Owned dogs all my life
A lot of people think that because they’ve had dogs all their life, they automatically know how to train them.
But here’s the reality check: I’ve had a vagina all my life, but that doesn’t make me a gynecologist.
Loving dogs and being around them is one thing. Knowing how to create effective, lasting behaviour change - in your own dog and in others - is something else entirely.
The Difference Between Dog Lovers and Dog Trainers
I’ve seen trainers who seem like complete naturals. Things just click for them.
Honestly, I don’t feel like I fit into that “natural” category. People sometimes call me a natural now, or even a “dog whisperer,” but that didn’t happen overnight. I had to work for it.
In my case, I studied, earned a qualification on paper, and that was valuable. But here’s the truth: theory and practical application are two very different games.
- Browse the free lessons in the Dog Matters Academy
- Sign up for our signature courses, I recommend you take the full training program, Virtual Dog School
Why Book Knowledge Alone Isn’t Enough
Having a head full of book knowledge without practical experience can actually be dangerous. It can make you feel confident, maybe even overconfident, while missing the reality checks that come from handling real dogs in real situations.
Some of the most valuable lessons come from the hard stuff:
The dog that doesn’t “read the manual.”
The mistakes that humble you.
The close calls that remind you there’s always more to learn.
Nothing keeps you grounded like a moment where you think, “Sht, do I even know anything about training dogs?!”*
- Browse the free lessons in the Dog Matters Academy
- Sign up for our signature courses, I recommend you take the full training program, Virtual Dog School
Training Dogs Is a Lifelong Journey
Like with so many things, the key is understanding that learning never stops. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always another layer, another perspective, another lesson.
And your dog’s journey is the same - every stage brings new challenges and opportunities.
- Browse the free lessons in the Dog Matters Academy
- Sign up for our signature courses, I recommend you take the full training program, Virtual Dog School
Want to Keep Learning?
I’ve spent years helping dog owners build calmer, more enjoyable lives with their dogs, and I’d love to share that with you. Here are some ways you can take the next step:
👉 Download my free ebook Why Does My Dog Do That? - understand the “why” behind your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Watch my Free Reactivity Video Workshop - perfect if your dog struggles with triggers like other dogs, people, or noises.
👉 Dive deeper inside the Dog Matters Academy - your hub for step-by-step courses, including help for puppies, reactivity, behaviour issues, and more.
Because no matter how much time you’ve spent with dogs, there’s always more to learn - and that’s a good thing.
- Browse the free lessons in the Dog Matters Academy
- Sign up for our signature courses, I recommend you take the full training program, Virtual Dog School
Here’s the top resources you need to create the most successful and rewarding relationship with your dog through training:
🐕 Get the free ebook that answers the question, ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?” and how you can change it - Get the Why Does My Dog Ebook HERE
🐕 Join the Virtual Dog School self-paced online training program and turn your dog into your dream best friend - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Take the free reactivity training video series - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Join the reactivity program, Frantic To Focused, which has helped dog owners all over the world to enjoy walks with their dogs again - JOIN HERE
Featured Course:
Frantic to Focused
This comprehensive course takes you step by step on how to get your dog from a frantic dog to a focused dog on walks. EVEN around other dogs.
Popular Ebook: Training Matters
Looking for information online can be so confusing as there is so much conflicting advice. In Training Matters, we explain not just the how of dog training, but the why, so that you know what to do and why to do it this way.
Join the Dog Matters Academy!
REACTIVITY SERIES
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