Hey everyone!
I wanted to share a resource that might be useful for all of your adopters, especially if you're seeing returns due to behavioral mismatches or owners feeling unprepared. "HEEL Dog Training" is a free training app (iOS/Android) built around positive reinforcement with over 150 lessons across 14 categories. What makes it relevant for rescues specifically:
Breed Specific Training - HEEL personalizes each dogs training plan through a short quiz during onboarding. HEEL recommends lessons based on current issues the dog and owner are facing, along with breed specific tips that directly help the owner understand their dog and training style better. That means an adopter who brings home an Australian Shepherd is getting an entirely different training program than someone who is bringing home a Pitbull or a Chihuahua. Education is the missing bridge between getting a dog and keeping a dog.
Positive Reinforcement - HEEL strictly promotes science backed, positive reinforcement training methods only. This can drastically reduce anxiety, reactivity, and behavioral issues before they escalate, which directly supports lower return rates and stronger human-canine bonds long term.
160+ Lessons & 14 Categories - Basics, impulse control, socialization, tricks, and more. Structured enough to build skill and consistency, simple enough for the average every-day dog owner. We periodically add more lessons, categories, and tips as well.
Free To Start - Freemium model, which means adopters can get real value right out of the gate without hitting a paywall. Includes over 55 lessons, breed specific tips, and a 5 day structured training plan. Premium users get a 4 week structured training plan and advanced lessons for $9.99/month or $69.99/year.
We like to think of this as a FREE tool to hand adopters at the moment of adoption, something that helps built trust and understanding between the dog and the owner. After launching HEEL in February 2026, we've already had breeders, adoption platforms, and shelters integrate HEEL into their post-adoption resource packets....and we're just getting started. It's completely free to recommend, and free for adopters to use from day one. I have a printable PDF packet with a QR code for anyone that is interested.
Curious if anyone here has incorporated breed-specific education into their post-adoption support....what's worked for your team?
Thank you in advance & happy to answer any questions about the app!
General -
App Name: HEEL Dog Training
iOS: Released February 2026
Android: Coming Soon
heeldogtraining.com
support@heeldogtraining.com
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment#CommunityPartnerships*#EducationandTraining#PetSupportServices*-------------------------------------------
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Cody Jagodzinski
HEEL Dog Training
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