An Inspired Chat with Francesca Tardue

Francesca Tardue shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Francesca , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes—without hesitation. As a dog trainer, I bring not only years of hands-on experience but also mentorship and learning from some of the best in the field. What sets me apart is my work with truly challenging cases. Anyone can teach the basics like “sit” and “stay”—that’s the easy part. My strength lies in understanding dogs on a deeper level and helping both dogs and owners establish a clear, shared communication system.
I focus on bringing clarity, security, and fulfillment into a dog’s life using proven, reliable strategies—no shortcuts, no gimmicks. Dogs already know how to be dogs; the real challenge is helping them successfully navigate life with humans in busy, modern environments. I bridge that gap with expertise, patience, and a commitment to meaningful results.
That’s why I’d hire me: I deliver real solutions, transform relationships, and elevate the well-being of both dogs and their families.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I recently celebrated 10 years of running my dog training business in Greater Los Angeles, and throughout that time my focus has remained the same: creating training systems that are effective, compassionate, and truly accessible for today’s busy dog owners. Most clients don’t want to become professional trainers—they simply want a well-mannered dog they can take anywhere. My job is to make that achievable in a practical, sustainable way.
To support that, I’ve expanded beyond traditional training. My Pack Adventures offer weekday structured socialization and real-world training while owners are at work. My Weekend Workshops provide a focused, hands-on learning environment where owners can build skills and work around distractions. And for clients who need maximum convenience, I offer One-on-One Handler Sessions, where I work with their dog at my location and return them with notes and videos so they can practice at home on their own time—no scheduling hassle.
But what truly sets my brand apart is my training philosophy. My methods are kind, compassionate, and built on clarity—not bribery and not force. I don’t rely on constant food rewards or heavy corrections. Instead, my system centers on simple leash communication, foundational groundwork, and consistent repetition.
Groundwork, in my approach, means teaching dogs the fundamental skills and mindset they need to succeed—things like impulse control, awareness of their handler, respect for personal space, calmness, and understanding how to follow gentle guidance. It creates a balanced, reliable foundation before we ever add complexity or distractions.
This blend of humane methodology, accessible programs, and real-world practicality is why my training works—and why it continues to evolve to meet the needs of dogs and their humans today.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationships that have shaped me most deeply are my relationship with my children and my relationship with my faith. My children have been my greatest teachers. Kids don’t filter, and they don’t rationalize your behavior—they reflect it back to you honestly. Becoming a mother pushed me to level up as a human being. It’s humbling, because you’re constantly reminded of the kind of person you want to be, not just for yourself, but for the little eyes watching you. In many ways, motherhood became the mirror that made me more patient, more grounded, and more intentional.
My faith has also played a powerful role in how I see myself. For a long time, I was on the fence about what I believed, but over the years I’ve found clarity and comfort in the teachings of Christianity. That said, I fully recognize that everyone comes from different backgrounds and belief systems. I don’t expect my clients to share my views, and I don’t bring my faith into my training. But personally, it gives me a sense of direction, purpose, and humility. It reminds me that I’m here to walk my own path while respecting that every person—and every dog—has their own unique journey.
Ultimately, both motherhood and faith have made me more compassionate, more open, and more aware of the responsibility I carry in how I show up for others.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of scarcity. I spent years thinking I needed degrees, diplomas, or titles to succeed—but the real lesson came from starting my business with almost nothing, in a new city, with young kids.
Now my business thrives, my methods are proven, and I continue to raise the bar because I know what works—and I execute it better than the competition.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
You can’t train a dog in 15 minutes a day—habits take time, repetition, and consistency.
Dogs shouldn’t just avoid things that make them uncomfortable; real confidence is built gradually, step by step.
And forget harnesses—they encourage pulling. A slip leash, when properly introduced, gives you control of the head, gets the dog’s attention, and lets you influence their mind.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
It’s always nice to receive compliments, but they don’t drive me. I’m motivated by my own standards and goals. I want the dogs I work with to excel, and I go out of my way to make that happen. I also want my clients to see real progress and feel that their trust and investment in me is paying off. The real satisfaction comes from seeing dogs fulfilled and clients genuinely happy—it’s about results, not praise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.francescasdogs.com
• Instagram: dogcoachfrancesca
• Youtube: dogcoachfrancesca