Hi, I’m Mattalyn Shriver, the trainer behind Impulsive Dog Academy.
I’ve always related to high-energy, impulsive dogs; the ones that act first, think later, and can feel overwhelming to live with. Instead of seeing that as a problem, I became interested in understanding it.
As long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to how dogs think, how they communicate, and why they behave the way they do. I started noticing patterns in their body language, their reactions, and how they respond to the people and environment around them.
Over time, I realized most behavior issues are not about “bad” dogs. They come from a lack of clear communication. Dogs are always communicating, but if we don’t understand what they’re saying; or they don’t understand us; training/communication starts to not work.
My approach focuses on creating that clarity. Through consistent structure and clear communication, I help impulsive dogs learn how to slow down, think, and make better decisions. I also work with fearful or nervous dogs, helping them build confidence and feel safe enough for their true, playful personality to come out.
At the same time, I help owners learn how to read their dog and communicate in a way that actually makes sense to them.
The goal is not just obedience. It’s a dog that understands, responds, and fits into your everyday life. A dog you can truly enjoy living with.
VERY high-energy, loves playing tug, taught me how important, consistency and communication, is when training.
Not so intuitive / goofy / distracted, helped me understand how to work through confusion, push past frustration, and patience.