Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Lugo.
Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started dog training as a hobby in my mid-twenties. I enjoyed learning about dogs and teaching my own dog tricks. I found an old out-of-print book at the local library written by Bonnie Bergin, ED. D. who is a researcher in dog studies and the inventor of the service dog. I found her book’s subject matter so fascinating and inspiring that it intrigued me to try out her methods on my own dog. This is how I first got interested into Dog training. Yes, her story motivated me to spend MORE time with my dog. It was great therapy for me and a fun way to pass time anyway. Finally, I decided to pursue dog training as a career and immersed myself into this activity more fully.
It has surely been a lot of fun and a great privilege working with other experienced trainers and learning from them. This experience has also taught me that dog training is an art-form and it requires a lot of practice, patience and a bit of technique. But one thing I like to convey to my clients is that you don’t have to be an expert or know everything. Rather, you just need to be willing to put forth the time and effort, even if it is only 15 min every day. Doing this each day can lead to good progress for your dog. Consistency is what is truly important!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a young person, I know how it feels to not know your place in life or not See what your calling is. For a while, I never had a true idea of what I wanted to do for a living or what I wanted to do with the rest of my life how to thrive and be happy! I had some ideas for a while but none of them felt right for a long time. I was juggling family losses and traumatic life events during the time but dog training and spending time with my dogs really helped me to cope and move past some of these setbacks. It gave me added meaning in life too. Co-existing and sharing the gift of life with other breathing-things, living creatures on this good green earth makes life so enjoyable and fun! It is a blessing!
I truly appreciate my dog! What started off as an emotional support companion actually turned into a meaningful career. It has infused in me a strong bond with animals and an inner sense of joy, love, and confidence to always help me keep moving forward in life! I love spending time with dogs and I love seeing them happy and seeing how they make us humans feel happy too! We do so much for our dogs but in reality, they do so much more for us than we do for them. I am blessed with helping others experience this joy of teaching their dog in a way that they understand and helping them achieve good progress on a one-on-one level. Not only that but helping them form a stronger bond with their dog and seeing the progress truly makes it all worth it in the end!
We’ve been impressed with I.Q Dog Training, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I.Q Dog Training is my at home business where I offer private lessons, sometimes group classes, and grooming and boarding with training. If you do not know what a ‘board and Train’ is it is when customers give me their dog for 3 weeks. During this 3 week stay the dog stays with me and I work with them every day to help them learn good manners and be obedient. I also teach the owner one on one so they can learn how to handle their dogs properly. Some customers need help with potty training and so they give me their dog for 1 week and then the dog returns home fully-potty trained after or with fully-trained obedience. Board and trains are a great option for busy dog owners and also very convenient for those going away on vacation and they need a place for their dog to stay while they’re gone.
What makes I.Q Dog Training different from other dog businesses is I really encourage mental stimulation for your dog. If there’s ways to help your dog be less bored or keep their brain busy then they will stay out of trouble. Teaching your dogs to think and play games, learn or have a job; these things are always a lot of fun!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Of course, my dog Peaches was the highlight of my childhood. Everyone knew I loved her very much and would take her everywhere with me! She was my best friend and always went for walks by the river by the golf course in Logan, UT. One time I was so thrilled because I entered her picture into a “Super Pet Photo Contest” And she won first place! Not only did she get her picture published in the local newspaper but she won a free groom at a local dog groomer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iqdogtraining.com
- Instagram: iqdogtraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iqdogtraining/
