A course for anyone serious about professional dog training

Attending the Ecademy 5-day dog training course with Robin MacFarlane was an incredible experience. As a new trainer, I was initially intimidated by the idea of being in a professionals-only workshop, especially when some participants had already worked with hundreds of dogs or had even taken the course before. However, Robin was intentional about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their experience level or the behavior of their dogs.

My own dog, an 11-month-old German Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog mix, had been doing a lot of nuisance barking before the workshop. With Robin’s guidance and the collaboration of other trainers, I was able to address this issue and build a stronger bond with my dog. Throughout the course, reactive dogs and new trainers were empowered, while more experienced trainers and advanced dogs were consistently challenged. This balanced approach made the learning process engaging and supportive for everyone.

By the end of the course, not only did I feel confident handling my dog off-leash, but I also gained the skills to teach my clients how to use the remote collar effectively for basic obedience and behavior modification. Robin will help you learn how the remote is not “the big hammer” but a tactile tool with finesse and gentleness that takes conflict and defensiveness out of the equation.

I left Ecademy feeling empowered and equipped, and I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about professional dog training. As an unexpected bonus, I made friends and found a place to belong in the dog training community.