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Amanda Cruz

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Growing up, in rural Tracy, CA, I had just about every domesticated (and some not) animal that you can image, with the lone exception of a cow.  (It's on my bucket list to have a cow and name them Macushla).  We always had at least a few dogs and my favorite shows on TV featured dogs.  When I saw that Joel Silverman came out with a VHS series for how to train dogs I begged my parents for it so I could start training our German Shepherd, Cheyenne.  Fast forward to meeting Mike at 17 and the journey we began together through the ups and downs of 25 years and the health challenges he has faced.  Our life has become about helping dogs and helping learn to live together in the best way possible.

Although my full-time focus is not dog training, I attend the workshops and seminars, read the books, listen to the podcasts and assist Mike in training the dogs.  It's a shared passion to help people with not only dog obedience, but really educating them on the behavior of their dog and how to live in harmony with their dog.  

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The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

  • engageddogtrainer
  • Oct 19
  • 1 min read

Part 2 - Inside a Trainer’s Home: Life With Four Working Dogs

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For me, this isn’t theory — it’s daily life. I share my home with four working-breed dogs, each with their own intensity, instincts, and quirks. They’re not lapdogs or Netflix companions; they’re teammates who need structure, challenge, and meaningful engagement.


It’s work — every single day. But it’s also deeply rewarding. When a dog with boundless energy learns to channel that drive into focus, confidence, and calm, it’s magic. It’s not about perfection; it’s about partnership.


Living with working dogs keeps me sharp as a trainer and humble as a human. They remind me that leadership isn’t control — it’s guidance. And when you give a dog what they were built for, you get back peace, not chaos.

 
 
 

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