There’s always controversy in the dog training world—from training methodologies to the use of tools like prong collars and e-collars. But here’s the reality: there is no shortcut in dog training.
We’re always transparent about what we do and how we do it. When people call us for training, and we explain that success takes time and owner involvement, many say, “I just don’t have the time.” And that’s the real challenge—not the tools we use, but the commitment required.
Yes, training tools like prong collars and e-collars can give us an extra leg up in the process. But they’re not a magic fix. We spend a ton of time teaching owners proper use before ever handing them a leash or a remote if these tools are part of their program. A wild assumption that is made is that we don't use rewards in training. Utilizing rewards in dog training always leads to more success. We use food, toys, and affection as rewards in training, but when people hear about the tools, they don't want to hear anything else. Popular social media trainers who refuse to show their work love to attack trainers who use these tools, but the truth is:
✅ We train based on what the owner needs and the time they can commit.
✅ If there were a better way that worked for our clients, we’d be doing that. We DO use rewards to train dogs, but there's more to it than throwing treats to a dog and those that don't want to learn about it will never know. 🤷♀️
✅ Every dog is different, and we adjust training to set them up for success.
Training Takes Time—We’re Honest About That
In a 3-week program, we can cover all the foundational training steps, but not every dog progresses at the same pace. If you want a fully off-leash, reliable dog in multiple environments, we recommend 4–6 weeks of training (assuming no prior behavioral issues).
For serious behavior modification cases—dogs with aggression or severe anxiety—a minimum of 8 weeks is necessary. However, most people don’t have the time, the funds, or the desire to put in that level of work.
So, we meet our clients where they are. We give them a strong foundation, and they continue the work when their dog goes home. It should never be assumed that a dog will be perfect after any training program. I don't know where this assumption grew from, but just like people, you're not perfect even if you've reached your goal weight or fitness. You still have to take the right steps and make healthy choices to maintain what you've accomplished. The same goes for your dog's training.
We Are Not the Cheapest Trainer—And That’s Okay
When someone complains about cost, we happily refer them to trainers with lower rates. We’re not interested in being the cheapest. We’re interested in being the best at what we do.
We don’t cut corners. We don’t rush training. We invest in continuing education, and we take the responsibility of training someone’s dog very seriously. This is not a few week commitment from us, it's a lifetime.
We Care About the Dogs We Train—Deeply
If you assume that because we use certain tools we don’t care about the dogs, you’re wrong.
🐶 I’ve personally spent over $50,000 on my dog training education. I continue to attend seminars and will occasionally shadow other trainers to learn new techniques and observe behaviors that I'm not familiar with. We're never done learning. Each dog has something new to teach us and I'm always listening. 🐶 I didn’t plan to be a dog trainer—I developed a natural ability to handle difficult dogs that others wouldn’t. 🐶 I live for helping owners build better relationships with their dogs and I've always been patient with those dogs who have a propensity to be more anxious or aggressive.
Unlike big-box facilities where dogs are stuck in concrete kennels and trainers clock out at 5 PM, we do things differently. Dogs live inside our home. If a dog whines at 2 AM because they have to potty, I’m there to check on them. This is quality over quantity—always.
We Follow the Rules—Not Everyone Does
In the state of Georgia, dog professionals are required to have a kennel license if they are housing dogs for training, boarding, or grooming. Many trainers skip this step—and people pay them anyway. It blows my mind, but what's worse is when someone calls me seeking training help and they've already paid another trainer for a board & train program only to receive their dog back worse off than when they sent them because some random "dog lover" said they can train their dog but have no prior experience and aren't licensed. If you know someone making these claims, report them to the Department of Agriculture's Companion Animal Division.
We should all be holding each other accountable to do the right thing. Something as simple as a state kennel license opens our business up for unannounced random inspection. If a trainer doesn't want to open themselves up for this, that's a big red flag. While we don't allow random strangers in our home (for the safety of ourselves and the animals in our care), we're happy to see our inspector, animal services, or other officials at any time.
We prioritize animal welfare, follow the rules, and hold ourselves accountable.
Our Goal: Freedom & Clarity for You and Your Dog
We don’t sugarcoat training. If you’re overly concerned with avoiding discomfort at all costs—whether for yourself or your dog—you’ll stay stuck. You’ll live a limited life, unable to take your dog anywhere because they can’t handle the world around them.
That’s not how we operate. We want our clients to have the ability to go places, experience life with their dogs, and trust that their training will hold up in real-world situations.
We don’t expect every business to suddenly allow dogs because they’re well-trained. We do expect dogs to be well-behaved in places where they are welcome. And we expect dog owners to be respectful of others.
And that’s exactly what we teach.
We ask that clients treat us with courtesy and refrain from using drugs or alcohol during training sessions. If you’re paying for training, we expect your full, sober attention—for your dog’s sake, your sake, and ours.
My Faith, My Business, and Where I Stand
I’ve been told by business coaches, trainers, other entrepreneurs, and even some clients to keep my faith out of my business. I won’t. I am a child of God, and that comes first.
Unlike corporate workplaces where employees can’t freely share their beliefs, I own this business, and I won’t hide my faith. If a client is open to hearing about it, I will share. I understand that this isn’t for everyone, and if that turns people away, that’s okay with me.
If anyone has something nasty to say about this publicly, I won’t engage. I have every right to remove comments, block negativity, and run this business in a way that aligns with my values.
One training goal that most owners have is for their dog to be able to sit calmly in the room while they eat dinner, watch a TV show, or read a book. When dogs are in my care for boarding or training, they learn how to do this and get plenty of practice—often during my routine Bible study. Some may laugh, but the truth is, this study time helps train your dog. Structured downtime teaches impulse control, patience, and the ability to self-soothe. I’ve never had a client complain that their dog was too calm.
Beyond training, my faith influences the way I serve others. It has shaped my patience, my approach to problem-solving, and my ability to offer grace to both dogs and owners. It’s also helped me recognize just how many people feel trapped by their dog’s behavior.
If you've ever wondered why I prefer to bring new dogs into training on Mondays and Tuesdays, it's intentional. It prepares them to be alone on Sunday mornings while I’m at church. No owner should feel confined to their house because of their dog’s anxiety or destructive behaviors. Yet, I’ve met so many people who can’t leave their home at all—or worse, feel forced to take their dog everywhere and leave them in the car because they can’t be trusted alone at home.
Before I developed the habit of going to church every Sunday, I’ll admit I didn’t prioritize these anxious behaviors the way I should have. If I wasn’t leaving the house in the first two weeks of training, neither were they. My faith has helped me grow as a trainer by recognizing the importance of tackling these issues sooner, ensuring dogs can be left home safely without hurting themselves or damaging property.
At the end of the day, my faith makes me a better person, a better trainer, and a better servant to my clients and their dogs. For anyone to criticize me for that seems silly. Why scrutinize someone for bettering themselves—especially when it directly benefits the people and dogs they serve?
At the heart of Sunshine K9 Training is a mission:
✅ Strengthening the bond between families and their dogs
✅ Helping dogs stay in their homes and out of shelters
✅ Tackling both simple and complex behavior issues
✅ Supporting owners just as much as we support the dogs
Above all, I aim to bring hope and light into situations where there seems to be nothing but darkness. Not all dogs present that seemingly hopeless challenge, but that type of situation is what started this dog training company, and I will forever stand by it.
If you disagree with how we train, our policies, our pricing, or my personal beliefs, I am open to conversation—but I will not tolerate being belittled, yelled at, or pressured to change my stance.
We stand firm in what we do, and we do it with integrity.
📞 Want to learn more or get help for your dog?
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