Oregon Tails

We’ve learned a thing or two handling dogs over the couple days we have been doing this, here’s just a few . . OREGON Student of the Dog Registration Open July 18-20 (level 1) August 8-10 (level 1) September 20 (level 2) . Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog

A few days ago someone asked why we created the Jentle Method… . While we were having a lot of success, a lot of success and fun working with 50+ dogs, transporting with no crates, bathing, drying, playing and hiking on and off-leash on an unfenced property, we still had dogs whine, bark, cause mischief, growl and get into altercations . We created the Jentle Method because the methods we were using and dabbling in seemed to fall short in their ability to help a dog overcome whatever suffering they’ve endured or currently endure, whether it be fear fight, fear flight, over excitement, pushiness or saltiness . We kept reflecting on what more we could do to have smoother days, more enjoyable days, where each dog felt so fulfilled and safe in our care that the only expression coming from them was openness, peace and fulfillment from the beginning of the day to the end. We felt we could offer and give each dog more. To be able to not just get a dog to do this or that, but rather leave them with such a deep sense of safety, trust, comfort and enjoyment, that they valued our relationship and us as their guide to a degree that far outweighed unnecessary feelings and unfavorable experiences of life . We wanted to create an approach that we could use and not be limited by the dog getting overstimulated, disinterested, shut down, submissive or numb . An approach that we could practice for short, medium, long and extended periods of time . Could be used as a stand alone methodology and or a compliment to other methods . That is solely based on our effort, grit, energy, devotion and skill alone, with no gimmicks . Is functional and applicable to everyday life and accessible to folks around the world . An approach that required just as much, if not more from us, as it did the dog ….. Continue in comments

We are so utterly thankful, thankful to be here sharing this with you. We are thankful for every dog we have come across and every lesson and skill they have taught us. We are thankful for the many folks that have helped support us along our journey thus far and thankful for the ones to come. Working with dogs, feeling them, enjoying them, guiding them and sharing time with them has been the cornerstone of our life for many years and we look forward to this life continuing far into the future. Video shot & edited by @kennykatz 2022 Enrollment is now open. For info on Oregon Tails Education, follow link in our bio. #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog #studentofthepack

People can get caught up in what a dog looks like, body language, visual cues, history, breed, age etc We see these points, we take note of them and we use them to gather information and help a dog. What we see can be incredibly important and valuable However, what we look to more, where we find more depth and value is the feeling of the dog One can be fooled by what a dog looks like, but if you are practiced in feeling the dog, the Being cannot hide Feeling does not lie Rescue Program @thelovepit

Whether it’s evaluating a dog in a shelter, assessing a dog or working with a dog, we look at each dog—no matter their breed, history, or demeanor—the same…as a Being From our recent Rescue Program with @thelovepit

Without the experience it is almost incomprehensible to know what is felt on a subtle level Our experience with the Jentle Method is that it is a tool, a practice that brings us into the flow state alongside another being, another species. This experience has been one of life’s gifts, a gift of greater and deeper feeling This state, this experience, is one of the important reasons for formal practice (practice without or with minimal triggers) because during formal practice one can cultivate depth and mutually nurture more and more silence, peace, inside both handler and dog Those that really stick it out in the Jentle Method are perhaps showing up again and again in their practice because of this feeling. It draws us back, back into the movements, back into more feeling, quietness and connection with the dog. The more we practice, the easier it is for us and the dog to return to this feeling The depth is cultivated by both beings. Both lives become richer, more open and connected. With us by their side and them by ours When the clouds lift, when their instincts subside, when their fear falls away, there we are, having supported them through the arc of feeling, having been there the whole time. Our self, our being, our connection. We move them, we feel them, we guide them, we support them back to this place and then, we are together Student of the Dog Registration Open MA | MI | OR Link in bio for details & registration #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog #doghandling

We follow a guideline of integration and teaching with each dog and every dog has the same boundaries and guidelines with no exceptions This gives us a system to follow, the dogs a sense of peace, as all are equal and know we are consistent in our support and upholding the rules To learn more about how we teach healthy, balanced and aware play check out Oregon Tails Online or a Workshop. Student of the Dog Registration Open TX | MA | MI | OR . Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog #doghandling

People can see a dog with a relaxed tail, one that observes their environment instead of react to it, one that’s energy isn’t exploding in this or that direction, one that deescalates a situation instead of intensify it and they think the dog is sad, has no personality or is dull We get it, a dog that isn’t functioning or controlled by their instincts isn’t common to see and can look a little strange at first. Just like seeing a person that doesn’t have big ups and downs and is at more peace in life isn’t common / can catch ones eye The way we work with dogs through the Jentle Method is that we build a foundation of neutrality, observance, peace. So that their resting awake state, the baseline they come back to during the day is that of peace. So many dogs their baseline is going between stress, happy, angry, bouncing from one to another without a place to settle. They are percolating in their energy instead of coming to a true resting place while awake in life For those that have felt a dog that is dull or shut down the feeling is so much different than what we cultivate. Dullness feels like sluggishness, apathy, heaviness, disconnect, a lack of vitality. When you feel them on a lead they are disconnected and instead connected into something else, their trauma, fear, reactivity or a come down off of adrenaline Now we aren’t people that like our canine companions to live just in neutrality, on the contrary we enjoy them expressing joy, play, interest, love, connection. But it is limiting to try to cultivate these feelings while the dog is still holding onto other feelings like anger, fear, guarding etc. One would then exist in play and then sees a bird and goes into prey drive, one would be experiencing connection and then a car sound brings them into fear What we work tirelessly on is removing the need for fear, reactivity, self preservation (which overshadows their personality) and what’s left? The personality of the dog to shine without limitations. For peace and neutrality to exist amongst trust, love, joy and awareness The ocean of peace they have through the Jentle Method they can dip in and out of during the day and rest in when they would like

Working with dogs in this way, through feeling, is working with the dog through the arc of feeling or instinct they are possessed by until we feel them feel normal or better . Whereas we found other forms of dog handling / training replace or overpower the feeling or instinct a dog is possessed by with a different feeling such as pain, desire, intimidation or adrenaline . . Student of the Dog Registration Open TX | MA | MI | OR . Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog

Back in the day, we used to let dogs teach dogs. We saw and welcomed a hierarchy in regards to the dogs personalities amongst the 55+ we hiked off-leash. We would have scuffles, barking, growling, dogs policing other dogs, posturing, insecure dogs would be shut down, “secure” or “confident” dogs would be pushy, challenging, demanding, prey driven . We then removed all hierarchy in the pack, we took on the full teaching responsibilities and brought the group to all be equals. No one needed to police, no old dog needed to teach the young, when a new dog joins, the current pack doesn’t have to worry or think about that dogs development or behaviors, we have taken all of those responsibilities on. The pack knows we won’t let new dogs do things that will bring them to a place where they need to teach, correct or avoid. We bring new dogs into the structure that all exist in and with our hard work and guidance they become equals with the dogs that have been with us for years . The pack isn’t there to teach, to watch their back, to posture, to feel insecure, they are there to grow and eventually just to enjoy . While this means we work and give a lot more up front with dogs that we are onboarding into our Pack, our days are smooth, full of enjoyment, quiet, joyful, enjoyable and full of a general sense of peace and harmony, devoid of hierarchy and dogs feeling the need to act like “normal” dogs, but rather domesticated ones that we confidently can call best friends (best friends to us and each other) . . Student of the Dog Registration Open MA | MI | OR . Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog #doghandling

It is with great joy to announce the schedule for our upcoming workshops albeit a bit later than usual . We look forward to our paths crossing again or for the first time to share our unique approach to handling, living with and expanding the enjoyment of dogs . Until then….enjoy and stay frosty! . . Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog

We have found all points to be true in our relationships with dogs. This might not be the case for all though, some might experience one or two of these points, or perhaps experience many more the longer their practice continues. Which points have you experienced? . . Workshop Registration Open for Michigan Link in bio for details & registration . #oregontails #jentlemethod #studentofthedog