ALPHAcademy Dog Training

03/06/2026

In keeping with that critical eye- this is worth the read. Everyone has their place in this industry. When select bodies mobilize to remove different ideologies so that their system can feed itself, it's worth calling out. Expertise in one area is not indicative of expertise in another- it's why we have specialities.

Stay sharp out there, folks.

The most cited document in dog training debates has serious problems. I've read the research. Here's what they don't want you to look at too closely.

02/11/2026

I'm sure when you saw that person with their highly trained dog out in public having what looked to be like a very easy lovely time you thought "Wow! I want that!" I feel you. A lot of us want that. But don't kid yourself into thinking that it didn't take a tremendous amount of time, money, and other resources to get that dog & handler there.

What you are looking at is a beautiful snapshot that has been developed with the utmost purpose, planning, and commitment. That individual likely sought out that breed specifically knowing full well the type of commitment they were taking on, and if they weren't aware, they quickly figured it out and leaned into the challenge.

Understand first:

1. What dog do YOU have?
2. How much time do YOU have to commit to training?
3. What are YOUR training goals?

Try your best to stop looking outward for validation for your dog and your training. Stay focused on what you have and the goals you're looking to reach. Your trainer can likely get you there, but you need to consider the three items listed above.

Stay ambitious, but be practical about the process.

02/10/2026

The word behaviorist gets tossed around pretty casually. I have come across many self-proclaimed "behaviorists" that do not have the credentials to make such a claim. Using that word as a fictitious crutch to prop yourself up as a professional, is fraudulent. Furthermore, if you are going to direct the general public to seek out the services of a behaviorist and specifically call out dog trainers as individuals who won't be able to help them or their dog, and may in fact cause more damage, you should actually know and understand the directive you're giving.

You should understand the differences of professionals within any given industry before you make broad sweeping statements that are going to dictate the types of professionals the average person seeks out for help.

If you do in fact find yourself needing a behaviorist, you are looking for a VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST. But please, also understand that while they have valuable insight, they are more likely to provide you a pharmaceutical option. It doesn't mean they don't help, but know that it will be a different type of help. These are NOT the folks who are going to come out to your home/public spaces & do dog training in the trenches with you to provide behavior modification in real time through coaching the way dog trainers do. They still help, they have their place in the industry and they provide value, but we are not the same.

Know what your training goals are, seek out a professional who can help you reach those goals, and keep that critical eye when you're out shopping. Be wary of people who speak in absolutes and try to gatekeep your access to other professionals who can help you and your dog.

02/09/2026

Have you ever had to endure advice from someone who had no business giving it? This one might be for you!

09/09/2025

Tell them for me 🥰

08/14/2025

Attempted getting a post-training selfie together... At first I thought none of the pictures turned out very good, but then I fell in love with this one because it looks like we're laughing at a joke together. Chowder had just clobbered me with a kiss and made me laugh right before I snapped the shot 🥹