The Trainer
Hi, I’m Andrew Sphar—a dedicated and passionate dog trainer based in Miami, Florida. With a balanced training philosophy rooted in science and compassion, I aim to bridge communication between people and their dogs. I believe that every dog has the potential to learn and thrive when we take the time to understand their needs, emotions, and instincts. My training methods incorporate enrichment, structure, and empathy to support a dog’s full neurological and behavioral development. Whether working with high-energy puppies, shy rescues, or confident adult dogs, my goal is to help every canine companion live a more enriched, connected, and well-mannered life alongside their humans.
A bit of a backstory ……..
After 2 years of schooling and receiving my dog training certificate from Animal Behavior College (ABC) in 2017. I soon thereafter, opened up shop in Barrington, IL. Though having no place to train, I tried to work through the harsh Chicago winter weather. Working outdoors was tough, so I started to use my garage, Home Depot, and the clients home… it was a tough couple of months before I decided to up and move to a warmer climate. So in January of 2018, I had upped in moved to to Miami took a job at Rocco’s Pack in North Miami. A few months later I was let go due to company costs. A few short weeks later I had found myself a new job with K9 Offleash located in Little Haiti. Position 24 hour care attendant for board and trains and junior trainer. Living and working with dogs mere 10 hours a day 6 days a week had given me the opportunity to practice ALOT. I then was offered an another position working in Edgewater as full time dog sitter for a person that traveled very often. Originally I thought it’d be great to do both, however the owners of K9Offleash thought differently. This is where the birth of Control Your k9 began… February 2019 — we officially opened for business. We offered regular walks, dog sitting, training sessions
The Dogs
Every dog is unique … in personality, learning style, energy level, and past experiences… which is why I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to training. I take the time to get to know each dog individually, observing their behavior, temperament, and what motivates them. This helps me craft a personalized training plan that not only builds trust but also sets the dog up for long-term success. Whether a dog needs structure, confidence, motivation, or clarity, my approach is to meet them where they are and guide them in the direction that works best for them and their handler.
Different breeds were developed with specific purposes in mind—herding, guarding, retrieving, companionship—and those instincts still shape their behavior today. Understanding a dog’s breed traits can go a long way in meeting their physical and mental needs. I work closely with owners to help them recognize what drives their dog, whether it’s a high-energy working breed that needs a job to do, or a companion breed that thrives on close human interaction. By educating owners on their dog’s natural tendencies and needs, I help them create a more fulfilling lifestyle for their dog—reducing frustration, preventing problem behaviors, and ultimately strengthening the bond between them. A dog that feels understood and properly stimulated is a much happier, more balanced companion.
Certain training methods tend to be more effective for specific breeds, depending on their natural instincts and drive levels. For example, high-drive working breeds often respond well to structured training that incorporates clear boundaries and jobs to focus their energy, while softer, more sensitive breeds may thrive with a gentler, reward-based approach. I use a combination of behavioral psychology and balanced training techniques to address problem behaviors at their root—whether that’s fear, confusion, overstimulation, or lack of leadership. Tools like prong collars, slip leads, or e-collars can be effective when used properly and humanely, not as punishment, but as a way to clearly communicate with the dog and redirect unwanted behaviors. The goal is always to bring clarity and confidence to both dog and owner, creating a training relationship built on trust, fairness, and results.
The Process
Positive reinforcement is the foundation of balanced training, used to teach and reward desired behaviors through praise, treats, or play. It helps build motivation, confidence, and a strong bond between dog and handler, making learning enjoyable and effective. Balanced dog training is a method that uses a combination of positive reinforcement and fair, well-timed corrections to clearly communicate desired behaviors. It focuses on building a respectful, trusting relationship while guiding the dog through consistent structure and accountability.
In short, our methods– use positive reinforcement in most areas of basic training, especially while working puppies, 3-6months; to help build a confident manageable dog, build a solid foundation of skill set, and increase the bond between owner and dog. As the dog progresses through the program, we work with the client on new areas of the dogs life and help to them better understand, mitigate and solve the sometimes a “CVS” receipt size list of issues. We will help to better understand why a dogs sleep is just as important as its exercise, and its exercise is as much as it’s brain games. To increase the amount of correct interaction, satisfy their needs, and increase our owners relationships with their dogs.
As environments, boundaries, rules, change as do the tools. Being that distractions are heavy in the city, we strive to pick the correct method and possibly tools to enhance the dogs life and our owners control, to better navigate our dogs’ safety in this world.
The Results
Public parks, beaches, city streets, malls, and coffee shops all have their level of decorum, let us guide you through these processes and have your dog be accepted and welcomed for its behavior. In the home a well behaved companion that will not bother you as you eat, let you watch a tv show in peace, greet company controllably, not steal things from countertops, go to bed when asked, or even ring a bell to use a grass patch on your balcony. These are all achievable goals …. all that is missing is you and your doggo!
