Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalton O’Connor.
Hi Dalton, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t set out to become a dog trainer.
Honestly, it found me.
I had just gotten out of rehab and knew I had to change my environment—my patterns, my surroundings, my life. One day, I took my family dogs to an animal hospital that had a Playcare attached to it. Something in me felt pulled to that place. I asked for an application without overthinking it, and from that moment on, everything changed.
That’s where I met my mentor, Frank Ortiz. He taught me something that most people overlook when it comes to dogs: energy matters. Not just technique. Not just commands. Energy. Understanding it. Managing it. Respecting it.
He showed me that to truly understand dogs, you must first understand emotion—your own included. Because the change we want to see in dogs reflects the change we’re willing to make in ourselves… and ultimately, the world we want to live in.
The road to where I am today wasn’t clean or linear. It took years of trial and error. I explored different paths, even thought the military might bring me closer to working with dogs. It didn’t. And I had to let that go. I let go of college. I let go of certain training methods I once believed in. I chased knowledge, thinking the more I learned, the more I could help—and that was true.
But over time, I realized something most training systems are missing.
Energy.
The energy we carry day to day. The energy we walk into a room with. The energy we project without saying a word. That energy is what guides dogs.
Dogs don’t lie.
They reflect.
They show us how we feel long before we’re willing to admit it ourselves. While people can tell stories, dogs tell the truth.
When my energy was off—when I hadn’t dealt with my trauma, my insecurities, my anxiety—the dogs felt it. They didn’t listen, not because they were stubborn, but because I wasn’t grounded. I wasn’t clear. I wasn’t aligned.
The shift didn’t happen when I learned a new technique.
It happened when I looked inward.
Once I began understanding where those emotions were stemming from, everything changed. The dogs changed—but only because I did.
Through helping them, I learned how to help myself. Through their teaching, I found my purpose. And because of that journey, I now stand in a position where I can truly help others—both dogs and humans alike.
That is a blessing I will never take for granted.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has never been a smooth road.
I remember scrubbing kennel floors with a toothbrush for $7.25 an hour—day after day—only to see a single dollar raise after two years. I worked whatever jobs I had to just to survive. A moving company at one point. A cabinet company at another. Long days, broken routines, and constant sacrifice.
I missed birthdays.
Christmas.
New Year’s.
Thanksgiving.
All while chasing a goal I couldn’t fully see yet—only feel.
At the time, it felt like I was just trying to make ends meet. But looking back, every one of those trials was shaping me. Every sacrifice was teaching me something deeper than money ever could.
They were building consistency.
Consistency to show up when it’s hard.
Consistency to keep going when no one’s watching.
Consistency to stay the course when quitting would’ve been easier.
And that consistency matters—because dogs don’t follow words. They follow patterns. They follow repetition. They follow leadership that shows up the same way every single day.
So if I expect dogs to be calm, grounded, and reliable, I have to be those things first. I have to be consistent and intentional in my actions. I have to live what I teach.
Those years weren’t wasted.
They were preparation.
They built the person I am today—and the trainer the dogs can trust.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Doc’s Dogs is a dog training and behavior service built on the belief that true change in dogs starts with understanding—not force, shortcuts, or cookie-cutter methods. We specialize in helping dogs with anxiety, reactivity, impulse control issues, and lack of structure by focusing on calm leadership, consistency, and the energy behind the handler.
What sets Doc’s Dogs apart is our emphasis on the human side of training. While many programs focus solely on obedience commands, we work to address the emotional state, environment, and daily patterns that shape a dog’s behavior. Dogs are honest mirrors. They respond to what we bring into the relationship, not just what we say. By helping owners understand their own energy, timing, and consistency, we create long-term, real-world results—not temporary fixes.
Our training philosophy centers on structure, repetition, and trust. We prioritize calm before freedom, rules before affection, and patience before privilege. This approach allows dogs to feel secure, grounded, and confident in everyday life—whether at home, in public, or around distractions.
Brand-wise, what we are most proud of is authenticity. Doc’s Dogs was built through years of hands-on work, sacrifice, and lived experience. Every method we use has been tested in real environments with real dogs and real people. We don’t train for show—we train for life.
At its core, Doc’s Dogs exists to bridge the gap between humans and dogs through understanding, consistency, and calm leadership—creating safer homes, stronger relationships, and more balanced dogs.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The person who helped me the most is Frank Ortiz owner of Be Still Dog Training. A incredible man who has helped me so much in not only dog training but personal development. He has shown me what it takes to be the change I want to see in the world & for that I’m in his debt.
Also I have a bodybuilding coach Jairus Propst. He has really helped me when I felt my most lost. He has given me constant direction & has helped me understand true consistency. When it comes to bodybuilding it’s either 100% or 0% & because of him showing me this mindset I knew the type of person I needed to be for my dogs & people who count on me. I’m in his debt for him not giving up on me when I wanted to give up. A true teacher and an amazing friend he is.
Then my brother Ben Anderson. Well we aren’t biological brothers but he will forever be my big brother. He has been my biggest support through out everything. No matter what happened in my life he was always there to push me, guide me, & help me when I was in any type of situation. I owe him so much yet he never wanted anything in return just to make sure I was okay. A friendship like that I believe is rare and if it wasn’t for him i don’t know where I’d be without his support. He motivates me to be the best man I can be and I will always love him. Thank you for all you do, brother.
Of course my family. I have the greatest family I could have asked for. They dealt with me when I was hellion causing mayhem, & never gave up on me. My dad, my mother, & my sister motivate me to the best I can be. They have shown me what love truly is and that’s the love I want to give to the dogs. I owe them everything & I pray I can give them the world one day. I’m truly blessed to have a family like the one I have.
Pricing:
- Non Reactive consultation $400
- Reactive Consultation $650
- FaceTime Consultation $100
- Day Exposure for your Dog $350
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docz_trainingz?igsh=cDdoZnd1ajkwNmJp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CgiSmtiAr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
My Photographer Michael Wheeler
His instagram is @adoptedmindset
