The Better Because of My Dog Experience

More than a training workshop.
More than a wellness retreat.
It’s an experience in connection
for you and your dog
to journey through together.

Join us MARCH 20-23 in Davie, FLorida

Since launching our Better Because of My Dog Program & Dog Psychology Community, we’ve learned more about what dog owners and trainers crave: CONNECTION. Connection to our bodies, our minds, our dogs, our families, our communities.

This workshop is not your typical training workshop. Sure, we’ll go through hands-on training exercises with our dogs, but this experience will foster a deeper sense of belonging and relationship building between yourself and your dog. This is a place where you can find peace for yourself while simultaneously building a deep connection with your dog. Because when we connect with ourselves on a deeper level, we’re able to connect with our dog on a deeper level too.

Whether you’re a dedicated dog owner or a seasoned professional, this workshop is designed to help you go beyond the basics and establish a meaningful understanding of yourself and your dog.

During this three day journey, you’ll experience:

  • Dog psychology workshop & demonstrations

  • Pack Walks

  • Group training exercises

  • Hands-on training sessions

  • Energy work

  • Yoga

  • Sound bath & healing

  • Meditation

Come as you are. This retreat doesn’t require you to be a seasoned yogi. You don’t need to know how to sit in silence for an hour. There are no pre-requisite dog training workshops. Come as you are, and bring your dog exactly as they are.

With our partners, Brian and Rachel Gruber, we’ll provide gentle encouragement and guidance as you get to know yourself and your dog on a uniquely intimate level.

SNAG YOUR SPOT WITH PRESALE PRICING

Experience three full days of
learning, self-discovery,
and connection for just $2700

invest in yourself.

invest in your dogs.

invest in a better life together.

The Better Because of My Dog experience takes a holistic approach, recognizing that building a strong bond with dogs goes beyond basic obedience training. While we will introduce & utilize core skills and training strategies with our dogs, we believe that true leadership stems from a foundation of communication and a comprehensive understanding of ourselves AND dog psychology. By addressing these fundamental aspects, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to foster fulfilling and harmonious relationships with your companions, humans and canines alike.

Meet our trainers, Art & Anne Ortiz

For Art and Anne, DogFit Dallas is so much more than a dog training company. They have realized over the years that dog training is so much deeper than solely focusing on the dog and the behaviors it displays. More often, there is a disconnect between human and dog. With a focus on dog psychology, Art and Anne aim to understand how the dog feels in any given moment. This is how we can guide a dog to a more calm and neutral place around all sorts of triggers that would normally cause anxiety, excitement, or reactivity.

At the same time, they both work extensively with the human next to the dog. They understand that dogs feed off of their owner’s energy, and a lot of times, the human feels nervous, anxious, frustrated, angry, defeated. Observing both human and dog together gives a good indication of where they’re both at in their journey and what needs to be done to help the relationship thrive. Anne and Art are firm believers in doing the inner work on themselves, and it is with great joy that they now want to share their teachings through intimate retreats where people can learn about themselves and their dogs. Their goal is to create connection between both species, so that we can all be “Better Because of My Dog”.

Meet our Hosts, Brian & Rachel Gruber

During the workshop, Brian and Rachel will bring together their extensive experience in various holistic, gentle healing. Included, but not limited to: Touch for Health 14-muscle energy balances and gentle bodywork for those interested. 

Touch for Health™️ kinesiology is a non-invasive technique that uses muscle feedback and body awareness to help reduce stress and pain, enhance performance in all areas of life—whether at school, work, or home—and promote overall health and well-being.

This holistic approach integrates the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern kinesiology, guiding you toward greater balance and vitality. Many participants experience significant positive changes in their lives, often after just the first session.

Brian is certified in Touch for Health Levels I-IV and has advanced training in PKP Kinesiology from the US Kinesiology Institute. Rachel is a holistically minded Registered Nurse, Certified Hypnotherapist, Breastfeeding Educator, and NAET Practitioner with training in K-Power Kinesiology and a variety of gentle bodywork techniques. 

FAQs

What does the itinerary look like?

Thursday evening: Welcome dinner, intention setting, & sound healing experience

Friday: Guided meditation, pack walk, dog psychology demonstration & group training exercises

Saturday: Guided meditation, pack walk, individual energy work sessions and dog training sessions

Sunday: Continue individual energy work & dog training sessions, group exercises, revisit intentions and create plan for implementation at home

Do i have to bring my dog? Florida is far!

You can come solo! If you want to bring your dog, we’ll provide hands-on training sessions so you can experience this workshop together and strengthen your relationship. If you want to leave your dog at home this time, this is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself as a human & dog owner. You will be able to soak in the benefits and apply your new knowledge once you return home!

Are meals included?

We will provide a welcome dinner Thursday evening, lunch each day, and make sure snacks & refreshments are available throughout the day.

Breakfasts & dinner will be on your own. You will have the option of joining the group for a dinner outing each day, but it is totally optional. Some may choose to spend the evening reflecting on that day’s learning, and that’s okay and encouraged too!

What are my options for travel accommodations?

Because travel accommodations and breakfast/dinner are not included, we’ve gathered recommendations!

The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Davie is about a 30 minute drive to the beach, so you can enjoy beautiful, sunny Florida with your dog! There are MANY hotels to choose from, and most are 10-30 minutes away from the venue, depending on whether you want to be close to the venue or closer to the beach! Airbnbs are also an option.

We recommend the Sheraton Suites Fort Lauderdale Plantation. It is about a 15 minute drive from the workshop location, but because it is right at the Plantation Walk, there are many walkable restaurants nearby. They are pet friendly, but there is a $100 pet fee per stay, and a 45 lb limit.

If you are looking to rent a car, we recommend trying Turo!

My dog’s behavior could be considered more severe. can i attend with my dog?

Because of the communal nature of this workshop, we cannot accept dogs who have a human bite history. Feel free to attend without your dog, or we’d love to connect and help guide you through training!

What is your cancellation policy?

We are able to offer a full refund for cancellations made prior to 2/1. Cancellations made between 2/2-2/28 will be provided a 50% refund. No refunds will be offered after 3/1.