March 14, 2017

Meet David Wright of iWorkDogs Dog Training Co

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Wright.

David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2009, I (David Wright) found myself attending a dog training group class with OJ the K9 Coach. I was working my dog-aggressive cane corso puppy, Charli. Taking the class helped me realize that I had been living with dogs all my life, and was doing it wrong. This was quite the surprise… Somewhere in between the surprise and love for dogs that I’ve always had, it reignited a spark to spend more time communicating with dogs. I remembered how much I loved training, and I was happiest when learning and teaching behaviors.

So… I started apprenticing for Otis James Knighten the K9 Coach. At the time, I was working in the music business as manager and publisher, but I was over it… I was training more and more dogs and learning a ton of simple ways to produce the rewards of living with them. Initially, I purchased the iWorkDogs.com domain because I wanted to write a blog and educate as many dog owners as possible. Eventually the people interested in me helping them became too much to ignore, so with OJ’s blessing, I left to start the iWorkDogs training business.

We specialize in helping people create better relationships with their dogs through play and obedience. Our methods lead to well-mannered dogs that can go anywhere.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Training dogs is easy… It’s the people that make it difficult. People tend to have unrealistic expectations of what a trained dog looks like and how you get one. They’re not robots. If you’re going to be a responsible dog owner, then you have to make training a way of life. Just because it’s a way of life, doesn’t mean it has to consume your life. The hardest part has been creating a way to help people incorporate simple changes that make a big difference. We pride ourselves on that, and keep trying to make it easier.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with iWorkDogs Dog Training Co – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in helping people create better relationships with their dogs through play and obedience. We want dogs to live up to the title of “Man’s Best Friend.” We focus on education and skills. This approach leads to well-mannered dogs that can be fully incorporated into people’s lives. We want our clients to be advocates, not just for their dogs, but all dogs… we’re trying to create a legion of canine good citizens and responsible dog owners.

What sets us apart is the system. Dog training over all is simple but not easy, so we consolidate steps that can make it easier to get the results you need. We want you to understand your dog as much as you want your dog to understand you.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We’re excited for LEVELS… it’s a group class system like no other. You and your dog move at your own pace. There are milestones and merit badges that you earn as you and your dog learn and get better. Designing it has been so much fun, but teaching the classes and seeing people enjoy training their dogs is the best. We’ve also teamed up with a local Retail and Rescue called Bark N’ Bitches to offer our LEVELS group classes in another location.

The other big thing for 2017 is growing our canine fitness business Chewy’s Dog Gym. Just like all of us, dogs need exercise to be healthy, happy and mentally alert. Developing and sticking with a regular fitness program is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog. Canine fitness will improve your dog’s overall heart health, flexibility, balance, core strength, muscular endurance as well as provide great mental stimulation. The programs incorporate controlled exercise principles from the worlds of dog sports training, and canine physical therapy/rehab.

Pricing: