters. She gave birth to four beautiful kittens, and now she and Noel are the last ones looking for their forever family. Noel is a playful and social kitten who will be quick to win any heart. He has a unique and stunning coat - tabby stripes hide under his black patches and glow in the sun! Beauty is less outgoing than her son but can be very loving and is coming out of her shell as she builds trusting relationships with people. Ideally these two will be adopted together, as Beauty's kittens have helped bring out her playful and confident side.

If you'd like to learn more about these two, Jackson, or other adoptable animals in the general Tampa area check out our Rescue Partners page! We feature adoptable dogs and cats and provide links to local organizations that can always use your support!

01/01/2024

🐾 Welcome Jackson!

Jackson is an ADOPTABLE pup in the New Port Richey (and surrounding) area! He's a large, energetic, 2 year old who loves everyone!

While he's visiting we'll be exploring his capability to cohabitate with cats, teaching him how to best channel his excitement, and exploring what kinds of enriching activities will best set him up to succeed in his forever home.

Jackson's ideal home would include a dog sibling for him to play and cuddle with and a fenced in yard where he can run and smell throughout the day. His future guardians should be committed to humane teaching methods. ❤️

If you're looking to adopt, check out Dog Gone Home Rescue to learn more about Jackson!

13/10/2023

When we understand, we're empowered.

The smaller the amount of the information we have, the less effective we will be in creating change AND the more likely we'll be to cause harm while trying to do so!

Create a mindset that makes your curious and kind.

I promise it can change your whole relationship and life with your dog!

09/08/2023

We had the most fun working with little Poppy on her confidence, separation training, and potty training last week!

One of the first skills we should help our growing puppies develop is how to observe and process the always-changing environment in a safe manner!

By helping them to process their big feelings and teaching them how to communicate their needs we can lay a strong foundation upon which lifelong success is built.

There are lots of fun things we will learn with our dogs during their lives! But keeping our focus on creating safe, positive experiences is the best possible thing we can do for a developing dog.

26/07/2023

We've had an amazing group of pups participate in our lodge and learn program so far in 2023!

One of the most common things we are asked to assist with during a lodge and learn is leash reactivity, which is an umbrella term for a variety of behaviors such as barking and lunging that can result from fear, excitement, frustration, and other big feelings.

One of the best starting points for gaining understanding and control is to study canine body language!

Check out this video from Fear Free Happy Homes for a great visual introduction to the topic!
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/dogs-101/

25/03/2023

We'd be happy to offer discounted services to Primo's new guardians! 💕

02/01/2023

We couldn't end the year without sharing the faces of our other behavioral fosters who paved the path of purpose behind much of "Because of You".

Charlie, Suki, Groot, and River.
All friends in hard places, who needed compassionate and knowledgeable support and guidance to help them heal and succeed.

Here's to you, furry friends.
And here's to helping so many more pups and people in 2023!

02/01/2023

Ollie's Story pt 2

We were initially approached to do a four week lodge and learn, which we at the time exclusively offered to shelters and rescues. Fosters and adopters proved scarce, and at the end of the month there was no safe place for Ollie to go.

Turning our backs on him was not an option. Paying us was also not an option for his foster, who had used donations to cover the initial fees. Standing at that crossroad, there was only one thing to do - and Ollie became the first Good Steward Training Company foster dog.

Weeks turned to months. Despite continual attempts to find him a safe home where he could continue to thrive, all we received were occasional emails asking us how much we wanted for him. A fair question, but with no follow up to fill out the application we had made Ollie wasn't going anywhere.

As we neared a full year in our care, we finally found out why things had just never seemed to work out for this beautiful, playful, intelligent pup who had so much to offer. An old friend reached out to meet Ollie.

And so, we worked with Ollie around cats to ensure he could cohabitate safely, and when he did well we scheduled the meeting. And that day, Ollie's world changed. After a rocky first year of his life, and the next year spent as a foster recovering from his past, Ollie was finally home.

The transition was not without hiccups though. Ollie began to show his stress from all the changes in previously unseen ways, like severe leash and fence reactivity and aggressive displays when he wanted to say "no". His family loved him, but this was much more than they felt equipped for. Thankfully, when you're a Good Steward pup, you're in for life. Ollie came back to us for a two week (no cost) decompress and refresh where we helped him destress, stabilize, and work on some key skills. His family enrolled in an online course which, along with the plans and answers we provided, helped them feel ready to help Ollie tackle these big feelings.

Since returning home, were so happy to say things are going great. Ollie has met his relatives and family friends and his behavioral health continues to improve. We'll be back to visit him soon!

18/12/2022

"Because Of You" was born out of both powerful love, and painful grief. It cannot be introduced or discussed without saying her name - Juneau.

Juneau was, and is, my furry and four footed soul mate. She gave so much more to me and this world than I ever could have asked or deserved. And when she left this place last December, the hole that remained was unfathomable.

Juneau was light.
She was joy.
She was love.

She never met a stranger, and any room she entered was quick to feel warm and be full of smiles.

The only way living her without her makes any sense, is to live out her joy and love, to use the unbelievable grief to remind one another that our love is what unites us, and that our grief doesn't have to be quiet. To let the pain create a safe place where others who carry it are understood, held up, and supported as we all just try to find our way in what feels like a different world.

Juneau taught me what to aspire to when it comes to the bond between humans and our animal family members. The value and joy of communication and understanding. Of being able to know, make the healthiest choices, and do life WITH one another in an intimate way. My job now is to share these lessons, and gift to others what she gifted me.

Juneau's life is a legacy of how much happiness we can give to others, just by living openly and with love. I, and we, can be this light in the dark, this joy in the sorrow, this bountiful happiness, by giving when we have what others need, and being truly grateful on both sides of this opportunity to exchange kindness.

Because Of You is really because of her, because a beautiful soul that was and is so much more than any of us could understand. Because Of You is a living "movement" that seeks to live like Juneau, to spread joy and love, to lift others up, and to dive deeply into the relationships we share with our loved ones.

We'll figure it out as we go, all the ways we can live like her. All the ways we can be the reason someone says "because of you I made it", "because of you they found a home", "because of you we found peace" ... Because Of You.

Because of Juneau.
A light that can never be dimmed or diminished.

05/12/2022

One of the primary goals here at Good Steward is to make the world a better place for animals and humans alike.

This goal drives the work we do, and inspires us to constantly look for new ways we can positively impact the lives of those in our community.

From this was born a very special mission, the "Because of You" foundation. Through this separated section of The Good Steward Training Company we will focus even more deeply on providing low cost and pro-bono services to the shelters, rescues, and independent guardians not only in our immediate community, but beyond.

And we'd like to encourage you to join us in this mission.

Our impact is provided through actions like education, hands on training, and fostering for behaviorally unhealthy dogs.

Your impact can come in many forms as well! You can volunteer at a shelter, donate food to community centers, deliver goodies to the shelter, share adoptable animals on social media, and advocate for welfare-driven training.

And, if you'd like, you can now also donate directly to our work, sponsoring the food, treats, enrichment, toys, vet visits, medication, behaviorist visits, travel, and time we offer to animals in need.

Having this impact for others means the world to us, and we are honored by your partnership in this mission.

This week we'll share more about "Because of You" as well as some stories about our animal friends, past and present, who have been part of this program.

We are also thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of

16/10/2022

National "Walk Your Dog Week" may have passed, but it's never too late to celebrate!

Take a peek at our recent interview with local animal rescue Friends of Strays where we share all the benefits of taking a walk with your dog!

Interview Found Here:
https://www.friendsofstrays.org/latest-news,walk-your-dog-week

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Image Description: A tan mixed breed dog with a black muzzle and large pointy ears lounges in the grass under the shade of a tree. He wears a collar and harness which is attached to a long leash. The photo is taken on a beautiful day with a cloudless blue sky.

07/10/2022

Don't forget to visit this amazing adoption event to find your new forever friend 💕

26/03/2022

Take a peek at this week's featured adoptable friends! Each of these kiddos is currently being cared for by one of our rescue and shelter partners! Ensuring these amazing, life-saving teams are provided the support they need is part of our mission as an animal welfare company. We are delighted to have met each of these pups, and are always happy to offer behavioral support before, during, and after adoption!

Ollie, an 11 month old shepherd mix, came to the rescue as an anxious and confused pup who had clearly lacked the support and care all pups need during their development. After some TLC and behavioral support, we see him for who he is: a friendly, goofy, and playful pup who is quickly learning how to navigate this human world! We are super excited to guide his new forever paw-rents and see Ollie continue to shine!
Learn more About Ollie here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/ollie-55077390/fl/shady-hills/humane-society-of-pasco-county-inc-fl761/

Darby is a sweet and shy mixed breed who has been living at the shelter in his kennel for almost 350 days! This pup may bear the scars of a rough past on his little body, but that doesn't stop his resilient heart; he is full of love to give! Poor Darby has been repeatedly passed over due to his fear of the outside world. But we know that with some love and patient, compassionate support his little lion heart will help him continue to overcome! We know everyone at the shelter can't wait to see him comfortable and safe on a soft sofa, surrounded by love.
Learn more about Darby here: https://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Mixed-Breed-Large-over-44-lbs-fully-grown-46865866

Rusty is a happy, companionable golden retriever mix who is SO ready to be out of the rescue world and into a home that he can truly call his own! He has been a complete rock star at adoption events, enjoys walks and cuddles, and just wants to kick back and finally settle into a family.
Learn more about Rusty here: https://nodogforgotten.com/rusty

Sprite is an adorable cream-colored mix with a lovely blend of sweet and spunky! We don't have much information about this little ladies' past, but we can already tell she is going to have a bright future! She loves playing with other pups and is super smart!
Learn more about Sprite here: https://www.runawaysanimalrescue.org/dogs

24/03/2022

Looking to join an amazing, passionate, and compassionate team?
Want to be part of an organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the world?
Look no further!

Our friends over at Friends of Strays are hiring!

Want to run this account and help animals find their new families? How about representing Friends of Strays in the community and organizing our volunteer opportunities? We have openings for a new Marketing & Communications Manager and a new Engagement Manager!

See all our openings and apply here: https://www.friendsofstrays.org/get-involved,careers

18/12/2021

If there's anything I've realized through the love, the loss, the learning, the years it's this:

It should all be an act of love.

A clean, happy home
"I love you"
A nutritionally balanced diet and proactive vet care
"I love you"
Creating a world in which they feel utterly safe with you
"I love you"
Adventures to explore, dig, smell, and roll
"I love you"
Playing tug, chase, wrestle
"I love you"
Gentle, mindful companionship
"I love you"
Training that centers around doing no harm and giving them means to be safe while being fully themselves
"I love you"

All of it.
It can all be an act of love.

But that's a choice.
It's effort, commitment, growth, dedication, devotion, and it's so

Very
Very
Worth it.

If I've learned anything it's this,
It can all be an act of love.

13/11/2021

Choice - the ability to control outcomes in the environment - is a NEED.

Just like an animal needs food and water for physical health, they require choice for mental health (and emotional health).

The absence of choice triggers fear, rage, and panic. It leads to aggression or learned helplessness (when an animal "gives up" because no matter what they do the unpleasant thing is going to happen).

Choice is so valuable to animals that it is a primary reinforcer (if choice is the consequence the animal is likely to repeat the behavior).

We know that the more an animal can say no, the more they say yes.

So if you're looking to help your animal feel safe, to build a relationship with them, to give them the best life possible, or to build "confidence" - you need to give choices.

Forcing them with certain tools or actions isn't a path to feeling more comfortable, or to trusting you, or to healing, or to being happy. It's a path to more intense negative feelings and possibly to suffering.

So when you make decisions or evaluate your animal's life and training try asking yourself -
Am I am giving choices?
What are the choices I am giving?
Can I give better options to choose from?
Can I create more opportunities to have choice?

Behavior change takes TIME and a solid, creative "toolbox" of knowledge and skill.

Your trainer should aim to help you attain the second, and should support you through the first.

13/11/2021

Loved working with this team! Remember, it's always best to work with a qualified (educated and experienced) trainer if you are experiencing concerning behaviors with your canine companions!

11/11/2021

Are you or someone you know looking to change a life? Come check out this large-scale adoption event representing some of the wonderful shelters and rescues in the greater Tampa region (Pasco, Largo, Pinellas, Hillsborough, etc)! What a wonderful opportunity to find the right member for your family!

Join us NEXT SATURDAY for an Adopt-A-Thon! Ten rescue groups from around the area will have dogs, cats and rabbits available for adoption. Our shelter will also be open for dog and cat adoptions.

Please note:

🐾 Each rescue group will have its own fees, requirements and processes for adoption. You can find more details on their individual websites, listed at bit.ly/3EFQObU.
🐾 You do NOT need an appointment for the Adopt-A-Thon. However, if you require any service from PCAS, including adoption, you DO need an appointment. You can make one at bit.ly/3o4tuxI.

We can't wait to see everyone for this exciting event!

29/10/2021

Let there be no mistake, our

CHILDREN

and our

ANIMAL COMPANIONS

did not ask to be here.

- - - - - - - - - -

They did not call us up from the realm of non-existence or from their breeder, shelter, rescue, or former home and say:
"Hey, can you do me a favor?"

They owe us absolutely NO debt.

WE chose to ask them to be in our lives.
WE made a decision to give/gift OURSELVES the RESPONSIBILITY to provide THEM with the best life possible -
with mental, physical, and emotional health, with happiness, with safety.

There is a not-so-new wave of conversation going around yet again suggesting - attempting to influence people to believe - that our human and animal children (yes, if you read the most recent science the relationships can be classified in this way) should pay us some form of rent to exist in our homes and families.

I don't charge the ones I love to be loved by me.
Frankly, that's not love.

In fact in psychology they classify that kind of relationship as extremely harmful, even abusive.

If you have questions about this, feel free to DM me.

Please don't let anyone make you think an animal or child owes anyone anything for existing.

29/10/2021

LOVE the amazing team at Friends Of Strays! Check us out as we chat training and behavior!

28/10/2021

It's time to REFRAME your EXPECTATIONS as GOALS!

It's not always obvious or intentional, but we often have expectations (realistic or not) for our animal companions when we bring them home, or when we share certain situations with them.

This takes how we WANT them to act and shifts it into how we EXPECT them to act. And if they don't, it's easy for this to slide into emotional responses like frustration and disappoinment which can cause us to blame our animals unfairly or look for ways to remedy ourselves of these feelings.

When we are aware of our thoughts, it's easier for us to proactively educate ourselves fully (which creates understanding and empathy), assess the situation, determine goals, and figure out how to make them happen in the best (most humane) way possible.

For example, instead of EXPECTING a new dog to be house trained, we set a GOAL to avoid undesired behaviors and house train them. So we proactively set up a potty schedule and management until we have more info and know they can succeed.

Or, if we are taking our dog to the park where we've been many times without issue instead of EXPECTING our dog to behave the same we set a GOAL to have them behave in a certain manner. So we proactively check it with them to make sure they're likely to be successful, we practice a few things before leaving, we scope out the park as well pull up, we move at their pace to help them with their excitement, we practice things intermittently, and we have lots of good things on us like treats and toys. What if it goes south? No biggie! We'll head home and reassess how to better meet our goal for next time!

So you see, changing our EXPECTATIONS into GOALS helps us remember to
• UNDERSTAND how animals learn and how animal behavior works
• PREPARE by setting ourselves and our animal companions up for success
• BE FLEXIBLE so that if things don't go how we plan we are able to assess and alter
• and ENJOY our relationships and the time we share with our animal friends

It also helps us to make sure we're being as kind and humane as possible, thereby making for them the healthiest and happiest life possible.

26/10/2021

Animal behavior is an "output".

At times, we may see that "output" and think "what the heck just happened!?"

But here's the secret, there may be one "output" at any given moment but there are a TON of "inputs" that influence it.

Some "inputs" are:

✅ Genetics

✅ Experiences during socialization periods

✅ Learning history (training AND from non-planned previous experiences)

✅ Physical health

✅ Experiences over the last few days (effects stress hormone, remember "stress" chemically has positive and negative causes such as excitement, frustration, and fear)

✅ Experiences leading up to the behavior we see (what else happened in the last few hours)

When we look at the third slide, we probably related right? We've all had those days.

What we need to remember is that, as the fourth slide shows, there are LOTS of "fill in the blank" rocks that may be loading up on our dogs.

And, as demonstrated in the fifth slide in the amazing graphic from, how our dogs perceive and process the world means there may be far more things impacting their emotions and behaviors than we realize.

This is also why PROGRESS IS NOT LINEAR! If you and your pup have been working hard and rocking it and then you have a day (or a few days) where it feels like it's all gone to pot don't despair! Give both of you some time to de-stress and take stock of what "inputs" you can identify. Once we know what they are, we can get right back on track!

The more we understand how our dogs take in the world and what things influence their behavior, the more empathy we can offer, the better welfare we can provide, and the more progress we can see with our behavior modification.

24/10/2021

If someone you know is looking to adopt a new family member, please let them know about No Dog Forgotten rescue! I have been working with this amazing group and am blown away by their compassion and commitment to helping others!

Not only do they consistently take in major medical cases such as surgeries, amputations, and heartworm pups but they also take in behavior cases whenever possible. They are incredibly dedicated to giving these animals their best chance at a wonderful life. And they don’t only help these kids become healthy and find their forever homes, but they continue to support these animals and their adopters during and after the transition period.

Many people don’t know because they are humble and have a spirit of servitude, but they also have participated in donation drives for the community, helped individual community members who have run into times of excess need, and are one of the ONLY rescues who assist with animals who arrive at local shelters with wounds of unknown origin. These animals have to go through a mandatory four month quarantine at specified vet clinics.

I can truly say this is an amazing group of passionate people who are incredibly giving of everything they have. I am so excited to be able to work with them and be a part of their mission.

I would love to help find supporters and adopters for them!
This is their website (still under construction): https://nodogforgotten.com/

Thank you to everyone who shares, donates, adopts, volunteers, fosters, etc! You are amazing!

No Dog Forgotten is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. We are dedicated to helping the animals and people in our community by providing temporary housing, training, and medical care to those in need.

23/10/2021

Changing behavior is a journey to be not just taken, but shared and enjoyed, as a team.

Technically, it's a process. And that process moves at the pace of the learner - the one who's behavior is being changed.

We can influence the speed in different ways of course, but before doing so we should always ask ourselves

WHY?

We should set goals, based on what is best for the learner in the end and day to day. These goals determine our methods.

How quickly they learn, how quickly their behavior changes, is influenced by many things. Including that we are learning alongside them.

The journey isn't linear. You'll have giant leaps forward, and days where you think you just can't win.

That's normal.
We ALL have those highs and lows.

But here a tip -

🐾 Don't sweat the small stuff.
Have a rough session, unexpected reaction, hiccup in you plan? That's normal! And it doesn't undo all your progress! It's okay to feel frustrated, disappointed, etc. Just don't let it take the wind out of your sails. There are so many more wins to come.

🐾 Celebrate the small stuff.
I've seen numerous people chunk their progress or goals in a way that they forget to see and appreciate the things that may seem small, but are SO important. Reactions less frequent and less intense, not as nervous in the car, harmonious morning because you've got needs met? Those things are successes, born of the hard work of an amazing team. Don't get so wrapped up in the end goals that you forget to enjoy the journey. It's one of a kind, and it's riddled with wins.

You and this amazing animal you love get one lifetime, one journey. You'll never be perfect, and they will never perfectly fit into a human world. Let that take the pressure off, let it help you reevaluate some of the expectations you've put on yourself and your dog. Just enjoy each day with them. Fill it with love. Know you're doing your best. Know they're happy, healthy, and safe. Celebrate all your wins together big and small.

I bet that's all they'd ask for...
well, and maybe a snack 😉

21/10/2021

Just an adorable, adoptable pup repping one of our favorite places ( ) after her first big outing!

We don't know much about this little pups past, but we've got an inkling her future is gonna be a bright one 😎

River is adoptable through No Dog Forgotten (NoDogForgotten.com) and is currently working with us here at .

Three cheers to good dogs, good drinks, and good times 🍻

- - - - - Tags - - - - -

20/10/2021

This post isn't an attack, it's not here to pass judgement or call out.

It's here to answer a question I've been asked more than once, and provide digestible, simplified, factual (scientifically proven) information.

So, let's get to it.

🐾 Why don't I use these tools (or slip leads, haltis, martingales, and flat collars) even though I can technically use them properly? 🐾

Because the use of these tools to modify behavior relies on training methods I choose not to use. To put it in another way, these tools are designed to be effective through the use of training methods I choose not to use.

Specifically, positive punishment (+P) and negative reinforcement (-R).

🐾 Why do I choose not to use those methods? 🐾

Because they have been proven through decades of cross-species, in-the-lab and in-the-field research to cause physical, mental, and emotional harm to the learner and carry a high risk of significant and life-altering fallouts.

And

Because there are methods that can accomplish the same goals without the risk of harm.

In other words, I personally use training methods that are the least harmful and most beneficial to the learner, and I use science and my own ethics to guide this decision.

You can see in the slides above some very simplified notes on the four methods of operant training (operant = changing choices through consequences, this doesn't even touch classical training which is changing actions through changing emotions through changing associations).

🐾 Some common related questions I get are:🐾

Does this mean I never use anything aversive? No. Emergencies happen. It means I do everything in my power to avoid aversive experiences though and to learn from my mistakes.

Does this mean I think anyone using these tools is abusive? No. I think most people are trying to help their dogs, who they love. I think professionals and those who use their platform to educate are responsible for providing truthful and complete information.

What do I do instead? The last slide has a few basic go-tos that are used in almost every behavior plan. Unfortunately it's too much info to fit in just this post, but I'm happy to talk more! DM me!

18/10/2021

Would it blow your mind if I told you a trainer should ✨never✨ tell you when you'll be "done" training?

It's completely acceptable for trainers to give general guidelines on how long it may take to see specific progress or learn a specific behavior (though look out for absolutes or guarantees 🚩)

But they should never promote the idea that training will ever stop.

Why?

Because:

🐾 Animals are ALWAYS learning.

🐾 Animal behavior is dynamic - which means it is influenced by a vast array of factors (many of which may not always be in our control) and that it naturally changes over time.

🐾 What we teach animals to do must be maintained through reinforcement as the animal will naturally and always choose what is MOST likely to be MOST reinforcing in the moment.

Here are some recommendations to help set you up for success on your journey:

⚡ If you work with a trainer, make sure they are focused on educating and empowering YOU to teach FOR LIFE, and to do so in a way that is physically, mentally, and emotionally beneficial to the learner.

⚡ If you are doing independent study, make sure to research animal welfare, behavior, learning, and neurology/cognitive function from scientific (peer-reviewed) sources. (If you're working with a trainer, make sure to ask them for this information!).

TL;DR:

♥️ Training is a journey, and an amazing way to bond with the animals in your care!

♥️ Taking on the responsibility for the well-being of another organism means being a lifelong partner AND teacher.

♥️ Don't count down the days, enjoy them! And make sure your critter companion does as well.