We Are Not Racists or Breedists

In dog training, labels can be tempting. It’s easy to hear statements like “That’s just how that breed is” or “You can’t trust dogs of that breed.” These assumptions are often made quickly, without evidence, and can be inaccurate. 

At our core, we believe this: dogs are individuals, not stereotypes. Just as it would be unfair and harmful to judge people based on appearance or background, it is equally misguided to judge dogs based solely on breed, mix, or a label.

Breed Does Not Equal Behavior

Breed can influence tendencies, such as what a dog was historically bred to do, but it does not determine who a dog is. Genetics is only one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes:

• Early socialization

• Learning history

• Environment

• Health and stress levels

• Reinforcement patterns

• Human handling and expectations

Two dogs of the same breed, or even the same litter, can have vastly different personalities, coping skills, and behavioral challenges. Treating them as interchangeable ignores science and sets dogs up to fail.

Why “Breed-Specific” Assumptions Are Harmful

When we assume a dog will behave in a certain way because of its breed or appearance, we often adjust our interaction with it to fit those expectations, often without realizing it. This can lead to:

• Lower tolerance for normal behavior

• Harsher handling or quicker punishment

• Reduced training opportunities

• Misinterpretation of stress signals

• Self-fulfilling prophecies

In other words, the expectation becomes the problem, not the dog.

Science-Based Training Rejects Stereotypes

Modern behavior science shows us that behavior is learned and influenced by consequences.

This approach requires curiosity, not judgment.

Our Commitment as Trainers

We do not rank dogs by breed. We do not label dogs as “good” or “bad.”We do not assume motivation, intent, or outcome based on looks.

Instead, we commit to:

• Meeting each dog where they are

• Using humane, evidence-based methods

• Supporting guardians without blame or shame

• Advocating for dogs who are misunderstood

Every dog deserves to be seen, understood, and taught—not written off.

Training the Dog in Front of You

The most important dog in training is the one standing in front of you right now. Not the breed standard. Not the headline. Not the myth.

When we let go of stereotypes, we create safer, more effective training with stronger relationships between dogs and humans.

That’s not just good training. It’s good ethics.

I am much more than just how I look.