Meet Joey!

Who: Joey at Active Dogs of Asheville

Where: Asheville, North Carolina

Offerings: Private lessons; pack walks and boarding once training is established

How to connect on Instagram: @ActiveDogsofAsheville

Joey completed the Spring 2025 Mentorship & Shadow program, and I am truly so excited to introduce him. Below you can read more about Joey's professional work, however, I'd like to introduce him the way I have gotten to know him, as both a trainer and human.

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Joey, working with training dog Maui during the Shadow program!

Getting to know Joey and seeing him grow in not just his understanding of dog behavior, but his awareness of his own growth as a trainer was and is an honor to witness. Joey has such a curious mind, and is always eager to learn more, which is genuinely one of the best traits a dog trainer can have, as we always have more to learn! He is always wanting to meet each dog where they are at, and I watched him spend time with each dog at the Shadow program and get to know each of their quirks and qualities with beautiful intentionality. Joey has an incredibly deep compassion for each and every dog to exist in the world, and that is evident by the way he interacts with each dog he comes across. Any owner would be lucky to work with Joey! PS- please be sure to read his words below, he has such an eloquent way of sharing about his experiences!

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Joey working with training dog Grover during the Shadow Program!

Now, hear from Joey himself a little more about his journey!

What do you love about dog training?

"The visceral energy shift in a dog from authentic connection with me or a client is what I love about dog training. It’s giving them autonomy to make good decisions through working together, patience, play and engagement, that’s such a satisfying feeling!"

Tell us about your journey with your own dogs!

"The journey of my own dogs is why I ended up wanting to become a dog trainer! I remember feeling like if I could just walk them around the block without pulling my arm off, that was a success. I practiced loose leash walking every day with my each dog separately, seeing results, and eventually started regularly taking them out to parks together! (Seems silly now, but I relate to many clients when I see the struggle of just leash handling, I get it!) I then started recognizing reactivity in my younger dog and knew I wanted to be the one to help him. With countless hours of reading and researching all of the tips and tricks, trial and error of what worked and didn’t, I finally was seeing progress. I was able to get closer and closer to another dog, I was able to still capture his attention and redirect him, I was able to introduce him to stable neutral dogs I knew, and really could see the difference in his skepticism towards other pups. I think some of the biggest marks I missed raising both dogs was fulfillment and general socialization in public settings.

Now, both my dogs are off leash and helping me train other reactive dogs. I can take my dogs out in all settings, have them running on trails with me, and set examples to others what life can look like when training is incorporated in your life."

What is your favorite kind of dog to work with?

"I’ve always been a sucker for a bully breed, such good players with drive, and always make me laugh with their face and quirks. I can’t deny a shepherd or herding breed since they listen INCREDIBLY well, stoic at times, but willing to learn!"

Since the Mentorship program has ended 4 months ago, what are the biggest changes you have seen in your business?

"Since the mentorship program I think I realized I know more than I thought I did about general dog behavior and trouble shooting, giving me more confidence when interacting with clients."

The mentorship program helped me understand myself better, helped me with general communication with other trainers, and I felt supported throughout the whole journey, and even expanded my network for my NC folks ⭐️

Hear more about what Joey has to say about the Mentorship Program by listening here!

Since the Mentorship program has ended, what are the biggest changes you have seen in your own self?

"Sam highlights the nervous system of both human and dog throughout the program, which supports being an impactful and calm guide for dogs (and clients) when they need us to be the most. This has made me reflect a lot in how I present myself professionally to clients, and when I’m working dogs in general, how my energy can truly radiate onto those I’m communicating with."

One thing you wish you could say to every single dog owner:

"Take it one day at a time. Just focus on what’s on your plate today, whether that’s a walk in nature, a play session in the yard, a 15 minute observation or pass by session, just focus on that. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, or your dog, just celebrate the increments of success you’re achieving!

One thing you wish you could say to every single dog trainer:

"Not everyone wants to be a dog trainer, so communicate simple, easy to digest information that is practical for the lifestyle the client is living."

Joey during the Shadow program!