Meet Joel Harrison
You need more than another trainer telling you what to do.
You need someone who understands what you're living with, can explain why it's happening, and can help you put a workable plan into practice. I'm Joel Harrison. I'm first and foremost a behavior specialist, and helping dogs and owners through the difficult stuff is a large part of my work.
Talk to Joel about your dog
Your goals come first.
What do you want life with your dog to look like? That's where we start. Your goals and what works for your life come before an arbitrary list of rules or commands. The plan has to work for you and your dog.
I need to understand what matters to you, what you've already tried, and what you can realistically do. Then we build the skills that make that life possible. Dogs and owners find success together, by becoming a team.
What if you've already tried other training?
About 80% of my clients have worked with other trainers before coming to me. If you've put in the time and money and you're still struggling, you're in the right place to talk it through.
Experience with complicated cases
I look at the behavior, the history and what happened with the plans you've already tried.
Lessons you can understand
I break complex problems into steps you can actually practice with your dog.
Support with the sticking points
We work through what happens when you try the plan, rather than leaving you with instructions you can't make work.
Bring the things that haven't worked. They help me understand where to start.
He will hear you out.
After two trainers and a veterinary behaviorist, Inky's family described a consultation that helped them understand a different starting point.
Inky's family“Joel is honest and will break things down so you get it. He will give examples. He will answer your questions.”
Their account continues into course use and personal support. Read the complete three-part account on the consultation page.
Enlarge original How I train
Positive when possible.
Most dogs can make enormous progress by learning what TO do. Food, toys, play and affection are a big part of that. If that is the path to success for you and your dog, amazing. That is my favorite and always the goal.
It is also understandable that some individuals will know what they are supposed to do and still choose to do the wrong thing. When this is the case, we show the dog a clear boundary about what NOT to do.
You need to know how to drive.
You don't need to know how to rebuild an engine, but you do need to know how to drive. Your education matters just as much as your dog's, and sometimes more. Our work reflects that: you'll learn what you're seeing, what to do next, and how to practice it yourself.
A conversation with Joel
Hear a conversation with Joel.
Hear the conversation, the questions and the explanations.
Being able to have people over again.
After Board & Train and months of continued work at home, Emmylou's family described feeling comfortable hosting friends and family for the first time in three years.
Sammy, Emmylou’s owner“Being able to open our home again without stress truly meant the world to our family.”
Board & Train followed by continued practice at home.
Enlarge original Before you choose a trainer.
Can you help if my dog is reactive, anxious or aggressive?
I'm first and foremost a behavior specialist. The issues that make life difficult, seem to have no answer, or are still there after other trainers, vet visits and stressful walks are a large part of my work with dogs and owners around the world. Tell me what's happening. We'll work out where I can help and what your dog needs next.
What if progress stalls?
Progress with a living being isn't a straight line. Dogs have good days, bad days and their own decisions to make. When something goes wrong, we look at what happened, where we could have helped sooner, and what to practice for next time. I've been through this a lot. I've got you.
What about your education and qualifications?
I started training dogs at Kranky K9 Dog Training in 2015 as a junior trainer. After years of training hundreds of dogs a year, and substantial education and certification from NEPOPO, I became the Director of Training. I held that role until I left to start Scoob & I Dog Training in 2021.
On top of my certification, I trained with and learned from industry leaders including Jay Jack, Chad Mackin, Aimee Saddler and more.
Because of my extensive experience, I have educated clients and seminar audiences in 29 US states and 12 countries.
I pride myself on a vast understanding of many different ways to accomplish goals with dogs. That allows me to meet you and your dog where you are, no matter what you have tried, and guide you back onto the best path for you.
If you wish to know more about my education, certification, training style or theory, please ask.
Let's talk about your dog.
Tell me what life is like now, and what you want to change.