Shelby Cove Dog Training

07/21/2026

If your vacation is already on the calendar, your dog's should be too! 🐶🐾

Summer is winding down, holiday reservations are filling up fast, and the best time to book your pup's pawcation is before everyone else remembers they need boarding.

Send me a message to reserve your dates before they're gone! 💙

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

*See 1st and 2nd comment on this post*

07/15/2026

This is how you get a calm dog for the night!

07/14/2026

🎓 **Graduation Spotlight: Dolly & Houston** 🎓

These two made the perfect siblings in the most hilarious way. Just look at their markings! They look so much alike… but don't tell them they're not actually related. 🤫🐾

Although they came into training together, they each brought completely different personalities and challenges to the table.

Dolly, our adorable little Dachshund, had plenty to say about absolutely everything—which, let's be honest, is pretty on-brand for a Dachshund! 😂 Throughout her stay, she worked through her insecurities and blossomed into a much more confident little girl. She stopped darting through doorways, and she became an absolute rockstar at **"Park It."** In fact, she learned the command within her very first 30 minutes of training!

Houston had a different goal. He was convinced every walk was his responsibility to lead, so leash manners became one of our biggest focuses. Before long, he learned that walks are a partnership and that he didn't have to carry the weight of making every decision. By graduation, he was walking calmly, confidently, and right by my side.

Together, Dolly and Houston graduated my Board & Train program with flying colors. Watching their confidence grow each day and seeing them learn in their own unique ways was such a privilege. They brought so much personality into my home, and I'm going to miss having them around.

I also have to give a special shout-out to their amazing mom. She trusted the process every step of the way and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Clients like her are a huge part of why I love what I do.

Congratulations, Dolly & Houston! 🎉 I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished, and I can't wait to watch you both continue to thrive at home. ❤️🐾

07/14/2026

🎓 Graduation Spotlight: Atlas 🎓

Oh, Atlas… I don’t even know where to begin. 💙

Atlas started his journey with me when he was only 6 weeks old. We even went through multiple name changes while we figured out who he was because his personality was still developing. His mom knew she wanted him, but she also knew she wanted to do things differently this time. After struggling with previous dogs, she recognized that bringing a puppy into a home with two young girls would require structure, consistency, and a solid foundation. Instead of hoping for the best, she chose to set Atlas up for success from day one.

What was originally supposed to be a month turned into six incredible weeks together, and somewhere along the way, he completely stole my heart.

Those first few days… his mom and I joked that he had absolute crackhead energy. 😂 But with structure, routine, and training, that wild puppy energy turned into confidence, focus, and self-control.

By the time Atlas graduated, he had mastered 15 commands, was potty trained, crate trained, leash trained, and had incredible manners for such a young puppy.

Even though he was only about 17 pounds, Atlas was convinced he was one of the big dogs. He carried himself with so much confidence and quickly earned his place in the pack. His very best friend during those six weeks was Winston, and I honestly think they were both a little heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye.

One of the hardest parts of being a trainer is loving these dogs like they’re your own and then sending them home. But nothing compares to seeing a family receive a well-trained, confident dog that can truly become part of their home.

Atlas actually stayed a little longer than planned because his mom had to move out of state. We helped coordinate transport from Texas all the way to Ohio, and thanks to all the work he had put in, he absolutely rocked the trip. The structure and behaviors he learned made that transition so much smoother.

When I first started dog training, I wasn’t the biggest fan of doodles… but somewhere along the way, they completely won me over. It seems like I always have at least one doodle in training, and they’ve earned a special place in my heart.

Atlas, I am so incredibly proud of you. I can’t wait until your mom moves back so I can see how much you’ve grown and continue watching you thrive.

Congratulations, sweet boy. You were one of the unforgettable ones. ❤️🐾

07/14/2026

🐾 A Message from Shelby Cove Dog Training

Over the past few days, there has been a lot of discussion regarding my business. I don't believe social media is the appropriate place to argue back and forth over private client matters, but I do want to provide some clarity about how I operate and why certain decisions are made.

I have trained\boarded well over 100 dogs this year alone, and in all that time I have only had to terminate three programs. Those decisions are never made lightly, and they are never based on convenience or emotion. They are made based on what I believe is in the best interest of the dog and the safety of every dog entrusted to my care.

One thing I want families to understand is that behavioral issues do not automatically disqualify a dog from my program. Dogs come to me because they struggle with anxiety, aggression, leash reactivity, fear, poor manners, and other behavioral concerns. Those challenges are often the very reason families hire me.

The key is honest disclosure.

Every client completes a very detailed 15 page boarding and training agreement before services begin. That agreement asks about bite history, aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, escape tendencies, medical concerns, house training, destructive behaviors, and much more. Those questions are not there to judge your dog. They are there so I can safely prepare for them.

I also encourage every client to take the time to read the agreement in its ENTIRELY before signing. My 15 page agreement is not meant to overwhelm anyone. It is designed to protect both you and Shelby Cove Dog Training by clearly explaining my policies, expectations, and procedures before your dog's stay begins. I believe that when everyone understands those expectations from the start, it creates the best possible experience for both the family and their dog.

If I know a dog has certain behaviors, I know how to manage them. I can adjust introductions, keep dogs separated when necessary, provide additional structure, use different management techniques, or determine that a board and train environment may not be the safest option. What I cannot safely do is prepare for significant behaviors that were never disclosed before a dog enters my home.

I also want families to understand that not every dog is the right fit for a home based board and train program, and that is okay. Most dogs need two to three days to adjust to a new environment, and I fully expect that. However, if a dog continues experiencing severe stress, panic, or stress related illness beyond that adjustment period, I have to ask whether continuing the program is truly in that dog's best interest. My goal has NEVER been to force a dog through training. My goal is to help them succeed, and sometimes the kindest decision is recognizing that my environment is simply not the right fit for that individual dog.

My agreement also clearly outlines payment policies, behavioral disclosures, and the circumstances under which services may be discontinued. Those policies are applied consistently to every client. They exist to protect every family equally, provide transparency, and most importantly, keep every dog in my care safe.

I know not every client will agree with every decision I make, and I respect that. However, I will NEVER compromise the safety of another client's dog, ignore serious behavioral concerns, or continue a program that I believe is causing unnecessary stress simply to avoid an uncomfortable conversation or to make an extra buck.

To the many families who have trusted Shelby Cove Dog Training over the years, thank you. Your repeat business, referrals, kind words, and continued support have allowed this small business to grow into something I am INCREDIBLY proud of. I don't take that trust lightly, and I will continue making every decision with the safety, well being, and best interest of the dogs in my care as my highest priority.

Thank you for supporting Shelby Cove Dog Training. ❤️🐾

07/13/2026

🐾 Let's Talk About Board & Train Terminations

This is something I don't talk about often because, thankfully, it doesn't happen often. In fact, after training well over 100 dogs in just this past year alone, I've only had to terminate three board-and-train programs.

I wanted to explain what that means, because "termination" doesn't mean a dog is bad or has failed. Sometimes it simply means my home-based environment isn't the right fit for that particular dog.
Many families bring me dogs with anxiety, reactivity, poor manners, leash pulling, aggression, or behaviors they're hoping to improve. Those behaviors alone are not reasons for termination. They're often the very reason families hire me. That's also why my intake paperwork is so important. I ask detailed questions about aggression, bite history, anxiety, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and other behavioral concerns—not to judge a dog, but to prepare for them. Honest answers allow me to create a safe, individualized plan for each dog and determine how they should be introduced, handled, and managed. The more information I have, the better I can set your dog—and every other dog in my care—up for success

So what would cause me to end a program?

🐾 Safety always comes first. If a dog bites another dog or creates a situation where I cannot safely protect the other dogs in my care, I have to make the difficult decision to end the program. If I know about aggression beforehand, I can take the proper precautions and manage it safely. Unexpected aggression toward another client's dog is a different situation because my responsibility is to protect every dog entrusted to me.

🐾 Extreme stress. Most dogs need 2–3 days to adjust to a new environment, and I fully expect that. However, if a dog continues to experience severe anxiety well beyond that adjustment period—such as prolonged panic, inability to settle, or stress-related illness—it may not be fair to continue. Training can't be successful if a dog is living in a constant state of stress, and my priority is always the dog's well-being.

🐾 Unsafe or destructive behavior. If a dog's behavior creates an unsafe environment or causes damage that cannot be safely managed, I may determine that my program isn't the right fit.
Every situation is evaluated individually. My goal is never to simply send a dog home—it's to make the decision that's in the best interest of that dog while also protecting every other dog in my care.

I also believe kindness and respectful communication go a long way. Difficult conversations are never easy, but when owners and I work together with understanding and mutual respect, we're almost always able to find the best solution for the dog. Every situation is unique, and I do my best to handle each one fairly while honoring the policies that every client agrees to before their dog arrives.
At the end of the day, my mission has always been the same: to provide a safe, loving environment while helping dogs become the best version of themselves. Sometimes that means celebrating a successful graduation, and sometimes it means recognizing that a different path is what's truly best for that individual dog.

Thank you to every family who has trusted Shelby Cove Dog Training with your four-legged family members. That trust is something I never take for granted. ❤️🐾

07/13/2026

🐾 A Little Business Update from Shelby Cove Dog Training 🐾

First, thank you. ❤️ The support, referrals, and trust you all have given me means more than I can put into words.

As Shelby Cove has grown, I've realized I need to set one healthy boundary so I can continue giving every dog the best care possible.

Beginning immediately, I will no longer be responding to new booking inquiries or general business messages on Saturdays and Sundays.

If your dog is currently in my care, this does NOT apply to you. I will absolutely continue responding to updates, questions, emergencies, and anything related to dogs that are actively boarding or training with me.

This change is only for new inquiries, scheduling, and future booking requests. You're still welcome to message me anytime—just know I'll respond on Monday in the order messages were received.

Being a dog trainer isn't an 8-to-5 job. It's caring for dogs around the clock, cleaning, training, walking, administering medications, sending updates, and often helping clients in ways that extend far beyond dog training. I absolutely love what I do, but I've learned that in order to continue showing up as the best version of myself for your dogs, I have to give myself permission to mentally clock out once in a while.

So if you send a message over the weekend asking about availability, rates, or booking your pup, don't worry—I promise I'll get back to you on Monday. (And honestly... the answer is probably "Yes, I'd love to have your dog!" 😉)

Thank you all for understanding and for supporting my small business. Having a weekend to recharge will allow me to come back each Monday ready to give 100% to every dog that walks through my door.

❤️ Rian
Shelby Cove Dog Training