Kind Animal Services

04/09/2026

I have been living what I preach this spring.

If I seem like I’m not on FB I’m not I’m in the barn/pasture in the presence of my new filly and Pony.

I will continue to check FB when I can but I have no intention of being a media influence. I have more important places I invest my energy, in my clients, in animals I get to work with, continuing to study anima behavior, and in my own family/animals.

I am doing, every day, the process I teach other people. How to build trust and have a healthy relationship with animals.

03/17/2026

New article added about training leash manners just dropped on the website. Check it out: https://www.kindanimalservices.com/behavior-programs/manners-training-program .byx92fz6nbnh

03/16/2026

Do you want to know what tools we recommend? Check out our equipment resources online and see what's in the tool box! I will be adding and updating as things change. https://www.kindanimalservices.com/resources/Recomended-equipment

03/10/2026

Baby animals learn at such a rapid pace.

They also are susceptible to stress impact.

Because their brains are absorbing everything they also will absorb the stress leaving ’deep ravines‘ in the mind. The impact of stressful experiences at a young age will follow them into adulthood.

Stress isn’t just in scary experiences it’s also occurring in heightened emotions, over excitement. As well as over physical exertion.

I caution puppy (and foal) guardians to do everything they can to keep their young baby minds calm, relaxed, safe, and secure. We humans are responsible for this very important role of guardian because as humans we have stripped away the baby from their parent during the weaning process of domestication.

Many behavior problems start in an animal’s youth and are caused by our neglect of this fundamental need for security during the most vulnerable part of an animals life.

Secure animals grow up to be more resilient, level headed, capable of solving problem, and resolving conflict appropriately with sound communication skills.

03/02/2026

My heart is so full of joy watching the beginning of this new relationship between dog and human.

Krash has found her person and her place in the world. She is a coastal dog now living with this bold young fisherman and skiier. From the sea to mountains Krash will never be without new places to explore.

We are all cheering for Krash and Dylan as they embark on many travel adventures and avalanche training?...

Yes, Dylan hopes to continue Krash's training in nose work and tracking to pursue her interest in avalanche rescue. I think they are about to shake things up and accomplish what most might think imposible.

These girls are a determined team.

Congratulations to you both for finding each other and Dylan for take a little risk and chasing her dreams.

Don't forget you can always call on KAS for guidance. I'm here to support all your training efforts.

02/24/2026

It's been happening a little bit at a time. What you ask? Our new and very simple website! Under the resources tab I have added an equipment page recommending dog equipment. There you will find (affiliate) links to mostly amazon. This page will be updated as preferences and recommendations change. Check it out!

This page is under construction. Please be patient with us as we continue to update our new website. KAS thanks you for your coninued support.

02/16/2026

KAS is working on a new website that will be launched very soon. It's a little against the grain for websites, but I feel it's important to stay true to our roots and remain authentic.

Authenticity is in high demand and is more needed than ever.

Animals are not computers. (I have said this many times before.) Learning is messy and not linear. You cannot program your dog to your standards just because you want to. Every animal has a unique personality, genetics, and learning history, making them an individual, and educating them is an individual process. This means we should be cautious about blanket advice from AI and from trainers or behavior experts who don't take the time to get to know your individual animal.

The new KAS website will reflect this individual approach by offering our own content based on my continued education in the behavior industry and my 15 years as a practitioner.

Our new website will be packed full of free resources and information. I am planning to launch the website before it's actually finished and before I lose motivation for the project. If I know eyeballs are viewing it than it will motivate me to continue to add and update its contents.

Some new additions to the site are the resources tab. Recently, I have become an Amazon affiliate and an affiliate for some other products and services. By using my affiliate links, you help out KAS foster-train dogs and support our free content. We are also hosting a list of YouTube channels and other pages that are worth promoting but get lost in the hype.

Once the website is fully operational, I will dive into the blog and YouTube channel to provide even more free content.

All this to say, if you notice anything odd about the website over the next few weeks, know that this is why, and I'm working on it.

02/15/2026

Here is the biggest positive reinforcement training step you are likely missing. Listen closely...

Reinforcement must be given AFTER the action/behavior.

If you are shaking the treat bag to get your dog to come that is considered bribing and isn't really positive reinforcement.

If you are having your dog lick on a licky-mat while you bathe them that is considered distraction.

When you see a dog coming and you are walking a reactive dog and you step aside and ask your dog to sit or stand facing away from the other dog. You then feed consistently to keep your dog looking away from the other dog. This is kind of both bribing and distraction.

So to turn these scenarios into real positive reinforcement learning opportunities you must provide the treat (since that's the reinforcement we used in these examples) after you achieve some desired outcome.

Example 1: Cue the dog to come to you with a previously taught cue or a really happy and inviting voice & body language. When the dog gets to you give them their treat! (Pro tip: don't make your dog sit or do anything else after they come to you and before they get their treat.)

Example 2: Give them a bath and as soon as the bath is done THAN give them all the praise and food. Throw a huge party! The party comes AFTER the bath not before, during, but after. (Pro tip: with long actions like a bath provide a lot of reinforcement to stretch out the time it takes to devour the reinforcement.)

Example 3: With your reactive dog–Give them a treat after every time they look at and see a dog in the distance. (Pro tip: Use distance from the other dog to manage your dogs reaction. So that when they see another dog they don't immediately lunge or bark but can look calmly/quietly in the other dogs direction. It's immediately following the glance at the other dog that you will provide the treat.)

This is such a simple process but many people miss this key detail of positive reinforcement. This way the dog learns that the reinforcement (food) is contingent on their behavior.

You got this!

Book a session before February 28 and get 10% off. Just mention "Positive February" when booking.

01/30/2026

01/27/2026

I know we are a month into the new year but I have been busy! Thank you for all the amazing new inquiries, new clients, and support lately it's really nice to see that our community is waking up and moving away from aversive and forceful training methods.

Even ran into someone, who I don't know, mentioned that my content. Seriously ment a lot! Thank you.

Of course, it's the time of year when ambition is high and we, even me, commit to all sorts of things. Maybe you reached out because you decided that 2026 was they year you were finally going to address your dog's behavior problems.

So let's get real about training timelines! One of my most asked questions: how long is it going to take?

It's going to take as long as your DOG says it's going to take.

When it comes to working with animals we, the teachers, need to understand that our progress speed is based only a little on our abilities. Mostly the speed of learning and behavior change is based on the learner; the dog.

I will admit that I, a professional with years of experience and extensive practice, am going to get faster results with your dog. Honestly, I mostly see the learning speed remains the same I just make less mistakes so it "looks" more clean and smooth, but the dog isn't necessarily learning any faster.

It's sickening that we live in a world where we seem to forget that systems all over this planet operate on their own clocks and no amount of force and will is going to change that with any real results.

This lesson is especially important for the people who rely on are determined to have a remote in their hands.

So let me say it loud for the ones at the back: LEARNING WILL ONLY GO AS FAST AS THE DOG (LEARNER) PERMITS!

Not you, not your tools, not necessarily even the environment will speed up the process. These of course are elements of learning and they absolutely will slow down your progress by creating hurtles your dog may have to work through before they can change their behavior but they won't change your dogs innate ability to learn.

Truly resolving behavior problems can take over a year or more depending on your dog's unique personality and learning history. Many may find it's less time than that so don't be discouraged just remember that the tortoise wins the race in the end.

For this journey I will be there as your guide for as long as it takes.

12/28/2025

The count down has started till we draw our winner of our massive giveaway.

This giveaway is an attempt to raise money for our program dogs. Krash requires very expensive food and has been with KAS for over a year and a half.

The money also goes to any other program dogs and our work as a dog scout (finding training the perfect matched dog for families), as well as our work in supporting rescue dogs (providing behavior assessments, behavior modification, and enrichment to dogs who need it most).

Because we are a for-profit business but are passionate about donating our time and expertise we don't get any special tax breaks or funding for the work we do.

We rely on our paying clients and your contributions to make it possible to continue to help dogs.

This is a give away of a life time! 3 month training program for your dog, or give the program to a dog you know that needs it. Don't have a dog or don't know a dog to nominate for the 3 month training program we can choose one for you.

https://www.kindanimalservices.com/giveaway

Giveaway ends December 31st!

12/22/2025

Recently I have had the delight of dog scouting for my aunt and uncle. During my scouting project I visited a few dogs at the Multnomah County Animal Services Troutdale OR shelter and I want to share the dogs I would endorse.

If you are looking for a dog consider one of these pups.

First Sammich, This was a mature but young male. I think he was still pending neutering. This guy has confident and clam personality. He was sweet gentle and I think would quickly adapt to life in a home. He was eager to learn, unflappable, solid personality. I was ready to take him home. https://www.multcopets.org/adoptable/376909

Secondly, Mistltoe. This gal has some puppy energy hiding under her shy demeanor. I hope she isn't taken home under false pretenses with how absolutely cuddly sweet she is. This affection seeking was purely a stress response, she was not actually trying to connect with people. She was very shy but a loving, non-aggressive way. He coping mechanism is definitely going to take her far in life. Under that sensitive top coat I think she will turn out to be a spitfire. She has some real agility potential and I think once she gets the chance to decompress and her needs are bing met she will surly blossom into possibly one of the best dogs you might every own. https://www.multcopets.org/adoptable/378082

Both these dogs are up for adoption!

If you are the lucky adopter of either of these dogs please reach out. I would like to give them and you a gift of your first session free.