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: