Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a multi-domain (MD) dataset and training a neural network model using the MD dataset with short-form data withheld (MD-SF). The neural network model includes a plurality of layer each having a plurality of parameters. The method also includes resetting each respective layer in the trained neural network one at a time. For each respective layer in the trained neural network model, and after resetting the respective layer, the method also includes determining a corresponding word error rate of the trained neural network model and identifying the respective layer as corresponding to an ambient layer when the corresponding word error rate satisfies a word error rate threshold. The method also includes transmitting an on-device neural network model to execute on one or more client devices for generating gradients based on the withheld domain (SF) of the MD dataset.