Hey! My name is Brandon
I’m a professional dog lover turned trainer, dedicated to helping people understand their dogs and strengthen their bond. I believe we can better care for these amazing companions by learning their psychology, diet, and needs, and developing clear communication. This passion led to DYAD, where I work with families to overcome challenges and build exceptional owner-dog partnerships—a true dyad.
Dog training is often reduced to an optional, trick-oriented skillset or seen only as necessary for dogs with behavioral problems. However, it is much more than that. Through training, you build communication and trust with your companion, opening up possibilities for adventure and exploration, allowing them to venture beyond the leash—to be a dog. Before my training journey, I made the same countless mistakes that most owners unknowingly make with every dog I welcomed into my home. These included comparing their mannerisms and intelligence to those of humans, assuming I had little to do with their health, and failing to truly understand why dogs behave the way they do. Everything changed with my dog Theodora and, in turn, my journey into dog training. DYAD is designed for those who want to improve and reach higher. This beautiful companionship is known as humanity’s best friend for a reason.
My ultimate goal in life is to wholeheartedly dedicate my time to activities that genuinely evoke joy in others. What inspires more joy than a dog? Initially, this was through the expressive medium of music, then through the art of photography, and now, my focus has shifted toward helping people unlock the boundless happiness and fulfillment that comes with responsible dog ownership. In this role, I can advocate for a healthier and more vibrant dog lifestyle while sharing my deep passion and understanding of these amazing creatures that enrich our lives.
A Little Bit About Me
I have always been drawn to unique paths that allow for personal growth and exploration. As a creative individual, I thrive when given the freedom to design, innovate, and think outside the box. My early years were filled with the joy of playing guitar in various bands, writing original music, and immersing myself in the vibrant concert scene, all with dreams of touring the globe and sharing my art with audiences. However, I soon came to realize that the demanding touring lifestyle and the prolonged separation from my wife were not what I genuinely desired for my life. This pivotal realization prompted me to explore a more stable and structured career paths. I pursued training as an EMT and phlebotomist, but, neither of these roles ignited the creative spark I was seeking within me, ultimately leaving me feeling unfulfilled and restless. For a time, photography became my artistic outlet, as I captured beautiful engagements, joyful weddings, and cherished family moments. Yet, it was through the rewarding field of dog training that I finally discovered my true calling—a passion that aligned with my values and creative spirit. Outside of dog training, the busyness never seems to slow down as my wife Shelby and I run Le Pawsh, The Bay Area’s holistic boutique dog salon. When we can scrape time together, we spend it adventuring with our daughter Eleanor, and poodle, Theodora.
My Training Journey
My journey began with the arrival of a poodle named Theodora, known as “Theo.” My wife and I adopted this little bundle of cuteness when she was just eight weeks young, full of curiosity and energy. I foolishly believed that with enough love, patience, and proper guidance, I could teach her to grow into a well-mannered dog. However, my ignorance was soon challenged when the leash pulling began followed by her ignore our commands more frequently. I watched as our relationship slowly begin to degrade and resemble everything I didn’t want it to be. This turning point inspired me to dive deep into the world of dog training, and I quickly became fascinated by the ways in which they learn and communicate. Along my journey, I found my way to Beth Koenig, a true master in the field of dog training, who mentored me and opened my eyes to the world of obedience and training techniques. Equipped with this newfound understanding, I continued to absorb as much knowledge as possible through courses and hands-on experiences working with various owners and their dogs. Today, I am proud to help dogs and their owners become united families by teaching them the unique ways of their dog’s perception, technical skill application, and lifestyle changes, to allow them to thrive. I consider myself a lifelong student of the dog, taking every encounter and each day as an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow.
Theodora
My dog, Theodora is a start white poodle and my best friend. She has taught me more about training than I could have imagined, and I learn more from her each day. When you think of a poodle, you may imagine a fluffy dog with their head held high, tail up, and confident. Though she’s definitely fluffy, she isn’t the most confident dog in the room. She is sensitive and introverted, and unless playing, running off-leash, or with a familiar friend, she may choose to keep her distance from other dogs.
Since puppyhood, she has accompanied my wife to Le Pawsh during the day, and thus has been around dogs more than most. As Theodora grew however, she became more reserved and cautious. By age one, she would cower at the sight of certain breeds, and not allow dogs within her bubble. Instead of letting frustration prevail, we got to work building her confidence and changing her relationship with the world around her. I push her when appropriate and she reminds me that cherish the small moments.
Today, she walks at my side, head held high. She loves attention from people and remains selective of which dogs she chooses to engage with. Theo would rather take time when greeting, ensuring the other dog is not wild and disrespectful. Theo made me to audit everything I learn, slowing down and realizing that we all have limitations - and that’s okay. We took the time needed for her to lean on our relationship if nervous and to follow my lead. They say you don’t get the dog you want, you get the dog you need and this couldn’t be more true for myself and Theo.
My wife, Shelby, and I founded and own Le Pawsh, a boutique and holistic dog grooming salon based in Fremont. I personally do not hold the talent on display by our team, as my role is more in design, marketing, and operations. Le Pawsh is our dog passion project, and the goal is three-fold: elevate the perception of the art of dog grooming, parade the beauty of the animal that is the dog, and encourage owners to take more of their dog’s care into their own hands, as holistically as possible. We invest in the education of our team, while offering health benefits and providing pay that reflects our understanding and appreciation for the craft, creating an environment which reflects the value we share for grooming. The salon schedule is structured to ensure that each dog is carefully cared for, rather than rushed, to ensure comfort and a perfect haircut. Finally, we actively educate our clients in dog skin and coat health, nutrition recommendations, and encourage dog training to create a truly holistic experience.
The unique identity Le Pawsh, paired with the unmatched skill of our team, draws in pet parents traveling as far as Sacramento, Half Moon Bay, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has been consecutively voted as the Best in Fremont, and continues to push the boundaries of what it means to care for your dog. This space is where the art of dog grooming and care is taken seriously, and our clients feel that as soon as they step foot through our threshold.
