Receiving the Call
Erin Teague, Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist:
As the proud wife of a firefighter, I know our service members are driven by purpose. My husband loved serving so much it earned him the nickname "Smiling John." But after eighteen years of service and being first on the scene at a mass shooting, debilitating PTSD set in. The light left his eyes, he isolated himself, and nothing I tried could reach him.
Six weeks after that tragedy, our puppy, Walter, came home. Walter did what no one else could: he reached John and brought him back to our family and community.
Standing at a fire academy graduation soon after, I saw the deep pride in the room—and realized how many of those new firefighters would eventually face the same invisible injuries without adequate support.
Knowing Walter's impact, I dove into the research and found clear proof that regularly training dogs reduces signs of PTSD. That discovery made my career transition undeniable. Walter called me to serve, guiding me to a purpose that feels truer than anything I have ever done
John Teague, Firefighter, Life Coach:
"When I realized I wasn't having fun around my new puppy that was a wake up call that I was not ok. Even in his playful presence I felt a dark void, a blank numbness.
Dogs mirror your emotions back at you; they are present moment beings. With dogs, state of mind becomes very apparent. Walter showed me that if I wanted him to learn from me, I needed to show up in a different way. I learned to ground and be confident in myself so he could have confidence in me.
He motivated me to get out rather than isolate and be numb. I have a sense of calmness when journeying through this with a dog, a sense that I've got this; we've got this. He continues to provide an outlet to identifying my emotions, but now he is also a window into fun and pride."
Beyond Standard Obedience: Mastering Communication
Our program goes far beyond standard obedience commands. It is an invitation to elevate your daily life with your dog by mastering clear, two-way communication.
When you learn to read and respond to what your dog is actually telling you, friction gives way to clarity. Meeting your dog with calm, clear guidance teaches them that they can rely on you through life's unpredictable moments. This shared clarity builds mutual self-confidence, grounds your relationship in trust, and transforms how you navigate the world together.
Transform Your Relationship with Your Dog Today
Discover effective balanced training methods with PAWS.