Nature-based Dog Training built for real-life
so you can get out together and live your best life.
Freedom to Explore this World Side By Side
You have big dreams for your life with your dog. We give you the tools to make those a reality
Expert Guidance When You Need It Most
Regular access to our accredited training team, with teenage dogs of our own, and decades of experience
Enjoying Your Dog for Who They Truly Are
Learn how to work with your dog, instead of suppressing them, for results that last a lifetime together.
Based in Boulder, CO and Boston, MA
Virtual options available Worldwide
Learn how to find balance and enjoy the journey to living your best lives.
Introducing Growing Up Wild, a nature-based blended dog training program to guide your dog from mischievous teen to balanced adult so you can get out and enjoy the big wide world together.
We focus on understanding our adolescent dogs and the root of their behavior, getting back to nature, and working with their natural drives to achieve lasting results.
a fresh approach to dog training
blending course, community, private lessons and group hikes, tailored uniquely to you and your dog.
Sixteen modules of instruction, with fun, easy to follow lessons.
Customizable homework assignments to find your dog’s unique drives and impulses and learn the skills needed to navigate all areas of life together.
Allowing you to learn at your own pace, revisit lessons as needed, and fit it in around your schedule.
In person or online (whatever you prefer) to practice and build on what you learned in the lessons.
These sessions ensure you and your pup are getting all the mechanics down, build on the exercises, and troubleshoot anything that is coming up for you.
Each dog and human pairing is unique so this is where we can really customize to best meet your individual needs.
Offered for our local clients in Boulder, Co and Boston, MA.
A great real-life opportunity to practice your skills as you learn and soak up some much-needed nature time.
Each client and pup pairing will get some 1-1 time with a trainer during this hike as well as having an opportunity to socialize and practice your skills and focus around other dogs (which is quite often a challenge for most adolescent pups!).
A monthly live group call for more face time with a trainer.
We can answer questions, expand upon topics, and host the occasional guest expert.
Recorded so you can watch even if you can’t make it live.
This functions similar to a Facebook group without the distractions of social media. Our clients will share homework videos here to learn from each other, have an additional space to ask questions, and a place to share wins, adventures and connect with other clients working through the same skills.
created for outdoorsy Adolescent dogs and their busy humans
Teenagers can be a lot. We know, we have them too! As they test all the rules, act on impulses and and work to figure out their place in our modern world, we have to find ways to deal with the hyperactivity, destruction, and inappropriate behaviors that come with that. All on top of our own busy lives.
Most training focuses on changing problem behaviors and suppressing dogs' drives without looking at the root cause of the problem, why it's happening in the first place. With our willful teens, this becomes a frustrating, time consuming uphill battle with poor results.
We understand dogs’ true nature, and we work with (instead of trying to suppress) their natural needs and strengths, so we can inspire better behavior quickly, and build trust and a pattern of better choices long-term.
What you will Get
Growing Up Wild runs six months total, designed to be easily fit into your real life and give plenty of time to work around vacations and the inevitable life surprises that come up. During the program we cover:
- Understanding dog body language and how to best use our own bodies and voice to influence behavior
- Finding your dog’s unique drives and motivators and how to work with those for best results
- Impulse control, clear communication and setting healthy boundaries
- Decompression, settling, and the art of doing nothing
- Leash walking, dealing with distractions and managing arousal
- Play skills including toy play, personal play and play with other dogs
- Recall, capturing attention and building trust
- Etiquette on trails and in society
- Practical skills and obedience for the real world plus fun tricks
- Advocating for your dog and handling challenges confidently
- Skills for planning and taking dog friendly trips and more
Your adventure Awaits!
Schedule a call to see if Growing Up Wild is right for you
Meet Our Team
Kelly Langadinos
Lead Trainer Boston, MA
Hello! I'm Kelly, founder of A Dog's Life since 2006, a certified dog trainer, and dog mom to rescue pups Aurora and Molly. Aurora had a rough start to life and has some big conflicting feelings about other dogs. Molly is a spunky but careful puppy and has been a wonderful grounding force for our household. We love spending time searching for quiet trails (and beaches!) in the Boston area to explore and are spoiled with so many options in our backyard.
Morgan McMurdy
Lead Trainer Boulder, CO
Hey, I'm Morgan, a dog trainer and content creator who has been hiking and training with A Dog's Life since 2018. I live in the mountains of Colorado's front range with my three dogs, Reilly, Ayla, and Emori. We love hiking, chilling at breweries, and playing sports like flyball! I run a local club with friends and our dogs. Feel free to stop us to say hi if you see us on your local trails, we love making connections with other dog folk
Maddie Schwartz
Training apprentice Boulder, CO
Hi there! I’m Maddie, part of the A Dog’s Life team since 2020. Starting as a hiker in Boston, now based in Colorado, where I’m diving into content creation and support for this program. My Aussie pup, Delilah, and recently moved to CO, and are loving all this beautiful state has to offer! Hiking is our favorite activity, and you can usually find us chasing trails in the woods or splashing around in a creek. We’ve recently jumped into the world of dog sports and are thrilled to be exploring flyball together. We love meeting new friends and we’re always eager for our next adventure!