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About Us

Technique. Follow Through. Growth.

Dogs do not experience life separately from their environment, routines, past experiences, relationships, or the ways they have learned to navigate the world around them. Behavior is influenced by all of these factors, not just training alone.

My goal is to help families better understand the behavior they are seeing and create practical ways to reduce conflict, frustration, and overwhelm in everyday life. Rather than focusing only on stopping behaviors, I look at the bigger picture surrounding why those behaviors may be developing in the first place. Through science-informed, force-free approaches, I help families work through behavior challenges by improving predictability, creating healthier routines, meeting behavioral needs, and building more sustainable ways or dogs and people to live together.

Every dog is an individual with different sensitivities, coping capacities, learning histories, and environmental influences. Because of that, there is no one size fits all approach. The focus is on helping dogs and families navigate life together in ways that are realistic, functional, and supportive for both ends of the leash.

Trainer

Jonathan Young LFDM-T, IAABC-ADT

About Jonathan

I began formally learning how to work with dogs in 2010 through a two-year hands-on training program partnered with local shelters. As part of the program, I completed more than 300 practical hours focused on dog training, behavior, and handling while working with a wide variety of dogs. My work included helping dogs prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen and APDT C.L.A.S.S. evaluations, working with dogs displaying aggression-related behaviors, and developing service-dog skill sets with dogs suited for that work. I also instructed daily group classes and mentored newer trainers learning through the program.

One of the first dogs I worked with during that time was a rescue corgi named Dobbie. As I was learning and developing my own skills, Dobbie was learning right alongside me. We spent countless hours working together, and he eventually went on to be adopted into a loving family. He was even featured in Dog Fancy magazine in a Furminator advertisement. Dobbie recently passed away, but he remains a memorable part of my early journey in dog training and a reminder of the impact dogs can have on our lives.

After completing my initial training program, I went on to teach group classes at Petco and mentor new trainers entering the field. Around the same time, I became a Mentor Instructor for Animal Behavior College, helping students develop practical skills while working with real clients and dogs.

From 2014 through 2018, I worked with service-dog organizations helping develop the skills necessary for dogs to support their handlers in everyday life. From 2016 through 2018, I also worked with MoPP, teaching classes and helping veteran handlers train and maintain the skills their dogs needed to assist them day to day. Those experiences gave me a firsthand look at the meaningful role dogs can play in people’s lives.

In 2017, I founded Young’s Dog Training to bring together everything I had learned through shelter work, group instruction, mentoring, behavior cases, and service-dog training. Since then, my work has included everything from puppy foundations and family-dog training to more complex cases involving reactivity, aggression, fear-related behavior, and emotional regulation challenges.

In 2017, I officially founded Young’s Dog Training to bring together everything I had learned through shelter work, group instruction, mentoring, behavior cases, and service-dog training. Since then, my work has included everything from puppy foundations and family-dog training to more complex cases involving reactivity, aggression, fear-related behavior, and emotional regulation challenges.

Over the years, my understanding of behavior has continued to evolve. I believe behavior is influenced by far more than training alone. A dog’s health, environment, past experiences, daily routines, genetics, learning history, and individual needs all contribute to how they experience and respond to the world around them. Because of that, my work focuses on understanding the dog’s overall experience and the factors influencing behavior rather than viewing behavior in isolation. This allows me to develop practical, individualized strategies that support both the dog and you who are caring for them.

Continuing education remains an important part of my work because our understanding of behavior, welfare, and learning continues to grow. I am an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer and a Licensed Family Dog Mediator. My professional education has focused heavily on aggression, resilience, enrichment, behavior consulting, movement, and canine welfare. This includes Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course, Kristina Spaulding’s Unlocking Resilience course, Pet Harmony’s mentorship program, studies in canine massage and movement through Galen Myotherapy, Canine Arthritis Management, and ongoing education through other various programs.

I am also working toward a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist diploma through COAPE. In an unregulated industry, I believe education, critical thinking, and continued professional development matter. My goal is to keep learning, challenge my own assumptions, and apply that knowledge in ways that better support both dogs and the people who care for them.

Today, I work with everything from wide-eyed puppies to dogs facing significant behavior challenges. My approach focuses on the whole dog, including their behavior, health, environment, daily experiences, and individual needs. Every dog teaches me something new, and that continues to drive my commitment to learning, improving, and providing the best support I can to the families I work with.

Credentials

Achieved Credentials

Continuing Education

B.A.T. Behavior Adjustment Training

CAM Canine Arthritis Management

Galen Myotherapy

Currently in the process working towards achieving.

  • Certified Dog Behavior Consultant- IAABC
  • Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor – cBati
  • MHERA Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist Diploma -CCAB
  • CAM Canine Arthritis Management – CAM Advocate Level 2
What he Specializes in
  • I have spent 85% of my career working with 8 to 16 week old puppies. Socializing, building confidence and ensuring their needs are being met within their developmental stage.

  • Service dog training- PTSD Dogs – 70% of my career has been spent training and teaching dogs how to perform specific tasks for clients. I have not only trained the dogs but have spent time teaching classes helping others reinforce and train their dogs to understand how to follow with the cues taught.

  • 40% of my career has been working with reactive high intensity dogs.

Active & Earned Badges

Current Organization Member

Past Affiliations and Certs

Our Partners

Our Partners

Testimonials

Have a question?

FAQs

General Questions
Do I need to make an appointment?

No formal appointment is required just to ask questions. You can schedule a free 30-minute services inquiry from the homepage to ask about our programs, get clarity on which service is right for you, or discuss your dog’s needs.

Do I need to speak with the trainer before enrolling?

Not necessarily. You can book and pay for services directly through our website. However, the trainer may contact you via your preferred communication method if more information is needed before the start date.

Training Philosophy & Ethics
What’s our stance on “balanced” training?

We don’t oppose other trainers to scare or divide. We advocate for science-backed, evidence based humane methods. Decades of research in neuroscience, behavior, and learning show that pain, fear, or intimidation are not necessary to teach dogs.

“We now know that even low level aversives create a ‘royal road’ into the brain’s fear system.”
—Panksepp 2011; LeDoux 2000
Panksepp:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763411001497
LeDoux:
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.neuro.23.1.155

What is a balanced Trainer? (Sometimes noted as R+/L.I.M.A. Compliant, Full Spectrum) How do I Find the Right trainer?
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Why don’t you use head halters, Restrictive harnesses, prong, choke, or shock collars?

Research has shown that these tools can suppress behavior short term but often create long term emotional fallout including stress, fear, avoidance, and aggression. We use humane, cooperative strategies grounded in modern behavioral science.

Related readings:
DEFRA Study: https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/Defra_Study.pdf
Ziv 2017: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787817300357
Karen Overall: https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/Karen_Overall_Journal_of_Veterinary_Behavior.pdf
See our Research page for additional information

Do you use food in training, and will my dog become dependent on it?

Yes, we use food strategically to teach and reinforce behaviors. Food is a primary reinforcer, meaning it taps into natural motivation without causing stress. Over time, we fade food rewards and replace them with real-life reinforcers like play, praise, or access to things your dog enjoys. Properly used, food builds reliable behavior, not bribes.

What is the difference between LIFE and LIMA?

LIFE: Least Inhibitive Functionally Effective – We follow the LIFE model Least Inhibitive Functionally Effective which prioritizes emotional health, root cause solutions, and trust-based training. Unlike LIMA, which may still involve aversives(learning through avoiding an uncomfortable sensation), LIFE reflects our full commitment to ethical force-free behavior change.
LIMA: Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive – originally framed to justify selective aversive tool use

Read more:
LIFE model: https://www.leashandlearnnyc.com/life-model
LIMA background: https://www.ccpdt.org/about-us/lima

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Services & Structure
What is the difference between a consultation and a services inquiry?

Services Inquiry: Free 30-minute Q&A via phone or Zoom
Consultation: A 90-minute paid session with full behavior assessment, enrichment plan
Book here: https://youngsdogtraining.com/#contact

Which training option is best for me?
OptionBest ForNotes
Board and TrainBusy families, basic to dogs with complex issuesSplit program. We train your dog in an immersive training environment, You go through the educational material during the dogs training and then at the end we return with a Q&A and demonstrations to ensure a smooth transition and next steps.
Hands OffBalanced owner involvementTrainer visits 3 times a week to work with the dog on set skills, you reinforce at home. End of week session to assess progress and understanding.
Owner FocusedHands on, want to learn yourselfYou’re the trainer. We teach you to teach your dog
Group ClassesNot currently offeredWe focus on individualized success through private coaching
Board and Train Program
Is a Board and Train worth the investment?

For busy families or young puppies in critical learning windows, absolutely. Board and Train helps build:

Early exposure to people, surfaces, sounds, and routines
Learn more: https://youngsdogtraining.com/services

Coping and emotional regulation

Understanding how to walk on a leash

Recall

Cooperative care practices

Will my dog lose their bond with me?

No. Dogs do not forget their people. We support the bond through email updates, transition prep, and ongoing support.

Do you work with puppies?

Yes. We work with puppies as young as 8 weeks old. Early learning during the critical socialization window helps prevent long-term behavioral issues. Its a huge benefit with training occuring within our home and not a facility. Our Board and Train programs offer enrichment, exposure, and foundational life skills tailored to your puppy’s developmental stage.

Where will my dog stay?

In our home, not a facility. They’ll be part of our family dynamic with safe, structured management during rest times.

What does a typical day look like?

Structured training sessions

Play with appropriate dogs

Breaks in open area, pens, or crates based on stage of learning

Exposure to different environments

Real life application of cues throughout the day

What should I provide for my dogs stay?

Please provide:

  • Your dog’s food with clear feeding instructions. (Intake during checkout allows you to detail this)
  • Any medications or supplements
  • A copy of your vet records or vaccination history (This can be uploaded or emailed)
  • A comfort item if desired such as a blanket or toy
  • Optional: grooming instructions or preferred vet and groomer information (Only if you choose to include a grooming trip)

We’ll provide everything else including treats, chews, enrichment tools, and training equipment.

Do you accept dogs with medical conditions?

Yes, depending on the condition. We ask for full medical history in advance so we can ensure your dog’s needs are safely met. If your dog requires medication, we’ll follow your vet’s instructions precisely. For complex needs, we may consult with your vet before confirming a stay.

What are Owner Focused Sessions?

These are personalized one-on-one coaching sessions designed to help you build better communication, emotional safety, and understanding between you and your dog.

Do you offer support after the program ends?

Yes. You’ll receive detailed notes, resource guides, and a clear action plan at the end of your program. We also offer follow-up sessions and virtual support to help you troubleshoot and maintain progress.

What happens if my dog doesn’t respond to training?

If we see a slowdown in progress, we adapt the plan, not blame the dog. We assess stress levels, environment, learning history, and communication clarity. Every dog is different, and behavior change is a process. Our role is to adjust the approach so your dog can succeed at their pace.

What is the Hands Off Service?

Will be updated soon. Check our hands off section on the website for further details.

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Logistics & Planning
What are pickup and delivery options?

Use our automated booking system to schedule start and end dates. You can also sync them with your calendar.
Schedule here: Book Now

Can I visit my dog during Board and Train?

Yes. 30-minute visits can be pre purchased at checkout. These are not training sessions, just bonding visits in calm, neutral settings.

Can I bring my dog’s food?

Yes. If not, we’ll purchase their food (same or closest match) and add the cost to your final invoice.

Can my dog go to our usual groomer?

Yes. If your groomer is within an hour there’s no fee. For longer distances we may charge a travel fee. Let us know in advance so we can schedule accordingly.

Will you take my dog to the vet?

Yes. We can take your pet to:

  • Your clinic (if within range)
  • Our partnered vet: Animal Talk in Wentzville MO
    You can prepay or we’ll cover the cost and invoice you.
Policies & Additional Fees
  • Food: Provided by you. If we supply it, we add it to your invoice
  • Vet Visits: Pre approved or billed post visit
  • Grooming: Coordinated by us. Additional travel fee may apply if over 1 hour
  • Visits: 30-minute visits can be purchased at checkout
Special Cases & Safety
What if my dog has a bite history or serious fear issues?

We regularly work with dogs who have shown aggression or fear-based behavior. Each case starts with a detailed consultation to determine the safest and most appropriate path forward. If veterinary behavior support is needed, we’ll help coordinate that care. We never punish fear. We work to build confidence and safety at your dog’s pace. Just note that we do not accept these types of cases into our Board & Train to ensure the emotional safety of the puppies we consistently have enrolled.

Do you train service dogs or ESA dogs?

We can offer public access service dog training. However, we are happy to help lay a foundation for life skills, confidence, and calm behavior for emotional support animals or working candidates. If you’re unsure what you need, reach out through a services inquiry.

Are We Here to Scare You Into “Positive Only”? Why Do We Oppose So-Called “Balanced” Trainers?

Short answer: We’re not trying to scare you—our goal is to provide credible, up-to-date scientific information so you can make informed decision about your dog’s well-being.

1. The Evolving Science of Dog Training
  • Why it matters: Early training theories often emerged before we had modern tools for understanding emotions, stress, and learning. Many “balanced” trainers cite studies or practices rooted in outdated science that predates our current knowledge of affective neuroscience (the study of the neurological foundations of emotions) and fear conditioning.
  • What’s changed:
    • Jaak Panksepp’s work on the SEEKING, FEAR, and PANIC systems in animals has revolutionized how we view canine emotional states.
    • Robert Sapolsky’s research on stress biology helps us see the long-term impacts of chronic fear or anxiety on the brain and body.
    • Joseph LeDoux demonstrates how fear conditioning can drastically alter behaviors and neural pathways—key insights that older research could only guess at.
2. Where “Balanced” Methods Fall Short
  • Reliance on outdated assumptions: Using prong or shock collars often stems from older notions that punishment is an effective way to teach. While it can suppress behavior, it can also trigger fear and anxiety—an effect we now understand more thoroughly, thanks to modern neuroscience.
  • Overlooking emotional welfare: Many “balanced” trainers still view a dog’s behavior in purely mechanical terms (stimulus → response), without factoring in the dog’s emotional state. Contemporary research from experts like Karen Pryor, Karen Overall, and Patricia B. McConnell emphasizes the importance of addressing emotions, context, and underlying motivations for lasting behavior change.
3. Up-To-Date, Science-Backed Alternatives
  • Positive reinforcement & behavioral science: Newer, comprehensive strategies—like Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT), Treat-Retreat, Engage/Disengage, LATTE, and relaxation protocols—integrate modern findings on canine cognition and emotional well-being.
  • Holistic approach: Zazie Todd and Mark Bekoff both stress the importance of enrichment and empathy in training. Rather than suppressing unwanted behaviors, these methods address root causes—boredom, stress, fear, under-stimulation—providing proactive and humane solutions.
4. Why We Believe This Matters
  1. Emotional Well-Being:
    • Dogs can experience stress, fear, and even trauma. Outdated or aversive methods can compound these issues and lead to new ones.
    • Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence reminds us that learning is most effective when the learner feels safe and supported.
  2. Stronger Human-Dog Relationship:
    • Patricia B. McConnell underscores the human-dog bond as pivotal to successful training. Trust-building, not fear, should be the foundation.
  3. Ethical Responsibility:
    • We know more now than ever before—thanks to advances in neuroscience, psychology, and ethology. As knowledge evolves, so should our methods.
  4. Continuous Professional Development:
    • Look for trainers who regularly attend seminars, read peer-reviewed research, and invest in ongoing education. Trophies and titles may show experience, but they don’t always reflect current scientific understanding.
    • Karen Overall’s rigorous scientific work and Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. Model emphasize the need to evaluate all factors—Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self—before concluding a training approach.
5. Addressing the Myth of Morality in Dogs
  • Dogs are amoral: They aren’t guided by a human concept of “right vs. wrong.” Chewing the carpet or destroying a cord isn’t a moral failing but a natural exploratory or stress-relieving behavior.
  • Understanding leads to better solutions: When we grasp why dogs do what they do—be it genetics, stress, or simple curiosity—we can guide them with empathy and scientifically sound methods instead of punishment.
In Closing: Why We Advocate for Science-Based, Compassionate Training
  • Not about fear tactics: We don’t oppose “balanced” training to scare you or to dismiss other trainers’ passion for animals. We do so because decades of more current research—and our own experiences—demonstrate that humane, evidence-backed methods are both kinder and more effective in the long run.
  • Empowerment through knowledge: From Jaak Panksepp and Joseph LeDoux on fear conditioning, to Karen Pryor and Patricia B. McConnell on modern training techniques, the consensus is clear: we can teach dogs without force or fear.
  • A better bond, a better life: Compassionate training doesn’t just produce obedient behaviors—it fosters a relationship built on trust, understanding, and genuine cooperation.

We’re here to help you make the most informed decision for your dog’s well-being by presenting clear, up-to-date research—not by pushing “positive only” out of fear tactics. When science repeatedly shows that using pain or fear is unnecessary (and potentially harmful), we believe it’s our responsibility to share these findings and support a kinder, more effective path forward.

Common misconceptions about positive dog training. The fear free / force free approach.

We encourage you to learn more about the local animal rescue and adoption organizations we support.

SPCA, non-profit animal welfare organizations around the world

PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

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