Exploring Life & Business with Mandy Robbins of Raise The Woof Dog Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Robbins

Hi Mandy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a positive reinforcement dog trainer serving Lansing-area dog and puppy parents with training services. I am a certified dog trainer under CATCH Canine Trainer’s Academy specializing in fundamental training, puppies, and tricks training. I have also trained in some reactivity cases. I became a dog trainer because of my Bernese Mountain Dog named Riese, who has reactivity and has come a long way in her training journey. She is the face of the logo. She is a Tricks dog and has done Canine Freestyle (dog dancing). She has her AKC Tricks title and her Do More With Your Dog!® Tricks titles.

I empathize with the struggles of dog ownership and its challenges. I want dog parents to not feel defeated and know they are not bad dog owners. I help dog parents with their dog’s challenging behaviors through management and behavior modification to find a more harmonious and happier relationship for both ends of the leash.

I see dogs as individuals living their own human experience for the very first time, just like us humans, and when we are able to fully meet our dog’s needs and authentically communicate with them, we can find more of the desirable behaviors we are looking for in our dogs. I do not believe in good or bad behaviors in our dogs; it is simply just canine behavior, and there are many factors in why our dogs behave in the way they do, including genetics, learned experiences, environment, and self. I am an R+ trainer, meaning I train with the most modern and humane training methods backed by science. I advocate for R+ training and do not use aversive training tools or methods (prong, choke, ecollar, etc.) which have shown negative effects and can increase fear/aggression in our dogs. In my logo, you will see a “+” sign in between the “R” and “A,” and it’s symbolism for my strong advocacy for animal welfare and positive reinforcement training.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur in any small business comes with struggles (financial, physical, and mental/imposter syndrome), and I have found it is no different in the dog training field.

I am an advocate for mental health and embody it in my training methods with students. I joke, my training sessions can often feel therapeutic because I help dog owners and their dogs find mutual understanding, where you both can meet each other’s needs and understand each other authentically. My goal is for students to grow their bond with their dogs and see them for who they are as individuals because the dog you have right now is so unique and will never be like any other dog that comes into your life.

As someone who has PTSD and other mental health disorders and has done the work, I have been able to use my own struggles to see dogs in a different light and understand why some of their behaviors that society deems as “bad” are due to underlying factors such as pain/fear/anxiety. Our dogs can experience fight/flight/freeze responses just like us, many of which are out of fear or anxiety. With training and compassion, we can help our dogs live more confidently and happier in their surroundings. Sometimes, our dogs need to see an animal behaviorist or a vet/go on medication to get the help they need (just like us humans can see doctors or therapists/go on medication to help us with our own struggles), and it’s okay! It does not make you a bad dog owner if your dog needs that support. I always say to students you are the best owner for your dog, the one sitting right in front of you. When imposter syndrome, guilt, or negative or unhelpful thoughts creep in (cognitive distortions), I tell my clients they must remind themselves of that.

In my training sessions, it’s not just about training dogs to learn new behaviors; it’s more a conversation and teachings with the handler. I often ask students what is something they like about their dogs, and then I will ask what is something that they do not like about their dogs. I often find the very things we like and dislike about our dogs are often the same things we like or dislike in ourselves. It’s truly eye-opening and can be empowering! It also allows us to take that step as individuals to better ourselves and continue our own growth in life.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Raise The Woof Dog Training?
Positive reinforcement dog training in the Lansing-area supporting dogs and puppies and their owners. What sets me apart is my training methods and using science to find long-lasting success in dog ownership.

What matters most to you? Why?
My family, my own dog, and my students’ dogs. It is funny because sometimes my students and their dogs WILL KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT and I am thinking about how I can help them/their dogs live happier lives together.

It’s a tough balance that I have had to learn as a dog professional: It’s okay to “turn off” dog training mode so that I do not experience burnout or affect my own mental health. I want to be my best self for my family, my students, and myself, so it’s important I take care of myself, too (physically and mentally).

Pricing:

• One-Time Private Coaching Session – $70
• FUNdamentals Training (4-Pack) – $285
• Raise The Training Bar (6-Pack) – $390
• Positive Puppy Program (6-weeks) – $390
• Tricks & Treats (Tricks Training – 4-weeks) – $200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raisethewoofdogtraining.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisethewooftraining/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559408477288