Hi, I’m Kyle — Trainer, Pet Parent, and Founder of Atlas Strong Dog Training

My journey as a dog trainer began years ago with a foster dog who changed my life. He was a skinny shepherd mix who had just lost his back left leg, terrified of men, and unsure of the world around him. My girlfriend and I took him in, not knowing how deeply he would impact us.

For the first two weeks, he barely left the corner of our apartment. I spent every day earning his trust — feeding him, offering treats, cleaning his amputation wound, and showing him gentle, consistent care. Then one day, while I was sitting on the couch, he quietly climbed up and laid across my lap. That moment told me everything: he wanted to be close, he wanted to feel safe.

By the end of the foster period, we were asked if we wanted to adopt him. I couldn’t let him go. He had already come so far — gaining weight, learning to trust, showing curiosity, even starting to play. But we still had work to do. He didn’t like his paws being touched, he became overly excited around dogs and people yet shut down when they approached, and he didn’t know basic cues like sit, stay, down, or leave it.

So we started from the foundation. Teaching those basic cues became the building blocks for everything else. At the dog park, having him lie down when he felt overwhelmed helped him stay calm and confident. Over time, he began approaching dogs on his own, playing when invited, and even enjoying off‑leash freedom. I could trim the fur around his paws for hygiene, though nail clipping was still a slow work in progress.

Fast forward a year — he was shining. Curious, brave, playful, and full of life.

In early 2026, my sweet Atlas passed away. He was the best dog I’ve ever known, and the reason this entire journey exists. Every long workday, every training course, every session with friends, family, and clients — all of it started with him. He began at rock bottom: malnourished, scared, unsure of the world. With time, patience, and consistency, he transformed into a confident, healthy, happy dog.

Dog training is so much more than obedience. It’s learning your dog’s personality, staying true and consistent in your efforts, and being proud of how far they’ve come. To me, dog training is a tribute to Atlas. In every dog I work with, I see a little piece of him — and I carry his legacy forward through the work I do today.