Hi, I'm John—Owner and Trainer at Dakota Dog Training

I’ve spent most of my life leading teams and designing training programs for humans. These days, the ones I love training most have four legs.

I’ve been training dogs for 20 years and currently live with three amazing dogs who keep me on my toes: Frida, a foster fail / rescue with a big heart and a bigger attitude; Skye, a deaf working-line Border Collie who’s taught me the power of nonverbal connection; and Dakota, my agility rockstar who earned her C-ATCH (Agility Trial Champion) title in CPE and competes at the Masters level in AKC and UKI. All of my dogs are trained using force-free, fun-first methods—and I bring that same approach to every household I work with.

Yes, I compete in agility (you might’ve seen it on ESPN). At its core, agility is about teamwork, trust, and communication. Whether your goals are good manners, new tricks, or national titles, I’m here to help make training your dog effective, personalized, and most of all…fun.

After 25 years in executive management, I returned to my true passion: helping dogs and their people build strong, trusting relationships.

🐕 Real-World + High-Level Experience

I’ve trained under top handlers and coaches from across the world: the UK, Italy, Slovenia, Russia, Germany, Czech Republic, and Australia. That global perspective influences every session I teach. We compete in 3 different venues for Agility and competed in CPE Agility Nationals in 2022. Currently, I am working on getting my CPDT-KA certification with an estimated completion date of October 2025.

🐾 I Read Dogs—and Train Humans Too

I can usually tell you what your dog is about to do before it happens. But more importantly, I’ll teach you how to see it too. Most long-term behavior problems don’t come from the dog—they come from gaps in communication after a class or board-and-train ends. I bridge that gap by training you to train your dog.

I also volunteer as a trainer at local clubs, and I foster behaviorally challenging dogs from NHS and local rescues—many of whom wouldn’t be adoptable without impulse control training and structure.

🏡 One Trainer. One Plan. Real Results.

When you invite someone into your home to work with your dog, consistency matters. With me, you’re getting a competitive, real world trainer—not an hourly employee—with years of experience, global training knowledge, and a personal commitment to helping your dog thrive.

Why Train With Me?

  • Competitive agility experience (Titles in AKC, CPE – Agility Trial Champion)

  • 25 years of experience training humans (the hard part of dog training)

  • I make training FUN!

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) (Estimated completion September 2025)

  • Consistency of working with one individual

  • Clear communication – I’ll break the science down into plain English

  • Seasoned business professional and communicator

  • All-positive reinforcement—no fear, no force

  • Real-life experience with rescues, fosters, deaf and high-drive dogs

  • You’ll learn too—not just your dog

  • Fully insured

If you want to do more with your dog, schedule your free consultation today.