Robin MacFarlane

In-person and Online Dog Training

Robin improves the relationship people have with their dogs. She combines 30 years of training experience with her background in biology and animal health care to help owners and their companions live more harmoniously together. Thousands of dogs and their owners have benefited from her exceptional teaching skills and supportive coaching.

If you are ready to start training and enjoy more adventures with your dog, you’re in the right place!

Full Bio

Online Dog Training Courses

Virtual Dog Training

Puppy Training

Virtual Training

The early weeks of a puppy’s development are critical to long-term good manners and polite social behavior. Start housebreaking, limit puppy -biting and other nuisance behavior. Teach your puppy to calmly accept being in a crate and sleep through the night. Plus so much more...

Ecollar Training

Basic Obedience

Robin's Ecollar training video series provides off leash freedom for your dog and peace of mind for you! Robin’s step by step approach is easy to understand and easy to replicate.

“Ecollars have to be painful or they wouldn’t work”

Those words are nonsense. Ecollars work because tactile cues are more effective at gaining attention than either audible or visual ones are. 

This is day three training a five-month old Weimaraner. He’s got a drag line one so I can assist him if he has any confusion when he feels the sensation. (Helping the dog learn how to respond properly to stimulation is the essence of ecollar conditioning) 

Stimulation was applied twice. Once to move away from a dead animal and once for a recall.

No pain, no diminished drive, no negative fallout as some want you to believe.

Just a pup having fun being a dog while still listening as needed.

#dogtraining #ecollartraining #dogtra #beyourdogshero #desmoinesdogtraining #weimaraner
Do you have to wrestle your dog to get them to go into their crate?

Not this guy! 💪

River’s owner went through one of my virtual courses and have built a great relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

I love these progress videos.
If your pup struggles to listen to you, reach out. I’m happy to help improve things for you too! Contact 🔗 in bio.

#desmoinesdogtraining #iowadogtrainer #beyourdogshero #frenchbrittany #dogtraining
Saturday with two of my favs.
 
#rottweiler #dogtraining  #dogtrainer  #iowadogtrainer #quadcitydogtraining
#desmoinesdogtraining
You know that saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” 

It’s not true. But, it is certainly easier to teach a young dog the right tricks! 

This boy has been in a board and train program with me for a few days.

He’s just under 5 months old and progressing so rapidly! 

When the dog doesn’t have a bunch of bad habits you don’t have to work nearly as hard to have a great outcome. 

You want a well-behaved dog? 
Start training as soon as you bring your pup home. 

My Puppy Training program can help. See 🔗 in bio for details.
Might as well start the day out right. 

Coffee for me. Pup cup for him. 

#goodmorning #dogtrainingdesmoines
Practice makes permanent and these two are putting in the work.

Nothing better than clients bringing home the gold! 

Heel  10/10!
“Leave it” is not nearly as useful as a solid Heel behavior.

If your dog understands that heel = walk nicely alongside you with NO sniffing, you won’t have to constantly badger the dog to leave things on the ground alone.

Want to give the dog freedom to enjoy a sniffari? 

No problem! Just release from the heel behavior with a permission cue and the pup is at liberty to follow his nose.

Heel when there are too many yucky things around. 🤢

Followed by freedom to “dog” when it’s safe. 🐕👃

Teach the difference and suddenly you are, Your Dog’s Hero!

Work With Robin In Person

In-Person Dog Training

Dog Training

Robin offers private lessons and board and train programs to a few select dogs and their owners each year. Her programs are best suited to pet owners that want a bigger life with their dog. If you are an active person or outdoor enthusiast that wants a canine companion by your side in the adventure of life, reach out to Robin for program availability.

Train the Trainer

Robin’s Train the Trainer program is the perfect balance of achieving greater success with dogs, clients, and your business. Dog trainers looking to advance their skill set in order to help more people and their pets, should sign up for the next Ecademy Train the Trainer session. Robin’s coaching has helped trainers from around the world take their businesses to the next level!

Dog Camp

Three days to an improved relationship with your dog! Dog Camp is the ultimate immersive experience for pet owners. Together with Robin you will train, play, practice social skills, and create lasting structure to have the outstanding companion you deserve!