Hi, I’m Luis!
Emerald City Dog Training LLC began out of my deep love for dogs, starting with my own dog, Charlie—a mischievous mix of Siberian Husky and German Shepherd. I initially pursued positive-only training methods through an apprenticeship at a big-box pet store but quickly realized that Charlie wasn’t motivated by food or toys, making training challenging. As I worked with my clients, I discovered many were facing similar issues. Despite their dedication, their dogs weren’t responding to the methods being taught, and some even considered giving up.
Charlie’s behavior was becoming increasingly difficult to manage. He was growing more assertive in his aggression and dominance, which led me to realize that I needed to get serious help. Seeking guidance from other positive-only trainers, I was told the issue was likely due to inconsistency or impatience from the owners. However, when this approach didn’t work for Charlie, I decided to apprentice under a local trainer who specialized in aggressive dogs and learned more “Old School” training methods. While these techniques were effective in curbing aggression for many dogs, I noticed that some became fearful or “flat,” losing motivation despite displaying obedience.
This led me to experiment with a more balanced approach that combined positive reinforcement with compulsion. I tested this with Charlie, and the results were immediate. Charlie became more enthusiastic and engaged while simultaneously less aggressive. I quickly realized that this balanced approach was key to helping dogs stay motivated and responsive.
Today, I’m proud to work with local dog daycare companies and no-kill shelters, seeing great results in a short time. Additionally, we’ve expanded our reach by acquiring a small self-dog washing business in Shoreline, where we not only promote dog training but also plan to use the facility as a space to educate dog owners. We’re excited to offer a place where people can learn effective dog training methods and help their furry friends succeed on their training journey. My love for dog training has grown into a business that not only improves lives for dogs but also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. We’re looking forward to many more years of helping dogs and their families.
