Soldier. Scout. Dog guy.
The story behind Bend Dog Training, and why I train the way I do.
I've been around dogs my whole life.
Six dogs of my own. Dozens more raised, fostered, and trained along the way. Dogs aren't my job. They're my people.
Before I trained dogs full time, I served in the US Army as a Cavalry Scout (19D). Scouts are the eyes and ears out front: we read the terrain, assess what's happening, stay calm when things get loud, and communicate clearly with the team. Every one of those skills carries over to working with dogs.
When I got out, I went deeper into the science. I studied canine emotion and cognition through Duke University and animal behavior and welfare through the University of Edinburgh, so I could understand why dogs do what they do instead of just reacting to it.
Today I help families across Bend and Central Oregon get the dog they always pictured: one that walks nicely, comes when called, settles at home, and can join you on the trail, the river, or the patio.
Trained to lead. Educated in behavior.
US Army Cavalry Scout
Reconnaissance, discipline, and calm leadership under pressure: the backbone of how Luis trains.
Dog Emotion & Cognition
How dogs think, learn, and communicate, taught by Duke's Canine Cognition Center.
Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Scientific methods for understanding behavior and keeping animals healthy and stress-free.
The Truth About Cats & Dogs
Non-verbal communication, caregiving, and the biology of companion animals.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Years on the mats taught patience, timing, and how to stay calm when things get chaotic.
6 Dogs Owned, Dozens Raised
A lifetime of real-world experience with puppies, rescues, high-energy breeds, and seniors.
Structure + trust = freedom.
Dogs thrive on clarity. When they understand the rules and trust the person giving them, stress drops and good behavior follows. My approach is balanced and practical: reward what we want, communicate clearly when we don't, and always respect the dog in front of me.
- Clear communication. No mixed signals, no guesswork.
- Calm leadership. Your energy shapes your dog's, so we train you too.
- Real-world proofing. Skills that hold up at Pine Nursery Park, not just your living room.
- Lifelong results. I don't disappear after the last lesson.
Bring your dog. Bring your questions.
Every program starts with a free evaluation so we can see whether we're the right fit.