Julielani, really appreciate you adding that context because it's genuinely true and something I thought about a lot building this. You're right that the first couple weeks aren't really about training in the traditional sense. They're about the dog finding their footing and the owner not panicking and making it worse. HEEL is built around that, the early lessons are less "teach your dog to sit" and more "here's what your dog is actually doing and why, and here's how to respond without adding stress to the situation." The breed-specific piece is meant to set realistic expectations on day one, not create a rigid program. An Aussie owner who understands herding instinct on week one is in a completely different place than one who finds out six weeks later when the ankle nipping starts. Appreciate you engaging with it seriously.
Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2026 09:30 AM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Free Training App to Help Reduce Rescue Returns - Breed Specific and Positive Reinforcement Based
This looks like a helpful resource in terms of structure and accessibility, especially for adopters who are looking for immediate guidance. Anything that supports dogs staying in homes is worth exploring.
One thing we've seen in our work is that the first couple of weeks post-adoption are more about the dog's current emotional state and environment. Many behaviors during this period are driven by stress, uncertainty, or adjustment.
Tools like this can be a good starting point, particularly for people who feel overwhelmed and want direction. At the same time, it can help to pair structured plans with a simple behavior lens-looking at what the dog is trying to achieve or avoid in a given moment, and adjusting accordingly. Behaviors driven by functions.
We've had the best outcomes when adopters are encouraged to:
- keep expectations low in the first 2–3 weeks
- focus on building routines and safety
- reinforce small, desirable behaviors
- adjust based on what the individual dog is communicating
Used alongside that kind of mindset, tools like this can be supportive. Without it, there's a risk that any one-size-fits-all approach-whether based on breed or otherwise-misses what the dog actually needs in the moment.
------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2026 07:20 AM
From: Cody Jagodzinski
Subject: Free Training App to Help Reduce Rescue Returns - Breed Specific and Positive Reinforcement Based
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*
-------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Cody Jagodzinski
HEEL Dog Training
------------------------------