Say goodbye to behavior worries and hello to loving life with your canine companion. The UNDERDOGS are here to help you with those challenging pup behaviors.
teaching dogs what to do from the beginning!
We're underdogs
WE DON'T USE:
- E-collars
- Prong collars
- Choke chain
As we all know, learning a new behavior can’t be fixed with a band-aid.
They need to be taught with repetition to see long-term results.
Training without pain!
My pet journey all started when I brought home my first two dogs, Holly and Kenai, when I was 16. Holly and Kenai had bitten many humans and dogs, and I was at a loss for what to do. Desperate for help, I was advised to keep them off furniture to curb their aggression, but things only got worse. As a young adult, I struggled and believed aggressive dogs were doomed to live that way forever.
Then I adopted a sick pup who turned crazy once he recovered. I turned to dominance trainers and was taught to use harsh methods like shocks and kicks. Trusting these trainers, I soon realized their methods made things worse, even leading to some dogs being euthanized. It was bananas.
Feeling abused and lost, I stopped working with that trainer and embarked on a journey to understand the science behind dog behavior. I discovered real experts with PhDs who used humane methods and learned that everyone that seemed to be “the best” was full of shit and harming animals. This revelation motivated me to become well-educated in handling dog aggression.
Over the past seven years, I've helped thousands of pet owners and their dogs become relaxed, engaged, confident, and happy. If you're struggling with a wild or aggressive pup, I've got you.
Hi, I’m Jill, founder of UNDERDOGS!
The program is based on the most up-to-date behavior science and modern training and teaching practices.
Continuing education is a key part of the Underdogs training approach.
Here are just some of the continuing education programs she has recently attended:
- Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior - University of Washington
- Living and Learning with Animals - Dr. Susan Friedman
- Certifed in Separation Anxiety (CSAT)
- Let Animals Lead (Animal Reiki Certification Class)
- Instrumental Learning - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- The Science of Fear - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- Advanced Concepts in Instrumental Learning - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- The Power of Choice: How it Can Decrease Stress in Dogs - Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom
Jill's Education
Meet The Underdogs
Why work with me and my team?
I’m certified at Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP), The University of Washington in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-AAB), and Certified in Separation Anxiety (CSAT), based in Long Beach, California. I work with clients in-person and virtually worldwide and offer both canine obedience training and behavior modification therapy. My goal is to improve the lives of dogs by teaching their owners a new way of thinking about dog behavior and demonstrating positive reinforcement techniques.
I work with all ages and species, but I take a special interest in rescue dogs and dogs, learning to adjust to life in their forever homes. I’m deeply committed to keeping dogs out of shelters and helping them become the dogs they were meant to be!
When I’m not working with you and your dog, I foster shelter dogs to help them prepare for their new beginnings! I’m a sucker for a happy ending and love witnessing the amazing transformations of these dogs who otherwise might not find new homes.
The program is based on the most up-to-date behavior science and modern training and teaching practices.
Continuing education is a key part of the Underdogs training approach.
Here are just some of the continuing education programs she has recently attended:
- Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior - University of Washington
- Living and Learning with Animals - Dr. Susan Friedman
- Certifed in Separation Anxiety (CSAT)
- Let Animals Lead (Animal Reiki Certification Class)
- Instrumental Learning - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- The Science of Fear - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- Advanced Concepts in Instrumental Learning - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
- The Power of Choice: How it Can Decrease Stress in Dogs - Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom
Jill's Education
Meet The Underdogs
Jill was EXTREMELY knowledgeable on our dogs behavior. She had an amazing grasp on the science of behavior and how to apply that to training and getting the best out of your dog. Using positive reinforcement for Ziggy has gotten us on the right track and now we truly know how to help him be the best dog he can be. Jill got us REAL results and I can't thank her enough. She helped us identify where his anxieties were coming from and how to shape the responses in that environment.
–Adam M., Portland, OR
“Now we truly know how to help him be the best dog he can be!”
“Looking forward to continuing training with Underdogs!”
I am so glad we found Underdogs! They use positive reinforcement for training dogs. They have helped to train the pet owners to reward positive behavior and ignore unwanted behavior. Patience and consistency is the key for the humans and the dogs! Shout out to Bry! She has been amazing for our puppy classes and I look forward to continuing our adolescents training with Underdogs!
– Meghan Freutel
Bry’s dog training career began at Carroll College where she received her B.S in Anthrozoology and gained expertise in the human-animal bond. In recent years, Bry has been professionally training and socializing puppies, adolescent, and adult dogs as well as working with both shy and reactive dogs.
Currently, Bry is working on her thesis project towards a Master in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech. Bry’s goal is to use the science of behavior to improve communication and relationships between dogs and humans!
Bryanna Loughridge, She/Her
“Can’t wait to work with them again!”
I had already tried a group class in Long Beach, which was fine, but I knew that my little herder pup and I were going to need much more focused support in order for me to better understand her needs. And, wow, did Underdogs come through. Nick was the COOLEST DOG TRAINER EVER, knowledgeable, empathetic, funny, and so so helpful. I can't wait to work with them again when my pup gets a little older. I also love that Underdogs is clear with their beliefs! Both about dogs and the world.
– TImothy G., Whittier, CA
Nick is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) who loves working with puppies and adolescent dogs, guiding them to become confident, well-adjusted adults. Nick has a special talent for helping dogs through their "teenage" years, navigating the complex emotions that can arise between 5 months and 3 years of age. Their training approach emphasizes building confidence and meeting each dog's unique needs through enrichment. Nick is also pursuing advanced studies in reactivity, predation substitute training, and service dog skills.
When not working with dogs, Nick enjoys diving into sewing projects. They're eagerly awaiting the arrival of their own service dog this month!
Nicolas Garcia-Zacher, They/Them
“Digestible chunks that are easy to carry over, all positive reinforcement!”
The training itself is intuitive and not rocket science - Richie's talent is in refining complicated behavioral issues and responses into digestible chunks that are easy to carry over from session-to-session and when training on your own. All positive reinforcement, which we (and our pup) loved!
– Rudy K, Los Angeles, CA
Richie (BS:VSA-CDT) is an artist, musician, and certified dog trainer—but please, call him Richie!
Richie's specializes in puppies and teenage dogs who are WILD and CRAZY! Richie is the Chief Pupperino Officer of Underdogs, where his sense of humor, infectious lightness, and unending patience will allow him to help puppies become confident dogs.
When Richie isn’t working with Jill, you’ll find him organizing his record collection and running the show at GARAGEROCK! Records, or working on his next sketch, poster, or painting.
Jason Richardson (Richie), He/Him
Meet The Underdogs
The results after working with underdogs!
Trainers Jill Guin and Richie worked patiently with both us humans and our dog. Over the months, dog and humans have all moved from high anxiety and frustration to a comfortable and pleasant relationship that is a plus in the quality of our lives. Hiring Underdogs Long Beach is an investment and commitment that has already paid off in making my spouse and I better humans and good dog parents. Training by Underdogs Long Beach has developed our dog into a safe and reliable part of our family!
– Nadinne C., Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA
“Developed our dog into a safe and reliable part of our family!”
1/3
She wants to know what behaviors you want to manage and creates a custom plan for your puppy and your lifestyle that is based on research, responsive, and always fun. And she genuinely cares! So she's flexible and able to continuously adjust the training plan as your puppy grows. We love working with Jill and would recommend her to anyone with a new puppy!
– Shabnam, M., Lakewood, CA
“A custom plan for your puppy and lifestyle!”
2/3
Jill set us up with all the tools we needed to train our large breed reactive dog. Each session is catered to your dog's needs and prioritizes the most urgent issues. Most importantly, she uses science based force-free methods, which has worked wonders for our dog’s nervousness and reactivity. Jill is super knowledgeable and passionate about setting you up for a lifetime of success and happiness with your beloved furbaby!
– Johanna
“Worked wonders for our dog’s nervousness and reactivity!”
3/3
Our goal is to be the voice of underdogs everywhere. Whether that’s you, your dogs, or underserved and marginalized communities.
I am a certified animal trainer, using force-free methods backed by science. However, this doesn’t mean that I am no stranger to punishment— quite the contrary.
I am well versed in aggression. I came from a childhood where punishment was our primary form of communication.
I used think I could out-mad anybody. Or that I had to be tough “like a man” to be taken seriously.
I found myself working with dog trainers that used punishment. (we’re talking heavy duty stuff like kick corrections and shock collars). At the time, I thought that was dog psychology... 🙄
But luckily the universe threw me a bone and led me to positive reinforcement, the science of behavior, and in turn, a massive healing journey.
As I’ve dedicated my life to learning about behavior, how I communicate in the world. I've gotten to work with others with similar journeys...
This is why I LOVE working with rescue dogs or misunderstood underdogs who may be experiencing excessive anxiety due to previous neglect or trauma.
Adjusting to family life can be tough for a rescue, I'm here to help pet parents live peacefully with these amazing dogs.
Underdogs’ Values
THE CELEBRATION NATION:
Centered on supporting and empowering Farm Workers:
- Distributing Pesticide and Smoke Resistant Masks to farm workers
- Providing food and blankets
- Supplying school supplies to children
SUCCESS STORIES PROGRAM:
SUCCESS STORIES IS an alternative to incarceration that builds safe communities by delivering TRANSFORMATIONAL feminist programs to Youth and Adults, with an emphasis on people who have caused harm.
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN:
Providing meals responding to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
WHO WE SUPPORT:
Underdogs Long Beach is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
DIVERSITY:
We recognize all types of diversity including ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, and abilities.
We acknowledge our own privilege and the ways in which we benefit from white supremacist systems.
WE ❤️ ANIMALS:
But we also recognize and witness that many pets in the US have a better life than many people in the same country.
While we are proud to see animal advocacy work grow, we see very little advocacy for racism and human rights issues in our own city.
At Underdogs, we will fight and advocate for humans with the same intensity that we do for dogs.
diversity matters
