What happens when you bring together a powerhouse group of women in dog training for four days of hands-on learning, real talk, and deep connection? You get breakthroughs, belly laughs, confidence boosts, and a renewed sense of purpose. You also get tired dogs, full notebooks, and more “aha!” moments than you can count.

This spring, we wrapped up one of our most powerful Dog Trainer TRIBE Training Academy (DTTA) Summits yet. Held at Sky Haven Equestrian Resort, our Spring 2025 retreat brought together new faces and familiar ones for an immersive, no-fluff experience focused on skill building, mindset growth, and real-world dog training mentorship.

Here’s what went down, what made this summit different, and why women in dog training continue to lead the way in creating collaborative, confident communities that raise the standard in our industry.

The Power of Community for Women in Dog Training

Many attendees shared that while they had the technical skills, what they were missing was connection. This summit proved what we’ve always believed: that confidence doesn’t come just from knowing what to do with the leash. It comes from being surrounded by people who get it—who know the work, the pressure, and the passion.

“Mastermind calls are going to feel completely different now. I was comfortable before, but this weekend made me feel connected on a whole new level.”

From role-play sessions to late-night kitchen chats, it was clear that our summit wasn’t just about techniques. It was about belonging. For women in dog training, community matters. It’s where we find our voice, sharpen our tools, and remind ourselves we’re not alone in this journey.

From Imposter Syndrome to Inner Confidence

One of the most emotional and recurring themes was the transformation in self-belief.

“I think another big thing for me is my confidence level. I’m gonna get emotional. It’s higher. When I first came, I was like, I don’t know what I’m doing…”

Time and again, we saw women step into their power, trust their instincts, and realize how much they already knew. The summit gave space for vulnerability—and the kind of support that doesn’t sugarcoat, but lifts.

Whether it was stepping up to demonstrate leash handling, offering feedback to peers, or finally saying, “I’m ready to take on more clients,” the growth was obvious.

Ready to grow but not sure how? Take this quiz to pinpoint what you need most right now as a woman in dog training.

 

Role Play: The Game-Changer

One technique that had a major impact? Role-playing with the client in mind.

“Having the owner role-play was a big one for me. Watching it and then doing it myself—wow. That hit differently.”

As women in dog training, we often focus on reading the dog. But teaching clients how to handle, what to notice, and why timing matters is just as important. Role play allowed our trainers to sharpen their communication skills and give their clients tools they can actually use.

Simplicity Brings Clarity

This summit covered a lot of ground:  importance of precise timing, leash pressure, crate drills, tug games, scentwork, whistle recall. But more than anything, what people walked away with was a sense of clarity.

“I felt way more overwhelmed at past summits. This one felt simpler, clearer. Everything made more sense.”

And that was intentional. At DTTA, we believe simplicity is powerful. When you strip away the noise and focus on clean mechanics and clear feedback, both the trainer, the client and the dog win.

We designed each session to follow that principle. Every dog worked on what they needed. Every trainer got feedback that matched their level. No pressure to perform. Just permission to learn.

Enrichment and Breed-Specific Games

We had deep conversations about breed traits, working instincts, and the importance of purposeful play. Whether it was a Schnauzer learning scent games in a condo or a stocky Aussie chasing a flirt pole in the field, enrichment took center stage.

“This opened my eyes to so much more possibility. Especially for city dogs, seniors, or limited-space households—we saw so many creative ways to mentally and physically engage dogs.”

Our core enrichment strategies focused on:

• Fetch and Retrieve: Channelling drive into jobs
• Tug Games: Building confidence, control, and relationship
• Scent Work and Whistle Recall: Engagement at a distance

For women in dog training, enrichment isn’t just about burning energy. It’s about building relationships, releasing pressure, and giving clients practical tools they can actually stick with.

Real Dogs. Real Proof.

There was something different about seeing well-trained puppies in real time—not just in theory. Watching dogs raised by DTTA breeders or trainers, following the routines they were taught, reinforced the long-term results of doing things right from day one.

“This was the highlight for me. Seeing what happens when someone actually follows through with your advice. That closed the loop as a breeder. I felt so proud.”

The transformation was visible. From dogs who used to bark non-stop to sitting quietly in new spaces. From leash draggers to loose-leash walkers. That proof matters—to trainers and to clients.

 

 

The Socials: Where the Magic Happens

Every night, the house lit up with laughter, storytelling, and (yes) some epic snack spreads. But the real takeaway?

“That was the best social time we’ve ever had. Heavy conversations, light moments, everyone moving between groups. No cliques. Just community.”

These moments matter. They build trust, deepen relationships, and remind us that dog training isn’t just about technique—it’s about people. The vibe this year? Unforgettable. A room full of women in dog training who uplifted, supported, and challenged each other with zero judgment.

 

A Safe Place to Learn and Lead

There’s a reason the summit is called TRIBE. Because here, everyone teaches and everyone learns. There’s no ego, no top-down authority. We lead together.

“Nobody made me feel like an outsider. Everyone shared. Everyone welcomed. I felt seen and supported right away.”

This wasn’t by accident. It’s designed into our agenda, our teaching style, and our culture. And it’s what makes DTTA different.

The summit sparked major breakthroughs for many trainers—if you’re ready to explore what that kind of growth could look like for you, let’s talk.

 

Women in Dog Training: Redefining What Leadership Looks Like

The summit highlighted what we already know: women in dog training are reshaping the industry. We lead with clarity and compassion. We train with purpose. We create spaces where people and dogs thrive.

We’re not just here to “train dogs.” We’re building businesses. Shaping communities. Mentoring the next generation. And we’re doing it with heart and backbone.

At DTTA, we’re proud to champion women in dog training who are:

• Stepping into mentorship roles
• Launching or scaling their businesses
• Creating new programs that prioritize owner education
• Advocating for balance, not burnout

What Comes Next?

This summit proved what’s possible when you give women in dog training the space, tools, and support to grow. And while the event may be over, the ripple effect is just beginning.

Attendees left with clear plans, new friendships, and a deeper belief in their ability to lead. They’re taking what they learned back into their communities, their classes, and their clients’ homes. And it shows.

“You’ve got more strength than probably all of us put together with some of the stuff you’ve gone through and continue to rise above. That’s what a winner looks like.”

Want to Be Part of the Next DTTA Summit?

If this sounds like the kind of experience you’ve been craving, make sure you’re on our next  DTTA Summit List. We’re building something different here—a space for women in dog training to rise together.

Want to chat about whether DTTA is the right fit for you?

👉 Book a free Call with Karen here and let’s see what’s possible for your growth as a dog trainer.

Because when we gather with purpose, share without ego, and train with heart?

There is no limit to how far we can go.