The
Every Dog is a Good Dog
Project

For Foster Parents
For Rescues & Shelters

Setting Dogs Up for Success Finding Their Forever Homes

Free training for foster dogs who could use a little extra support on their journey to adoption.

If you're fostering a dog and think a little training could help them become more successful—and more appealing to potential adopters—apply for The Everydog Is a Good Dog Project.

Apply for Free Training

1 free training session per foster dog

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every dog is a good dog

· every dog is a good dog

Every Foster Dog Deserves a Chance to Shine

Foster dogs are already getting a second chance. Training can help give them an even better shot at finding the right forever home.

A dog who knows how to walk nicely on leash, greet people appropriately, settle in a new environment, or respond to a few basic cues may be easier for a potential adopter to picture as part of their family.

The goal isn't to make a foster dog perfect. It's to help them build skills that set them up for success in their next home.

What Is The Every Dog Is a Good Dog Project?

The Every Dog is a Good Dog Project provides one free, individualized training session to foster dogs in the San Diego area.

I want to use my training experience to help dogs who are already on their way to finding a home get a little further along that journey.

During the session, we'll focus on whatever would be most useful for that particular dog.

That might mean:

  • Learning foundational skills

  • Improving leash walking

  • Practicing polite greetings

  • Building confidence

  • Working on overstimulation

  • Helping with jumping

  • Practicing settling and calm behavior

  • Working around distractions

  • Introducing training games an adopter can continue

  • Addressing a specific behavior that may be making adoption more difficult

Every dog is different, so every session is different.

Why Training Can Help Dogs Get Adopted

A Little Training Can Go a Long Way

When someone meets a foster dog, they're not just looking at their personality. They're also trying to imagine what life with that dog will actually look like.

A dog who has some skills under their belt can give potential adopters a clearer picture of what they're capable of.

Training can help a dog:

  • New environments, people, and experiences can be overwhelming. Helping a dog feel more comfortable can allow more of their personality to shine through.

  • A dog who can engage with their person, walk on leash, settle, or respond to cues has more opportunities to demonstrate what makes them special.

  • Foundational skills can make everyday life more manageable for both the dog and their future family.

  • Training doesn't end when the session does. Foster parents can pass along the skills and strategies they've learned to the dog's future family.

The goal isn’t a “perfect” dog.

It's a dog who is better prepared for the transition into their forever home.

Apply Today

Is your foster dog a good fit?

I'd love to work with foster dogs who could benefit from some individualized training before finding their forever home.

Your foster dog may be a good candidate if:

  • They're currently in a foster home

  • You'd like help with a specific training goal

  • You think additional training could help them be more successful in an adoptive home

  • You're willing to continue practicing the skills after our session

  • You're located within my service area

One free training session is provided per foster dog.

Because I have limited availability for these sessions, submitting an application does not guarantee a training session. I'll review applications and select dogs based on their individual needs, goals, and whether I feel I can provide useful support.

What Happens After You Apply?

  • 01 — Tell Me About Your Foster Dog

    I'll ask about their personality, history, current challenges, training experience, and adoption goals.

  • 02 — I'll Review Their Needs

    I'll determine whether I think a session would be a good fit and what I may be able to help with.

  • 03 — We Have a Training Session

    Your foster dog receives one free individualized training session with me.

  • 04 — They're One Step Closer to Home

    The ultimate goal is to help set your foster dog up for a successful transition into their forever home.

For Rescue Organizations & Shelters

Have Dogs in Your Care Who Could Benefit From Training?

The Every Dog is a Good Dog Project is primarily designed to provide free training to individual foster dogs, but I also want to partner with rescue organizations and shelters directly when possible.

If your organization has dogs in its care who could benefit from individualized training, reach out to me directly.

Depending on the dog, their needs, and my availability, I may be able to provide training support beyond the standard one-session foster program.

Contact me about your dogs

Meet the Dogs in the Project

  • Ace, 2-year-old Malinois/Shepherd mix

    AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    Organization: Kane’s K9s & Animal Rescue

  • Kona (Kiwi), 10-year-old Pitbull mix

    AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    Organization: San Diego Humane Society

  • Livie, 10-month-old Shepherd mix

    ❤️ ADOPTED ❤️

    Organization: Kane’s K9s & Animal Rescue

  • Larry, 6-year-old Shepherd/Lab mix

    AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    Organization: San Diego County Animal Services, South Shelter

  • Muzzie, 10-month-old Malinois mix

    AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    Organization: Kane’s K9s & Animal Rescue

THE BIGGER MISSION

Every Dog is a Good Dog

I believe behavior is communication, and that dogs shouldn't have to be perfect to be worthy of a home.

Sometimes they just need a little support.

The Every Dog is a Good Dog Project is my way of using my training experience to help foster dogs build skills, gain confidence, and put their best paw forward when it's time to meet their future families.

Because the goal isn't just to train a dog.

It's to help set them up for success finding their forever home.

Apply for free training