Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Hastings.
Hi Todd, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I enjoy the company of people, but nothing brings me greater joy than the companionship of dogs. Being with them feels like stepping back into the mind of my five-year-old self—playful, endlessly curious, and always ready for the next adventure.
I often describe my childhood as “unsupervised.” With little guidance or structure, I learned my lessons at the school of hard knocks. As a teenager, I was exiled from my pack, but I found shelter among like-minded strays.
When I began Serenity Dog Training in 2023, my goal was simple: keep dogs in homes. Training makes that possible. When we learn to communicate clearly with those we share our lives with, everything improves. It’s never perfect—after all, we’re all biological creatures with our quirks and flaws—but it brings us closer to understanding and accepting the ones we love.
I offer my human clients the tools and best practices to become mindful canine leaders—anchored in consistency, patience, playfulness, and compassion. These qualities aren’t always easy to maintain, but I believe they are the foundation of every relationship we hold dear.
Training isn’t about changing a dog into something they’re not—it’s about revealing the best of who they already are. And the same is true for the person at the other end of the leash.
At the end of the day, it’s about a shared sense of belonging.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
.Overall, the path has been smooth. I provide a relatively rare service—training dogs in clients’ homes—while most competitors operate in group settings at training facilities. Geographically and demographically, my business is well positioned in an area with both a high dog population and a strong level of disposable income.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I want dogs to be dogs. But as their guardians, we are also responsible for what we shape. Living with a dog is not about control—it’s about relationship. Dogs are not machines to be programmed or problems to be fixed. They are sensitive, intelligent beings who read our moods, body language, and energy more deeply than we often realize. They don’t just hear what we say—they feel who we are.
This is why mindful leadership matters. True leadership with dogs is calm, consistent, and compassionate. It doesn’t dominate; it guides. It creates trust, structure, and safety, allowing dogs to relax and thrive.
Without clear human leadership, a dog may begin to assume responsibility within the household. That can become problematic. When a dog starts guarding food, toys, or sleeping areas, it is often because they have taken on a role that was never meant to be theirs.
The truth is simple: humans must provide leadership.
I teach my clients to “speak dog.” Training creates stability through clear communication. It reinforces the structure of the household. If humans are responsible for the home, they should also be responsible for the decisions. This doesn’t require harsh tactics. It simply means setting boundaries, defining what is acceptable and what is not, and—most importantly—being consistent in how those boundaries are upheld.
This is the philosophy behind Serenity Dog Training: a mindful path built on respect, trust, and the joy of living together. Training is not just about commands; it’s about conversation. Much of that conversation happens without words—through movement, posture, energy, and attention. Dogs are always watching, always listening, always interpreting the signals we give.
That’s why true leadership doesn’t begin with dominance. It begins with mindfulness. A mindful leader is calm and steady. They don’t demand respect through force; they earn it through clarity and presence. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect and when the humans guiding them feel balanced and secure.
Wellness is part of this philosophy as well. A healthy dog is not only fed, exercised, and cared for physically—it is also emotionally secure. That security comes from companionship, play, and the feeling of belonging to a family. Because dogs are so deeply attuned to us, their well-being often mirrors our own. An anxious household tends to create an anxious dog; a calm home helps a dog settle. In caring for them, we are often reminded to care for ourselves.
Perhaps this is the greatest gift dogs offer us: they are teachers. They remind us of the power of the present moment, of forgiveness, and of unconditional love. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s worries. They greet the present with open hearts and wagging tails. If we allow it, they show us how to do the same.
In the end, living with a dog is entering into a partnership of care. They are not ornaments or possessions but companions who deserve patience, empathy, and respect. When we meet them in this way, they flourish—and so do we.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Consistency and compassion towards my human and dog clients.
Pricing:
- $100-$150 per Focus Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenitydogtraining.org/
- Instagram: yogi.serenity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uZ3iLg5R/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.serenitydogtraining.org/peace-dog-publishing
