How I Became a Professional Dog Trainer: My Journey to Training and Transformation
If you had told me years ago that I’d build my life around working with dogs, I might not have believed you. Sure, I’ve always loved dogs—but love alone doesn’t prepare you for the kind of lessons they teach you, the kind that change you in ways you never expected. My journey to becoming a professional dog trainer wasn’t just about learning how to train dogs. It was about learning how to see them, how to understand them, and ultimately, how to grow alongside them. And it all started with one dog.
The Dog That Changed Everything
His name was Buddy. He was a foster dog, a mix of energy, anxiety, and chaos wrapped in fur. When I first brought him home, I thought I understood what he needed—exercise, structure, consistency. But Buddy wasn’t just an energetic dog who needed to burn off steam. He was an anxious dog who needed leadership.
I didn’t see it at first. Like so many people, I mistook his energy for excitement and assumed he just needed to "get his zoomies out." So I ran him. I played with him. I tried to tire him out. But the more I tried, the more restless he became. No amount of physical exercise was enough.
Until I realized something profound: it wasn’t about what Buddy was doing—it was about what he needed from me.
The Lesson That Shifted Everything
Buddy didn’t need me to wear him out. He needed me to show up as a leader. He needed clarity, calm energy, and someone to help him feel safe through structure, not just movement.
Once I started focusing on my own energy—how I carried myself, how I communicated, how I set boundaries—Buddy changed. He became calmer, more confident, more secure. And so did I.
That was the moment I knew: dog training isn’t just about training the dog—it’s about understanding the human-dog connection.
From Passion to Profession
That realization sent me down a path of learning everything I could about canine behavior. I fostered more dogs, worked with different breeds, and studied under trainers who challenged me to think beyond basic obedience. Eventually, I opened my own boarding, training, and daycare facility, where I spent years working hands-on with dogs of all kinds.
Every dog that walked through my doors reinforced the same truth: training isn’t about control—it’s about communication. It’s about meeting a dog where they are while guiding them toward balance and confidence.
Why My Approach Is Different
The foundation of my training philosophy is simple: your dog is always learning from you, whether you’re intentionally teaching or not. That means every interaction, every boundary (or lack thereof), every emotional response from you shapes their behavior.
I don’t just teach people how to train their dogs—I help them see the bigger picture. I help them recognize the power of their energy, the importance of clear communication, and how small shifts in their behavior can create massive changes in their dog’s behavior.
Because training isn’t just about dogs. It’s about leadership, connection, and the lessons they reflect back to us.
If This Resonates With You…
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your dog’s behavior, if you’ve ever wondered why nothing seems to be working, or if you just want to build a better relationship with your dog, I invite you to explore what training can do—not just for your dog, but for you.
📩 Join my email list for insights, training tips, and stories that will help you understand your dog on a deeper level.
🎧 Listen to my podcast, Life Lessons from Dog, where I share real experiences and the lessons our dogs teach us about leadership, connection, and growth. Listen here.
🐕 Book a session if you’re ready to transform your relationship with your dog. Book here.
📖 Follow my blog for more lessons, stories, and practical advice.
Because sometimes, the biggest lessons don’t come from the places we expect. Sometimes, they come on four legs, with a wagging tail and eyes that see more than we realize.
