In this episode, Mariano and Brent sit down with Josh Beckler of K9 Optima for a powerful and thoughtful conversation on the craft of dog training, the value of humility, and the systems that shape great trainers. Josh shares his unique journey—from developing an early bond with dogs, to a career in corporate investigations, and ultimately to becoming a respected voice in the dog training community. His background gives him a rare, investigative lens on behavior, communication, and assessment that few trainers possess.

Together, we explore the importance of slowing down, observing honestly, and building structured systems that allow both trainers and clients to succeed. Josh breaks down how skills from interviewing, public speaking, and corporate work naturally transfer to dog training—and why many trainers underestimate the power of these cross-disciplinary tools. He also speaks candidly about the Dunning-Kruger effect, the role of humility in growth, and how criticism—when taken correctly—can become a catalyst for better work.

The conversation moves beyond technique into the deeper layers of what it means to teach, parent, lead, and communicate effectively. Josh offers insight into navigating social media with authenticity, creating transparency in your training process, and finding your “true north” when the noise of the industry gets loud. We also dive into his upcoming book, The Infinite Approach, where he aims to give trainers and dog owners a more complete, adaptable way to understand behavior and problem-solve without rigid ideology.

Whether you're a new trainer, a seasoned professional, or someone seeking a more thoughtful approach to behavior, this episode is full of perspective, honesty, and the reminder that great training starts with great self-awareness.

Topics include:

• Josh’s journey from early dog connections to corporate investigations
• How investigative interviewing skills translate to dog training
• The rise of social media and its impact on trainers
• Building systems, structure, and clarity into your training business
• Humility, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and embracing criticism
• Transparency and authenticity in your training process
• Parenting lessons that crossover into dog behavior work
• The philosophy behind The Infinite Approach and redefining dog training
• Creating community, case studies, and forward-thinking resources

Mariano Alvarez
 IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com

 Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
 IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com

 Los Angeles, CA

Josh Beckler
 IG @K9OPTIMA
www.k9optima.com

Bay Area, CA

In this episode, Mariano and Brent sit down with JJ Siebrasse, a military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and respected dog trainer, to discuss the real, unfiltered journey of building a career and business in the dog training world. JJ shares how his unconventional path led him to dog training, opening up about early mistakes, the evolution of training methods, and the mindset shifts that shaped his growth as both a trainer and entrepreneur.

Together, we break down the realities of running a dog training business—beyond the dogs. JJ highlights the importance of honesty, organization, financial responsibility, and building genuine relationships in order to create a sustainable career. From learning to “see the storm coming” to understanding personal spending versus business investment, this conversation provides clarity and direction for trainers at any stage.

This episode isn’t just about training techniques—it’s about the character, leadership, and integrity required to succeed in the industry. JJ’s insights on networking, managing money, staying disciplined, and leading with service will leave you inspired, grounded, and better equipped to grow both personally and professionally.

Whether you’re an aspiring trainer, established business owner, or simply passionate about personal growth in the dog training space, this episode offers practical wisdom, perspective, and a blueprint for long-term success.

Topics include:

• JJ’s journey from military and law enforcement to professional dog training
• Learning from early mistakes and adapting as a trainer
• The evolution of training methods and today’s landscape
• Business organization, financial management & sustainability
• The value of honesty, integrity, and strong relationships in business
• Networking, community, and the importance of attending industry events
• Leadership through service and supporting your team

🎟️ Upcoming Event – The Art of Teaching 2
Mariano and Brent will be presenting The Art of Teaching 2 seminar alongside Tyler Muto. Join us for an in-depth experience focused on elevating your teaching, coaching, and communication as a trainer.
Tickets & info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theartofteaching?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL5UE9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9HObWOOXaQmVyKQetAC1pmZmv7432t5dkegdzrozBzUJEhjq6SWQjluEPJd_aem_Albvk_Ej7w1nWUATFlhEGw&trackingConsent=1

Mariano Alvarez
 IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com

Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
 IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com

Los Angeles, CA

JJ Siebrasse
IG @PROVENK9
www.provendogtraining.com

In this episode, Mariano and Brent welcome back Jonas Black for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about growth, grief, and the healing power of dogs. Jonas opens up about his transformative journey after “giving his life to Jesus Christ” and becoming a father, sharing how faith, family, and responsibility continue to shape his path as a trainer and leader.

Together, we explore the emotional highs and difficult lows of navigating life with dogs—from the profound pain of loss to the lessons that come with love, connection, and accountability. Jonas emphasizes humility (“I realized my shit smells too”), the importance of mentorship, and the role of community in both personal and professional development. He also shares his vision for the upcoming Canine Conference, an event designed to unite trainers, foster collaboration, and create accessible platforms for learning across the industry.

This discussion goes beyond training techniques, highlighting the significance of responsibility, faith (“We need to want God first”), and cherishing every moment with our dogs. Whether you’re a new trainer, a seasoned professional, or someone simply passionate about dogs, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder of the deep impact dogs have on our lives.

Topics include:

• Personal growth, faith, and transformation
• Balancing family, leadership, and responsibility
• The lessons and healing found through grief and loss
• Navigating the human side of dog training
• Building community, mentorship, and accountability in the industry
• The Canine Conference and the future of collaboration among trainers

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA

Jonas Black
IG @JONAS.BLACK
Austin, TX

You can purchase tickets to the Canine Conference here:

In this episode, Mariano and Brent sit down with Haley White of K9 Ethix—a professional dog trainer whose journey from the world of ballet to behavior work offers a powerful example of passion, resilience, and purpose. Haley opens up about her path from being a dog enthusiast to launching her own training brand, and how she navigated major life transitions, including pregnancy and motherhood, while growing her business.

Together, we explore the emotional highs and real-world challenges of running a dog training company, adapting business practices around family life, and staying rooted in ethical, effective training methods. Haley shares the meaning behind the K9 Ethix brand, what she's learned from working with reactive dogs, and how community and mentorship continue to shape her work.

We also dive into the importance of time management, setting boundaries, and building an online presence with authenticity. Whether you're a new trainer, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights on personal growth, perfectionism in dog sports, and the power of surrounding yourself with a supportive training community.

Topics include:

• Building a brand rooted in ethical training
• Balancing career and motherhood
• The transition from high-energy facility life to a smaller, focused business
• Learning from behavioral cases and personal dogs
• Creating content and managing social media with purpose
• The value of community, collaboration, and continuous learning

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA

Haley White
IG @k9ethix
www.k9ethix.com
Durham, CT

On this episode of the CANIS Pro Series, host Brent LaBrada emphasizes the essential role of behavioral assessments in dog training. Before any training begins, understanding a dog's unique behavior is crucial for creating a customized and effective plan. Brent takes listeners through his process of evaluating a dog and their family, from assessing a dog's temperament to identifying any potential challenges. He explains the key signals he looks for during these assessments, how they shape training strategies, and why this step can make all the difference in a dog’s long-term success. If you're a trainer or dog owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights into why understanding the whole picture is the best way to start any training journey.

Interview w/ Jacob Morgan of Yorkshire Canine Academy

In this episode of the Dog Trainers Podcast, Mariano Alvarez and Brent Labrada sit down with Jacob Morgan from Yorkshire Canine Academy to explore his journey from professional rugby player to successful dog trainer. Jacob shares how mentorship, strategic content creation, and a strong personal brand have shaped his business. They discuss the evolving role of social media in dog training, the importance of taking sabbaticals for personal growth, and how raising prices can improve both business and life balance. Jacob also opens up about cultural experiences in Ireland, the challenges of scaling a business, and why managing dogs is sometimes easier than managing clients. Packed with insights on training methods, social media strategies, and the keys to building a sustainable business, this episode is a must-listen for trainers looking to grow both professionally and personally.

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA

Jacob Morgan
IG @yorkshire_canine_academy
www.yorkshirecanineacademy.co.uk
Leeds, UK

Episode Title: Mastering Client Conversations | The CANIS Pro Series

In this episode of The Dog Trainers Podcast, Brent LaBrada introduces a brand-new segment: The CANIS Pro Series. In this first episode of the series, Brent dives into the crucial art of talking with new clients or leads who reach out to your business. A high percentage of dog trainers struggle with effectively communicating the value of their services, which often results in missed opportunities.

Brent explores key human psychology techniques that can help you build trust, make clients feel comfortable, and get them excited to work with you. If you're looking to improve how you handle incoming calls and inquiries, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you convert leads into loyal clients.

Tune in to learn how to improve your communication skills, connect with potential clients on a deeper level, and grow your dog training business with confidence.

Here’s a polished episode description for you:

Lead Like a Leader ft: Tyler Muto

In the final installment of our three-part series with Tyler Muto, we dive deep into what it truly means to lead—both in business and in life. Leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about setting standards, leading by example, and fostering a culture of trust and belonging.

We explore the balance between authority and fairness, the importance of communication, and the role of self-discipline in effective leadership. Tyler shares insights on structured decision-making, risk assessment, and the power of negative projection in achieving personal and professional goals.

From managing teams to making lifestyle changes, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for self-improvement, goal-setting, and becoming the leader you aspire to be. Whether you're a dog trainer, a business owner, or simply looking to level up your leadership skills, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

Key Topics:

• Setting standards and leading by example
• The psychology of authority and fairness
• Decision-making, risk assessment, and overcoming uncertainty
• The impact of discipline on leadership and personal growth
• Why negative projection can be a game-changer for achieving goals
• The role of mentorship and community in leadership development

Don’t miss the conclusion of this powerful series—listen now!

Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA

Tyler Muto
IG @tylermuto
www.tylermuto.com
Buffalo, NY

Here's the revised episode description without emojis:

Episode Title: Building the Future of Dog Training with Method Canine

In this episode of The Dog Trainer’s Podcast, hosts Brent LaBrada and Mariano Alvarez welcome back Julius and Stephanie Vichinsky of Method Canine to discuss their latest venture—the Method Canine Institute—and the evolving landscape of professional dog training.

Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning from in-person training to online coaching, emphasizing the importance of personal and professional development, financial management, and team dynamics. The Vichinskys share their experience in scaling a business while maintaining high training standards and fostering strong client relationships.

Key topics include:

• The mission behind the Method Canine Institute
• The importance of professional development for trainers
• How transparent documentation and client communication set trainers up for success
• The role of community support in the dog training industry
• The business strategies behind sustainable growth and expansion
• Why online coaching and flexible learning are the future of dog training

From certification challenges to pricing strategies and problem-solving in training, this conversation is packed with insights for both seasoned and aspiring trainers. If you’re looking to elevate your dog training career and gain valuable business wisdom, this episode is a must-listen.

Stephanie Vichinsky
IG @METHODK9
www.methodk9.com
Post Falls, ID

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @ @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA 

Part 2 of 3 with Tyler Muto: Communicate like a leader w/ Tyler Muto

In part two of our three-part series with Tyler Muto, we dive deeper into the essential leadership and communication skills that every dog trainer needs to succeed. Being a great dog trainer doesn’t automatically make you a great manager, and this episode focuses on bridging that gap.

We discuss the importance of self-awareness, listening, and balancing support with accountability when leading a team. Tyler and Mariano explore strategies for addressing challenges head-on, setting clear goals, and fostering a culture of open communication. They also break down the difference between teaching and training, the power of self-review, and how to create structured systems for growth—both for yourself and your staff.

Whether you’re a solo trainer looking to scale or managing a growing team, this episode is packed with insights to help you become a more effective leader.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to master the art of leadership in dog training!

Thanks for listening!!

Mariano's book recommendations: 

1. Confessions of A Public Speaker - Scott Berkun
2. The Well-spoken Thesaurus - Tom Heehler
3. Get to the Point!: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter - Joel Schwartzberg
   
   

Mariano Alvarez
IG @UNTAMEDDOGCO
www.untameddogco.com
Phoenix, AZ

Brent LaBrada
IG @CANISBEHAVIOR
www.canisdogtraining.com
Los Angeles, CA

Tyler Muto
IG @tylermuto
www.tylermuto.com
Buffalo, NY