Interview With Tom Davis, the Dog Trainer Everyone Is Talking About

You may have seen him on TikTok. You may have seen him on YouTube. You may have even seen him in People Magazine or on Good Morning America or Today. And now We Feed Raw is talking to celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis! We asked him about dog training, maintaining a work-life balance, and what he feeds his dogs (hint: he’s a customer of ours).

Read on to learn more about Tom Davis, the dog trainer everyone is talking about!

How did you discover your passion for dog training?

Like many who professionally work with dogs, I have always loved dogs. So I never had to discover it; from the early ages of 2-3, I was rolling around with puppies. I started my first professional dog business as a dog walker when I was 20 years old. 

What are some of the most common challenges that dog owners face, and how do you help them overcome them?

Most dog owners don’t know how to raise or communicate with their dogs. Like many of us who have dogs, you get a dog, and we hope they mold into our lives seamlessly. That is not always the case. When a problem comes up, they don’t have a foundation to be able to communicate with their dog. 

What are some of the most rewarding moments that you have experienced as a dog trainer? 

Every day is rewarding. I get to produce content and work with dog owners so they can live a happier life with their dog. What’s not to love? I have been helping dog owners for over a decade, 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Each time I help someone is the biggest reward.

How do you balance your work as a dog trainer with your personal life and hobbies?

To be honest, I don’t. My whole life and ecosystem are set up and structured for my career. It’s like a professional athlete, when we’re not working we are learning how to get better at our work. 

I also do NOT have a normal dog trainer roadmap, though. I don’t do well with vacations or downtime; I am always thinking about the next move. That’s the significant difference between doing what you love and clocking in for someone else. I LOVE what I do, and I am obsessed with helping dogs. I enjoy working 12-14 hour days every day; if I don’t, I feel very unfulfilled. 

My wife is amazing at helping me ground myself when needed. I love spending time with my son, Banks. He has been such a joy in our lives. I am now learning how to step away from work more often to be with my son.

What are some of the current trends or innovations in dog training that you find exciting or useful?

I think the education about the remote collar and using modern technology to communicate with dogs is very exciting. Having a voice with social media and educating dog owners and professionals about the capabilities of new tools for dogs is exciting!

How do you approach training different breeds or personalities of dogs?

I treat each dog differently. Each time I work with a client or dog is a new chapter. I work with what’s in front of me. 

How do you deal with difficult or aggressive dogs or situations?

It comes all naturally. When I start with an aggressive dog, #1 is safety. Next is helping the dog and owner. I also think it’s massively important to educate and empower the owner. I’m a pro; I should be able to work with any dog and get calmness in minutes; that’s my job. Teaching the owner how to do this sustainably is what separates a dog trainer and a professional. 

What are some of the misconceptions or myths about dog training that you would like to debunk?

I have debunked many myths with education with the caveat that ONLY those who want to learn will learn. Some people, like anything else, are already set on what they want to believe in. Tribalism and ideology is the deadliest thing to dogs currently. That’s why I don’t subscribe to a certain way of doing things. I have a huge toolbox and a huge capacity for education, and always being a student has helped my career and dogs the most. 

How do you keep your skills and knowledge updated and relevant in the field of dog training?

Constantly working with dogs. Every day is a new day to learn. Being able to put thousands of dogs through my training each year allows me to stay sharp! 

What are your top training tips for new dog owners?

Start now; don’t wait. Create structure and boundaries now; don’t wait. Bring your dog for lots of walks; get to know your dog. 

What do you feed your dogs and why?

I feed my dogs a raw diet. I like We Feed Raw for dog owners because it takes away the overwhelming parts. What to feed and where will you get it? WFR makes that process as easy as checking out on Amazon. 

I have seen a drastic change in my dog's life after switching to a raw diet. My Saint Bernard Thompson lived until he was 12, and I owe his diet to having him with us for so long. My other dog, Lola, lived until she was 18 years old! Again, I owe a raw diet to her longevity, as well. 

Do you believe diet has any effect on behavior? If so, why?

Absolutely, what you put in your body affects every aspect of how you feel physically and mentally. Our dogs are no different. If you ate highly processed food every day forever, how would you feel? How would you look?