Professional Dog Training

Russell is a dog trainer with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the pet care industry, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and expertise to every training session. His journey began at just 13 years old, volunteering at Friends for Life Animal Shelter, where he assisted with behavior evaluations and discovered a deep fascination for dog communication and body language. Since then, Russell has dedicated his career to helping dogs and their owners better understand one another.

Joining Paw Commons in 2019, Russell has worn many hats within the company — from pet care and evaluation to front desk and management — before moving into his true calling as a professional trainer. His extensive experience across multiple facets of pet care gives him a unique perspective on both canine and client needs.

Russell specializes in emotional regulation and reactivity training, working with dogs who struggle with anxiety, fear, or overstimulation. His approach emphasizes respect, consent, and clear communication, allowing each dog to build confidence and trust at their own pace. He believes that “consent is key” and strives to teach pet parents how to advocate for their dogs’ boundaries while strengthening the human–canine bond.

As a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and with training in pet CPR and college-level behavior assessment, Russell continues to deepen his expertise through ongoing education and mentorship. His favorite part of the job is helping pet parents and even children learn how to read and interact with their dogs effectively—empowering families to build lasting, positive relationships with their pets.

Within the Paw Commons team, Russell plays a leadership role, having mentored apprentices, led behavior and body language workshops, and supported teammates through problem-solving and collaboration. His commitment to safety and emotional well-being reflects Paw Commons’ mission to care for every dog as if they were our own.

One of his most memorable success stories involved a fearful, reactive dog whose family was on the verge of rehoming her due to her anxiety and inability to climb stairs in their apartment. Through a single confidence-building session, Russell helped the dog overcome her fear—transforming her from terrified to tail-wagging. The dog was able to stay with her family and live a happier, more confident life.

At home, Russell shares his life with Bullet, a clever Rottie mix and former client-turned-family member, along with a lively household that includes a cat, tortoises, turtles, geckos, fish, and isopods. When he’s not training, he enjoys sculpture, spending time in Northern Arizona, and talking about dog genetics and breed-specific traits—his favorite topic of conversation.