Building a supportive and inspiring dog training community

Social media has the power to connect people, share knowledge, and inspire positive change. But it also has the power to divide, create conflict, and fuel negativity. How we use it is entirely up to us. For me, social media is not about clicks, likes, or engagement hacks. If that were my goal, I could easily stir up controversy, start emotional debates, or mock others for their beliefs or mistakes. But that’s not what I stand for.

I believe that social media should be a place where people feel safe to ask questions, to explore new ideas, and to grow.And within the dog training world, this is more important than ever.

The evolution of beliefs in dog training

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that our beliefs—whether in dog training, personal growth, or life in general—are not fixed. What I believed to be true ten years ago is not necessarily what I believe today. And what I believe today may change in the future as I learn more, experience more, and grow both as a person and as a trainer. 

Dog training is constantly evolving, and the best trainers are those who remain open to learning and adapting. That’s why I have so much respect for professionals who not only have deep knowledge but also take the time to share it in a way that helps others learn and grow.

The courage to share openly

Recently, I’ve been especially inspired by Stacy Barnett and Simon Chapman. Their recent posts about training really stood out to me. What makes their content so valuable is not just their expertise but their ability to break down complex ideas step by step, making them accessible to others. That takes time, effort, and generosity. It’s one thing to know a lot—it’s another to be able to explain it in a way that others can learn from.

But more than that, sharing openly on social media takes courage. It’s easy to stay silent, to avoid putting your ideas out there for fear of criticism. But when trainers share their philosophies and training methods, they open the door for discussion, for learning, and for a deeper understanding of what works and why. Yes, this means being vulnerable. But that vulnerability is also what makes it so powerful.

Creating a culture of curiosity instead of conflict

The dog training world—like any field that involves deeply held beliefs—can sometimes become divisive. People have different methods, different philosophies, and different experiences that shape their views. But disagreement does not have to mean conflict.

When I come across a perspective I don’t understand—or one that differs from my own—I don’t jump into a public debate or try to “prove” my point. Instead, I send a curious message. I ask questions. I try to understand where the other person is coming from. And sometimes, I even change my own perspective based on what I learn.

This approach has allowed me to have meaningful conversations, rather than heated arguments. And more often than not, both sides walk away having learned something valuable.

Imagine what the dog training world would look like if more people did this. If instead of attacking or dismissing different viewpoints, we approached them with genuine curiosity.

The Responsibility We Have on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool. It can be used to build people up or tear them down. I have been active on social media for several years now, and in that time, I have only blocked a handful of people. Not because they disagreed with me, but because they crossed a line—by being disrespectful, by attacking others, or by using my posts as a platform to spread negativity.

I welcome healthy discussions. I do not welcome bullying, shaming, or tearing others down. If I wanted clicks, I could use social media differently. I could spark emotional debates, I could post snarky comments, I could call people out publicly for their “mistakes.” But that’s not the kind of community I want to build.

I want to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing. And I want to encourage others to do the same.

Let’s build a better dog training community.

If you’re reading this, you are part of this community. You have the power to make it better, stronger, and more supportive.

That means:

• Sharing knowledge in a way that is accessible and helpful.

• Approaching different viewpoints with curiosity instead of judgment.

• Encouraging open conversations rather than fueling division.

• Creating a space where trainers—whether new or experienced—feel safe to ask questions and learn.

Because at the end of the day, we are all here for the same reason: to become better trainers and to improve the lives of the dogs we work with.

So let’s support, uplift, and inspire each other. Let’s build a community where knowledge flows freely, where people feel safe to share, and where we recognize that learning is a lifelong journey. Because what we believe today is just a step in the evolution of what we will know tomorrow.