Symbio Dog Training

09/03/2025

As much as I love dogs, please remember that Symbio Dog Training is not a rescue. Every year around this time, I get an overwhelming number of messages asking me to take in or rehome dogs…especially German Shepherds and Malinois.

While I do occasionally foster, that is separate from my training business. I do not have the time, space, or financial resources to take on additional dogs outside of my own family and training clients.

👉 For those needing rehoming assistance, I have compiled a list of rescue resources on my website [https://www.symbiodogtraining.com/for-rescue-organizations] that you can contact directly for potential intake.

I kindly ask that you respect these boundaries and refrain from using statements such as “or he’s going to the shelter” to try to get us to move forward. Maintaining these boundaries allows me to remain focused on my own dogs, my clients, and the training services I provide.

Thank you for understanding. 💜

08/31/2025

🐾 Welcome Mack! 🐾

Mack is joining us for a two-week board & train where we’ll be focusing on a few key skills:

✨ Down – this one has been a challenge, so we’ll break it down step by step to help her confidently offer the behavior.
✨ Recall – right now “Heel” has been used as her recall cue, but we’ll build consistency and add in a specific word JUST for recall
✨ Calm behavior around dogs & new people – she’s already made great progress, and we’ll keep reinforcing her ability to stay relaxed and neutral in different environments.

We’re excited to help Mack polish her skills and give her the confidence she needs to thrive! 💪🐶

🧬 www.symbiodogtraining.com
☎️ (919) 410-6696
📧 [email protected]

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08/07/2025

Exciting News from Symbio Dog Training! 💜🐾

We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Perfectly Imperfect Pups on their brand-new Community Support Page....a powerful resource hub designed to help pet owners navigate tough times with compassion and confidence.

Whether you're dealing with behavior challenges, financial stress, housing transitions, or supporting a found dog, this page offers real help with zero judgment.

We’re especially proud to contribute a 7-part video mini-series tailored for multi-dog households...packed with practical strategies, expert insights, and heart. It’s been a dream project, and we’re honored to be part of it: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVTBY7uadReCXPYUM2TekzYvyRHNTE2x2&si=5Ufo_TeAgoTtykNN

From vet care assistance to separation anxiety tips to rehoming guidance, this page is a lifeline for pet families.

📲 Explore the resources at [pipsrescue.org/community]
📩 Share it with someone who could use a little extra support.
🙌 Thank you for being part of a community that uplifts pets and the people who love them.

Helping Dogs Live Together: Tips from PIPs + Symbio Training Struggling with a multi-dog household? You're not alone. In this 7-part video series, Perfectly ...

08/04/2025

Did you know I’m an AKC Evaluator? That means I can help you earn some awesome titles and ribbons with your pup…and yes, that includes extra ribbons because who doesn’t love a good rosette?

Here’s what I can offer:
🏅 Trick Dog Titles
🏅 CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
🏅 CGCU (Urban CGC)
🏅 CGCA (Advanced CGC)
🏅 Virtual Home Manners (Puppy & Adult)

I’m available for in-person testing and video reviews (except CGC, which must be done in person). So if you’ve been working hard with your dog and want to show off your teamwork, let’s get you evaluated!

📩 Email me at [email protected] to schedule a test or get your video reviewed…and don’t forget, your pup gets an AKC title and a fun rosette from me too!

08/01/2025

Gravy and Biscuits spent some time with us recently, and we were so happy to have them! These two long dogs brought plenty of laughs (and snuggles) during their stay. Until next time, little loaves! 🐾💜🩵🐾

🧬 www.symbiodogtraining.com
☎️ (919) 410-6696
📧 [email protected]

Follow Us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/symbiodogtraining
Instagram:

07/29/2025

Pickle went home yesterday after completing his board and train, and we’re already missing his sunshine personality and signature happy wiggle. 💛

During his stay, Pickle worked hard on some big life skills:

🐾 Loose leash walking so adventures are more enjoyable for everyone
🐾 Addressing resource guarding to build a safer and more trusting environment at home
🐾 Strengthening his recall because coming when called is non-negotiable for a good boy

We’re so proud of all the progress he made, and we know his family is ready to continue the work at home. Way to go, Pickle! 🥒

🧬 www.symbiodogtraining.com
☎️ (919) 410-6696
📧 [email protected]

Follow Us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/symbiodogtraining
Instagram:

07/04/2025

🎆 Red, white, and woof! 🇺🇸

The Symbio crew is looking sharp in their bandanas and ready for a quiet, cozy 4th of July. We’ll be skipping the fireworks and sticking to the things our dogs actually enjoy…snuggles, snacks, playtime and a little extra AC.

Wishing everyone (two- and four-legged) a safe and stress-free holiday.

06/30/2025

🐾 Sully the Golden Retriever has been such a joy to work with these past few weeks!

He’s goofy, smart, and full of personality, and he made some serious progress during his Board & Train.

Here’s what we focused on:

🦮 Loose Leash Walking – Teaching Sully how to walk with structure (instead of dragging his people around town)
🔁 Recall – Strengthening that “come when called” response
🗣️ “Drop It” / “Leave It” – Building impulse control and polite object handling
🔊 Demand Barking – Helping him understand that barking doesn’t = attention
🐾 Pawing for Attention – Teaching more appropriate ways to ask for interaction (because cute doesn’t mean it’s allowed!)

We’re so proud of this sweet guy and hope his mom is as thrilled with his progress as we are! 💛

06/30/2025

“How do you use corrections in training?”

Glad you asked…here’s what that actually looks like.

This is Sully. Sully loves eating random stuff off the ground…rabbit p**p, sticks, mulch, you name it. That behavior isn’t just gross; it can be dangerous.

In this clip, you’ll see a real-life moment where he blows off my “leave it” cue. He gets a correction for ignoring it, then chooses to disengage and come back to me. And what happens next? He gets rewarded. Every single time.

Corrections aren’t about punishment…they’re about clarity. His mom and myself have done countless repetitions on the “leave it” command with bones, food, sticks, etc. and he just chose to ignore it this time. My dogs know what’s expected, they know how to succeed, and they get reinforced for making the right choice, even if it takes a mistake to get there first.

Because real life doesn’t happen in a sterile training room. It happens in the woods, by the sidewalk, and right next to a tempting pile of rabbit turds. 💩

06/26/2025

So excited to share that Symbio Dog Training is featured in the Raleigh Pet Parent Resource Guide by Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer! 🐾 From local groomers to fun pet events and everything in between, this guide is packed with trusted recommendations to help you and your pup live your best life in the Triangle.

Grab your free copy here:
👉 https://fivefreedomsphotography.myflodesk.com/resource-guide

Big thanks to Five Freedoms Photography for including us! 💜🩵

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06/23/2025

Huge thank you to with for hosting the Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid course! 🙌 I’m officially certified and highly recommend this training to anyone in the pet industry.

Whether you’re a trainer, groomer, pet sitter, walker, vet assistant, foster, or run a doggie daycare…this course is packed with life-saving information and hands-on skills. We covered the most up-to-date protocols for CPR, rescue breathing, choking, bleeding, first aid, and more.

Grateful for the opportunity and excited to put this knowledge to good use! 🐾🩺

06/07/2025

🖤 Weekend guest alert! 🐾

Montu the German Shepherd is staying with us for the weekend! Looking forward to spending some quality time with this handsome guy and keeping him busy with some enrichment and structure while his family is away. 💙🐾