Dogs are my home.
No matter where I am or what’s going on around me, I feel at home if I’m with a dog. I grew up surrounded by their pure, unconditional love and inspiring energies. I involved dogs in my life at every opportunity and learned how to communicate with energy, like they do. I walked and looked after all kinds of dogs in my childhood neighborhood, volunteered at animal shelters, and had three dogs at home. My love for the neighborhood pups grew into a passion for rehabilitating dogs, especially rescues with troubled pasts. In 2018 I adopted a dog of my own, Figgy, a Border Collie who left a neglectful situation with psychological scars. Figgy was the most challenging dog I’d ever met, and I knew I’d have to expand my knowledge of dog behavior in order to help her heal. Little did I know it would turn my life around. I rekindled my passion for working with dogs through research into our ancient bond and how to strengthen it, shadowing professional dog trainers and assisting them with clients, and gaining as much experience as I could walking and looking after all kinds of dogs.
A year after adopting Figgy I took her to San Francisco to work for a pack walking service. Through their shadow and training program, I became certified to walk packs of 8-10 dogs, on and off-leash, through gorgeous city parks and hiking trails. With my increased experience, friends watched Figgy, an insecure, reactive shelter dog turn into a confident social butterfly, and I started taking clients of my own. After graduating college into the desolate COVID-19 job market, I took a risk and turned my hobby into a career. With support and encouragement from my clients, friends and family, I’ve never looked back.
I’ve experienced firsthand in my lifetime of work with hundreds of rescue dogs and private clients that fulfilling needs, providing calm-confident leadership, and taking time to build trust, respect, and love are vital to a balanced, cooperative relationship with your dog. My services at Kiefer Kennel Club give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to transform yourself by transforming your dog. 🐾
Dylan Kiefer - Dog Behavior Specialist, Human Coach
Meet My Pack!
From left: Stix (Chihuahua/Poodle), Bindi (English Pointer mix), Bruce (Pitbull), Figgy (Border Collie)
This is my partner, Jordan! He helps out in anyway he can from taking a few dogs off my hands on pack walks to making dinner for us on busy days. He brings a kind, playful energy to the house and is a stellar first friend to many anxious pups. We love him around here!
I couldn’t do what I do without my pack. They’re my team, and they love to help dogs and their people as much as I do. All four of our dogs are rescues who’ve transformed since living in an environment with human leaders who meet their needs. We work hard to give our dogs the peaceful, joyful lives they deserve, and they reward us with fierce unconditional love and loyalty.
The Kiefer Kennel Club pack is living proof balance is possible no matter who you are or where you come from! 🐾