We're underdogs
Maybe your dog is an underdog, too.
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.
TRAINING WITHOUT PAIN!
We don't use:
E-collars | Prong collars | Choke chain
Hi, I’m Jill,
founder of UNDERDOGS!
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.
Jill's Education
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 (in progress)
- Living and Learning with Animals - Dr. Susan Friedman
- The Great Big Dog Aggression Workshop - Michael Shikashio
- 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
Meet The Underdogs
“Now we truly know how to help him be the best dog he can be!”
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
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.
Why work with me?
Jill is certified through the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. This comprehensive program offers an in-depth curriculum that teaches both the science and the practice of dog and animal training, as well as canine behavior problem-solving. 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 (in progress)
Living and Learning with Animals - Dr. Susan Friedman
The Great Big Dog Aggression Workshop - Michael Shikashio
Let Animals Lead (Animal Reiki Certification Class)
Instrumental Learning - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
Jill's Edu & Certifications
meet the underdogs
Jason but, call him (Richie) is an artist, musician, and certified dog trainer
Jason'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 Jason 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
“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
Some Kinds Words From Fellow Dog Owners
Jill and Richie are seriously the best!
I cannot stress how integral of a role they played in helping me raise my German shepherd puppy. My puppy is still learning, as I am as well, but everywhere we go my puppy gets compliments on how sweet and well behaved she is! Their approach to training is supported by science and it’s force free. I’m super grateful for reaching out to them for their services! I highly highly recommend them!
1/3
I would have given 10 stars if I could.
ill is absolutely the best. She is not just training your dog. She is teaching you to understand your dog and communicate better. We have 2 dogs. One has been adopted very recently and needed some help. Jill was so patient and so kind with her. At some point she worked with both of our dogs. Now our dogs get along better, behave better and we could not be happier.
2/3
Jill's been incredible and our dog absolutely loves her.
Ginger has progressed so much over the course of the sessions we've had, but so have my partner and I as dog owners! It's clear that Jill cares not just about her work during our sessions, but the continued quality of life for the dogs and owners she works with.
3/3
Underdogs’ Values
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.
In my life and work, I am very well versed in aggression. I came from a childhood where punishment was a way to correct my behavior, as did my parents. This punishment style was a learned behavior, possibly a result of the environment and genetics.
I used to brag that I could out-mad anybody. Or that I could be tough “like a man” to be taken seriously.
I guess it’s no wonder that when I started training dogs, I found myself working under aversive dog trainers (we’re talking heavy duty stuff like kick corrections and shock collars). At the time, I thought that was Animal Science.
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, I have also changed how I communicate in the world. I’ve been blessed with clients on similar healing journeys. We bond and grow while helping our animals heal as well as ourselves.
This journey has helped me understand why I once defaulted to punitive behaviors and helped set me on the right path.
Maybe that’s why I especially enjoy 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, but I would love to help your dog build confidence, learn new things, and live a truly enriched life. And I know that the only way to do that is to guide you to become a well-educated, compassionate dog owner.
Our Commitment to DEI
Going forward, we are making the following commitments to learning, unlearning, and taking tangible action:
As celebration and support of diversity of all kinds, we are donating 2% of our income to local BIPOC charities
We supplement our animal education with anti-racism and human rights education such as podcasts, courses, and books
We allow for open conflict and discomfort. We are looking to learn from our mistakes, so we will embrace uncomfortable conversations
Long-term, we want to hire BIPOC who are interested in working with animals
We have and will continue to talk about politics as a business. Many members and supporters of the animal advocacy community would rather “stick to animals,” but we refuse to be silent when it comes to human rights
Underdogs Long Beach is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
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.
It goes without saying that we love animals and we want to educate humans to be incredible animal advocates. 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.
