Jonathan Young

With over a decade of experience in Dog Training since September of 2010, I have honed my expertise through extensive education and practical application.

During the years 2010 to 2012, I completed a rigorous 2-year hands-on training course that provided me with comprehensive knowledge in reading canine body language, dog behavior, handling, and training by working with shelter dogs. During this time i worked with numerous dogs each having to pass their AKC CGC and APDT C.L.A.S.S. testing. This immersive experience included 300 hours of practical teaching in group class instruction and behavioral handling. Passing over a

During my years of involvement in Dog Training from 2010 to 2012, I had the honor of training a remarkable rescue corgi named Dobbie. This exceptional dog, did amazingly well with learning foundation cues and was featured and promoted in a Dog Fancy Magazine for a Furminator ad. Witnessing the accomplishments of this beloved canine partner brought immense pride and further reinforced my commitment to the art and science of dog training. Their recognition in the magazine stands as a testament to the effectiveness and dedication infused into my training methodologies.

In 2013, I successfully completed the “Positive Dog Training” course offered by Petco, successfully completing over 40 hours of specialized training. In 2014, I obtained certification as a “Mentor Trainer Instructor”, solidifying my expertise in being able to impart these very skills effectively onto people wanting to follow down the path of becoming a dog trainer.

From 2013 to 2016, I served as a Group Obedience Dog Trainer at Petco, providing exceptional training experiences to numerous clients. During this time, I also took on the role of mentoring new hires, further demonstrating my leadership abilities and dedication to professional development.

Between 2016 and 2018, I had the privilege of being a part of “A New Leash for Life,” a program dedicated to training service dogs. During my time with this remarkable organization, I played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of both canines and their human companions. Through rigorous and specialized training, we honed the skills of these extraordinary service dogs, empowering them to provide invaluable assistance and support to individuals in need. This experience profoundly enriched my understanding of the impact that well-trained service dogs can have on the lives of those they serve, reinforcing my passion for dog training and its ability to create positive change.

As an approved American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Class Testing Evaluator since 2017, I have demonstrated my commitment to maintaining the highest standards in canine training and behavior evaluation. Additionally, in 2018, I gained approval as an American Temperament Test Evaluator, further expanding my capabilities.

Since 2014, I have been a committed Mentor Instructor for Animal Behavior College, guiding and shaping the next generation of aspiring dog trainers.

My professionalism and commitment to pet training has been recognized by the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), where I earned professional membership in 2017.

Additionally, from 2016 to 2018, I served as a Service Dog class Instructor for MOPP, contributing my skills to helping veterans learn how to build a relationship with their dogs and help the dogs learn how to respond to the various needs each individual veteran required..

In 2017, I took the leap to establish my own successful Dog Training Company. My services include group obedience classes, personalized one-on-one sessions, and a boot camp board and train option, tailored to address various training needs from fundamental obedience to advanced service-level work.

With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, I acquired Pet CPR/First Aid Certification through the Front Line Coalition in April of 2022.

Furthermore, my pursuit of excellence led me to undertake the rigorous certification exam through the IACP, this required submitting 3 active case studies examining the problems the clients were incuring with their pets and a start to finish of how i worked out a behavior plan to help them understand how to address their dogs’ maladaptive behaviors. This earned me the title of Certified Dog Trainer in February of 2023. Realizing the neutral stance and support the iacp has with aversive tools I have since servered any affiliation with this organization.

In recognition of my expertise and dedication, I was accepted into both the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) in March of 2023. Subsequently, I sought and obtained the Dog Trainer Accreditation through the IAABC, solidifying my standing as a distinguished professional in the field.

I am also a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, an organization dedicated to promoting force-free and ethical practices in the pet industry.

Continuing my commitment to advanced learning, I completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, created by renowned expert Michael Shikashio, in May of 2023. This venture opened a door to a world of professionals to gain input from about cases as well as being granted bi-weekly mentorship by Mr. Shikashio himself.

Moreover, in June of 2023, I completed the L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course, earning the Family Dog Mediator Certification and becoming a Licensed FDM in their Dog Training division.

In Aug of 2023 I took on Pet Harmony’s Pet Pro course for enrichment for a deep dive into their understanding of applying enrichment with our canine companions. This led to getting some foundation brush up on consulting practices to help challenge what I think I know and a clear mind wipe of realizing how much enrichment is lacking in our canine companion’s day to day lives.

Currently, I am working towards my Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist Diploma. My years of working with specific aggression cases and having a very deep interest in understanding behavior I felt that having credentials in an unregulated industry is vitally important. Especially when there are so called trainers claiming to know this or that and are completely doing major damage to the very dogs they claim to be helping.

I am committed to helping all dogs, from reactive and aggressive to bright-eyed green behind the ear’s puppies. My approach is fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise, constantly elevating my skills and techniques. I firmly believe that growth in this industry is not just a goal but a necessity, ensuring the services offered meet the highest standards of dog welfare and customer satisfaction in an industry heavily unregulated.

To stay at the forefront of the industry, I’m actively pursuing additional certifications and continuous education. I believe in being a proactive learner, always seeking new insights, the latest research, and innovative approaches. I’m always learning from the dog I work with, and it would be dumb of me to think I know enough to not actively challenge my understanding. My engagement with various esteemed organizations has opened doors to invaluable resources, cited peer-reviewed research, active communications with professionals I would have never dreamed of receiving feedback on cases from, and critical data that enrich my understanding and methodologies. This collaborative network also provides major support and mentorship from highly respected professionals, further enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the services I can provide.

I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners, and I am excited to share this journey with you.