Puppygarten
Designed for young dogs (8 weeks and up), this six-week plan focuses on essential socialization, potty routines, crate comfort, and gentle trust-building before unwanted habits take hold.
$735
Puppygarten Gulfport, FL · Serving Pinellas County Dogs are complicated.
Dogs are complicated.
Training shouldn't be.
Bring Harmony to Your Household the Groovy Dogs Way®
Science-based, force-free behavior training that's both FUN and EFFECTIVE
This isn't the dog you pictured.
But it's the dog you have.
Any of these sound familiar?
- The rescue that turns your baseboards to sawdust the second you leave.
- The puppy with razor-sharp teeth and a fixation on toes.
- The bulldog who turns every single neighborhood walk into the freakin' Iditarod.
Yeah, that's not the idyllic dog relationship you wanted.
But when you look for a solution you get caught in a tsunami of conflicting information from celebrity trainers, social media hucksters, random YouTube channels, and your local Professor of Dogparkology (every neighborhood has one).
"Use an e-collar!" "Never use an e-collar!" "Be the alpha!" "Only use positive reinforcement!" "Never use food, it's a bribe!" "Go force-free!" "Harsh corrections save lives!"
It is dizzying, confusing, and utterly exhausting.
Here's the thing: if you're confused, so is your dog.
That's where I can help.
Cut through the noise with one clear, positive, proven path forward — for you and your dog.
Hi I'm Bruce the Groovy Dogs Guy
I'm a behaviorist and dog trainer in the Tampa Bay area, and for over 15 years I've made it my goal to cut through the noise of adversarial behavioral philosophies and competing training protocols — to develop an effective, real-world set of Best Practices I call Trust-Based Training.
Stop tackling problems. Start building trust.
Trust-Based Training is a relationship-centered, positive-reinforcement approach to dog behavior management. It teaches you how to be the leader your dog needs — so they can become the happy, devoted family member you've always wanted.
Think of it as a leadership training program for managing a human-dog family. I teach you how to understand and communicate with your dog so you can begin building trust — the currency that fuels real, lasting behavior change.
Trust-Based Training uses no aversives, no punishments, and is 100% force free. Which means: no ill side effects, no damaged relationship with your dog, and RESULTS
Because the ultimate goal isn't a dog who is merely "obedient" — it's turning the dog you have now into the one you've always wanted.
Groovy Dogs families say it best
Real reviews from real Pinellas County pet parents.
Foundations of Trust
Learn to Train the Groovy Dogs Way with this Transformative 2-hour Masterclass
Master the mindset before you start the training. Whether you're looking for a single session to reset your relationship or testing the waters with Trust-Based Training, this 2-hour masterclass delivers instant clarity.
- Instant Access: Pre-session online prep so you can start making progress on day one.
- Hands-On Skills: A 2-hour in-home session where I demonstrate and coach you on the core principles.
- 1 Week of Coaching: 7 days of direct post-session guidance and community access.
Zero Risk: Serves as the prerequisite evaluation for all 6-week plans—and your $185 is fully credited toward your package!
$185
Six Weeks to a Groovy Dog
Need a full transformation? Bundle the Foundations course with one of these comprehensive six-week training plans.
Six Weeks to a Groovy Dog is a “blended learning” approach that combines daily online courses and study materials with intensive 90-minute (weekly or bi-weekly) live in-home training sessions.
- Price includes Freedom No-Pull Harness (or) Buddy System Hands-Free Leash, Training Mat, Pouch & Clicker
- Daily lessons, training games, and benchmarks for effective monitoring
- One full year of remote consultation + bi-monthly park meetups & field trips
Six Weeks to a Groovy Dog
Six 90-minute weekly in-home and public sessions built for adult dogs needing solid manners, focus, and household routines to achieve reliable behavior and a stronger bond.
$735
Six Weeks to a Groovy DogOperation Chillpill
Designed for dogs struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or drive. This plan alternates six weekly modules with six practice field trips to manage triggers and rebuild trust safely.
$975
Operation ChillpillQuestions? Good. I like questions.
Why "Trust-Based"?
Because trust is the currency of behavior change. Obedience asks "how do I make my dog do this?" Trust-Based Training asks "how do I become someone my dog wants to follow?" When your dog trusts you — and you trust your dog — the behaviors you want (recall, loose leash, calmness) follow naturally and they actually last.
Why six weeks?
Because real behavior change needs repetition in the real world. One session can teach you a technique; six weekly 90-minute sessions let us practice it in your home, troubleshoot what comes up between visits, and layer new skills on solid foundations. That's how results stick.
Is the Foundations class just a glorified teaser?
Nope — it's the real deal. Foundations of Trust is a full 2-hour masterclass that stands completely on its own: you'll leave with a powerful new framing for your relationship with your dog even if you never take another session. It also happens to be the prerequisite for every 6-week plan, so everyone starts from the same page.
How do I know which plan is right?
Quick guide: got a puppy under 6 months with classic puppy chaos (nipping, chewing, house training)? That's Puppygarten. Got an older puppy or adult dog who needs manners, leash skills, and recall? That's Six Weeks to a Groovy Dog. Got barking, lunging, or meltdowns on leash? That's Operation Chillpill. Still unsure? Start with Foundations and we'll figure it out together.
Do you use treats forever? Isn't that a bribe?
Food is how we pay the dog for a job well done while they're learning — the same way a paycheck motivates you at work. As behaviors become habit, we fade the food and real-life rewards (walks, play, sniffing that amazing bush) take over. No bribery, just fair wages.
What if I need help after the six weeks?
That's the grooviest part: every plan includes lifetime membership in Camp Barkengroovin, an online community that provides training and canine care support via chat, remote sessions and discussion groups. No need to struggle in silence, you have me as your "trainer on retainer"... for LIFE.
Not ready to commit?
No biggie, I get it, I don't kiss on a first date either! Sign up below to set up a free, no-obligation meetup so you can find out a little more about Trust-Based Training.