I know exactly how you're feeling. Trust me — I've been there.
Kobe is the dog who started my reactivity journey. I took him to a puppy class run by a trainer here on the coast — the structure was all wrong, and he was attacked during a session. From that day forward, everything changed. The dog I knew became anxious, reactive, and stressful to walk.
I did what most owners do — I hired trainers. One relied entirely on treats. Another used harsh corrections. Neither worked. I felt stuck, frustrated, and like I'd somehow failed the dog who trusted me most.
So I decided to figure it out myself. I enrolled in online courses, watched hundreds of hours of footage, sought out mentors both nationally and internationally, attended seminars and workshops, and slowly developed a system that actually worked. Not just for Kobe — but for the dogs I started helping after him.
Kobe is no longer with us. He passed in 2024 after many years as my helper dog — years of calm walks, genuine connection, and a life that looked nothing like those early days. He's the reason I do this work, and he's the reason I know it's possible for your dog too.
"Relationship comes first. Everything else follows."
— Tyler, Co-Founder & Head Trainer · Coastal Canine Connection
Kobe — 2017–2024
The dog who started it all
