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The Keeper & Kin Project
Rehabilitating Former Research Dogs. Coaching The Humans Who Step Up.
The only training initiative in North America specializing in former research dogs.
Beagles once used for research are being released in record numbers, and while their freedom is worth celebrating, it’s only the beginning.
These dogs need expert rehabilitation. Their fosters and adopters need real support. The time is now.
Free Online Video Course for Fosters and Adopters
Understand the first steps in welcoming a former research beagle into your home.
This FREE Video Course will teach you:
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What to expect in the first 4 weeks of adoption
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How to help them decompress
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Normal vs concerning behaviors
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How to make sure they thrive and live their best possible life.
This is a one of a kind video course specifically designed for YOU - a foster/adopter of a former research beagle.
Step-by-step coaching by Chelsey Marino - North America's leading behavioral expert working with these very unique dogs.
Sign up for Your FREE COURSE below and get started right now!
Sign Up Here
They Aren’t Typical Rescue Dogs
They don’t know how to play. They've never felt grass under their feet or heard an ice maker turn on. They've never had a name, just a number tattooed inside their ear.
While love and safety are essential, that alone isn't enough. That won't erase the years of survival instincts that say run, hide, growl, or bite when something feels unfamiliar.
Why Traditional Training Fails These Dogs Entirely
Those who don't understand trauma will do more harm than good... and the dog will pay the price.
Truly modifying a dog's behavior, especially for fearful, traumatized, or PTSD-affected dogs, is complex, nuanced, and far beyond what most trainers are equipped to handle.
Traditional methods assume there’s a baseline of socialization or are motivated by food, toy, or affection. But for most former research dogs, none of that applies.
When you start looking into dog training, here’s what you’ll typically find, and why it fails former research beagles.
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Behavior Management
Behavioral Management sets up the dog’s world in a way that minimizes stress and prevents behaviors from occurring in the first place. There are trainers who say they’re doing Behavior Modification, but when you dig deeper, you’ll find they’re doing Behavioral Management.
Management is great... but it's not modifying anything.
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Positive Reinforcement Only Training
Sounds nice in theory, but when it’s the only approach used in Behavior Modification, it falls short. This method operates under the belief that dogs should never experience frustration, discomfort, or stress during training.
The problem is, change of ANY kind (good or bad) creates stress; for former research beagles, their entire life is change. If a training plan avoids any form of stress, then their brains aren't learning to be fluid and flexible. They won’t build resilience, they’ll struggle every time life throws something new at them, which it inevitably will.
3
Obedience Training
This approach focuses only on what the dog does; teach commands like heel and down to suppress behavior. You’ll recognize this method when you see guarantees of results in just a few weeks. But when you’re working with a dog who’s overwhelmed or stuck in fear, compliance isn’t just ineffective... it can be dangerous.
This method often corrects dogs for “noncompliance” when in reality the dog may be freezing, barking, or shutting down because they’re overstimulated or emotionally maxed out. For a former research beagle, that means getting punished for an emotional response they were never taught how to manage.
Sometimes it looks like it works - barking stops, dog listens to commands - but unless you’ve changed the root emotion, it didn't really work.
A Different Kind of Training... For a Different Kind of Dog
Designed for dogs who have been through more than most by the behavioral expert trusted by rescues, sanctuaries, and adopters across the U.S. and Canada.
Keeper & Kin is the only training team in North America specializing
in former research beagles.
This isn’t work you can fake your way through. We use behavioral science, canine psychology, nervous system regulation, trauma and PTSD rehabilitation practices, and years of experience working hands-on with former research beagles to create customized training plans that are rooted in trust, not compliance.
We have helped hundreds of former research beagles build:
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Resilience
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Frustration Tolerance
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Independence
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Autonomy
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Emotional and Physical Regulation
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Problem-Solving Skills
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Confidence
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Engagement and Curiosity
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Trust with Humans
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Play and Spontaneity
Customized Training & Rehabilitation
We provide one-on-one coaching/training sessions to provide clear steps tailored to your home, your routine, and your goals, so the work feels practical, realistic, and effective.
No two former research beagles are the same. Each program is built around your dog’s behavior, history, comfort level, and the life they are learning to navigate with you.
Why Virtual Coaching Works
Behavioral rehabilitation is relationship-based, which means the adopter or foster needs to be the one doing the work with their dog. For many fearful or anxious dogs, having a trainer enter the home can add stress and change their behavior.
Virtual coaching allows us to see the dog more naturally, coach you in real time, and create faster progress where it matters most.
Programs
Essentials
A personalized starting point for dogs who need guidance, structure, and a clear path forward. Essentials focuses on building trust, understanding behavior, and creating early progress in the home.
Includes:
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3 live 60-min virtual sessions
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Guided homework assignments
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Access to a video library
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Documents and resources
Healing
Transformation
A deeper level of support for dogs working through fear, anxiety, and more established behavioral challenges. Healing is designed to help keepers create meaningful emotional and behavioral progress through a more layered rehabilitation process.
Includes:
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5 live 60-min virtual sessions
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Guided homework assignments
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Access to a video library
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Documents and resources
Our most comprehensive program for dogs with complex needs and keepers who want intensive, individualized support. Transformation is built for substantial rehabilitation, long-term progress, and life-changing results.
Includes:
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8 live 60-min virtual sessions
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Guided homework assignments
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Access to a video library
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Documents and resources
$405
$650
$990
Ready to get started? Speak with us for a free consultation.
Cranberry
The Former Research Beagle They Said Needed to Be Euthanized
