Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Martin.
Hi Ryan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into dog training began at an animal clinic I started working for during my first year of college. I worked as a kennel technician and vet tech assistant. Being around dogs every day sparked a deeper interest in behavior and training, and I quickly became committed to learning everything I could about the craft.
I began by offering lessons to the hospital’s clients. During May of 2015, I officially launched my business as True Life K9. I’ve been fortunate to study and mentor under respected trainers such as Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training, Sean O’Shea of The Good Dog Training and Rehabilitation, and Josh Donahue of Argos Dogworks. I’m also a Professional Level member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and I continue to prioritize education and hands-on experience to better serve the families I work with.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a dog trainer hasn’t been the dogs—it’s been learning how to run a sustainable, profitable business. Marketing, sales, systems, and financial stability were all things I had to figure out over time. I had to learn that being skilled with dogs isn’t the same thing as knowing how to grow and maintain a business. On top of that, another major challenge has been working through difficult client situations—learning how to communicate clearly, set expectations, and coach owners to stay consistent. Ultimately, dog training is just as much about training people as it is about training dogs, and helping owners follow through with confidence and accountability has been one of the most stretching and refining parts of the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been working as an in-home dog trainer since 2015, helping families create calmer, more enjoyable lives with their dogs. I specialize in basic obedience, reactivity, behavior modification, puppy training, and off-leash training. Over the years, I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. My passion is helping people who feel overwhelmed by their dog’s behavior. I work directly with families in their homes, where real-life problems are happening, to address issues like disobedience, reactivity, and general household chaos. My goal isn’t just to train dogs—it’s to equip owners with the clarity, confidence, and practical tools they need to lead their dogs well and restore peace in their homes. I’ve learned that one of the most valuable skills that sets me apart as a trainer is the ability to understand and be patient with the people. I see too many trainers become bitter and unsympathetic towards clients as a whole. We need to understand that people, just like dogs, are emotional beings that need clarity, reassurance, and to feel understood.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There’s a number of dog trainers I follow and listen to. These include Larry Krohn, Tom Davis, Sean O’Shea, Tyler Muto, Chad Mackin, Cheri Lucas, Jeff Gellman, Josh Donahue, and Robert Cabral.
In my earlier days of training, I learned much of what I know about dog body language and behavior by watching and reading Cesar Milan.
At this point in my career, experience is the biggest teacher for me. Every dog is different, so it’s so important to have a number of “tools” in my toolbox to help every dog I work with.
Pricing:
- $300-$1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://truelifek9.com
- Instagram: truelifek9
