5 Myths About Me as a Dog Trainer
People tend to make a few assumptions when they find out I’m a professional dog trainer. Sometimes it’s that my house is full of perfectly behaved dogs; other times, it’s that I expect everyone else’s dog to be flawlessly obedient. Some worry I’ll judge them or their dog, while others assume I’ve always had a natural gift with animals.
I get where these assumptions come from. Dog training can sometimes seem like a world full of rules, high expectations, and Instagram-perfect dogs (and lives!). But my approach, both with my own dogs and with my clients, exists in a different world. One grounded in empathy, compassion, and real life, not the curated version you see online.
So, let’s clear a few things up. Here are five common assumptions people make about me and the truth behind them.
1.) My dogs are perfect
“I bet your dogs are so well behaved,” is something I hear all the time. I usually respond with a laugh and a “yeah…sometimes.” The truth is, my dogs aren’t perfect. No dog is. But they’re perfect for me and I love them not despite, but because of, their quirks.
They don’t walk in a perfect heel, and that’s okay because I know how important sniffing is for their mental health. Sometimes they jump when I come home and honestly, I’m just as excited to see them. They bark at unexpected noises or when they’re unsure about strangers, and when that happens, I support them through it. That’s part of our relationship.
What they are is safe, happy, and deeply loved. Roxi is calm and confident. Makai is sweet and still growing into himself every day. So yes, actually, maybe they are perfect—just not in the way people usually mean.
2.) I’m going to judge you or your dog
I get it. It’s nerve-racking to invite someone into your home to see the struggles you’re having with your dog. To see the raw, real version that’s maybe not quite so put together as you’d like. The world can be a judgmental place and you may feel embarrassed or feel the need to explain yourself.
But I promise, I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help. And I can almost guarantee, no matter how tough things might feel right now, I’ve likely seen worse.
This is a safe, shame-free space. You don’t have to have it all together.
3.) I’m the pack leader (or I’m going to tell you to be the pack leader).
Ah yes, the old “alpha” myth. The pack leader. The dog whisperer. Insert dramatic sigh here.
That’s not my philosophy, and it’s not how I train. I don’t believe in dominance-based methods. Instead, I use science-backed, compassionate approaches that prioritize communication, trust, and mutual respect. That means positive reinforcement, empathy, and helping dogs thrive by understanding their needs, not controlling them with fear or force.
I’ve had people sheepishly tell me their dog sleeps in their bed, or that they “probably spoil them too much.” My answer? Spoil away. You should see the amount of dog hair on my sheets!
You don’t need to be the alpha. You just need to be a loving, consistent dog guardian and have some understanding of how dogs learn. And it’d be my pleasure to help you achieve that.
4.) I have all the answers
Oh man, how much easier my life would be if this were true! Though, a whole lot less interesting. I’m always learning. I love learning. If being a professional student were a real job, I’d sign up in a heartbeat.
So no, I won’t always have the answer on the spot. But I will always be honest with you—and I will always do my best to find the answer for you and your dog.
5.) I’m a natural
This one is flattering, I’ll admit. But here’s the truth: I’ve been doing this a long time, and what looks like “natural talent” is really just years and years of experience.
When I demonstrate a skill during a session and it looks easy, I promise you—I’ve been exactly where you are. I remember what it felt like to be new, fumbling, and overwhelmed. I remember being asked to demo something in a group class years ago, before I had much hands-on experience with dogs, and completely falling apart in front of everyone.
That’s why I don’t expect perfection from you or your dog. Learning takes time. Mistakes are part of the process. I’ve made plenty along the way and still do.
So when I say, “Don’t worry, it’s okay to mess up,” I mean it. Been there, done that. Mistakes are part of the learning process, after all.
With wags and aloha,
Cori Tufano- CPDT-KA, FDM, CSAT, FFCP
