Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sean Knudsen.
Hi Sean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After a deployment to Iraq, I was struggling to deal with some mental health issues. I got a puppy and a dog training book and started his training. Working with him helped me relax and be much more at peace. It helped me so much that I started training with other dogs, including neighbors’ dogs and friends’ dogs, and even getting more of my own.
All the while, I learned as much information about dog training as I could. It became a huge passion, and I eventually trained a service dog and started preparing for competition. My dog Cami ended up winning a national championship. Since then, I have made dog training my career. I have been training dogs for obedience, as well as therapy and service dogs, for over 15 years. I want to help everyone feel the companionship and joy of having a confident, well-trained dog.
Because dog training helped me so much with my PTSD and mental health after returning from my deployment. I’ve made it my mission to help other veterans. My team and I train and donate free service dogs to select veterans, and we offer our online dog training course free to all veterans.
At The Dog Training Institute, we focus on three main goals in our training. The first is building confidence through positive association, careful exposure to new environments, and socialization. The second is rooted in the principles of reward-based training. We use treats, toys, praise, and affection to motivate and empower dogs.
Lastly, we emphasize the importance of setting clear boundaries and creating reliability through management and clear communication. Our commitment to these three pillars ensures that every dog entrusted to our care emerges as a well-adjusted, disciplined, and contented family member.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most difficult experiences I’ve had in this career has been transitioning from a partnership that didn’t work out to having to build a brand-new business from the ground up.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Dog Training Institute. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
The thing that I’m most proud of is the impact that the service dogs have had on people’s lives. As well as watching the students I have trained to start their own successful dog-training businesses.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Payson: I love the proximity to the mountains, canyons, lakes, ski resorts, and nature. I love all the outdoor activities. I can step outside my front door, walk across the street, and hike a mountain.
The thing I like the least about the area is how cold our winters can be and how long they can last.
Pricing:
- Board and Trains: $2995
- Boarding $75 a night
- Virtual One-on-One Training $1995
- Online Dog Training Course $79.95
- Service Dog Public Access Training $9,995
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedogtraininginstitute.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dog_training_institute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thedogtraininginstitute
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2m2cC-ecmDjDEh3uNj-LkA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dog_training_institute
Image Credits
Emily Knudsen
