Stressed-out Dog Owner
Train Your Dog Through The Play & Praise Method™
No treats. No tools. No stress. Just a deeper connection and a dog who actually listens.
Why Your Dog Doesn't Listen (And It's Not What You Think)
The Problem
You’ve tried the treats. You’ve watched the videos. Maybe you’ve even worked with trainers. But your dog still pulls on the leash, ignores you around distractions, and only “obeys” when there’s food involved.
Here’s the truth: Your dog isn’t stubborn, difficult, or broken. They’re just not truly connected to you. And no amount of treats will change that.
The Solution
Training isn’t about control—it’s about communication. When you build a real relationship with your dog through play and praise, commands become unnecessary. Your dog listens because they want to, not because they have to.
After 20 years of working with stubborn breeds and “difficult” dogs, I’ve seen it again and again: the dogs everyone gave up on behave better when their owners learn to speak their language. And that language isn’t bribery—it’s play, connection, and meeting their real needs.
The Problem With Treats, Tools & Traditional Methods
Treat-Based Training
Your dog learns to work FOR the food, not WITH you. The moment the treats run out or a bigger distraction appears, so does their obedience. You become a vending machine, not a leader.
Aversive Tools & Methods
Shock collars, prong collars, and punishment-based methods create fear and stress—not respect. They suppress behaviour temporarily but damage trust and can lead to anxiety, aggression, and learned helplessness.
Both approaches miss the point: Dogs don’t need to be bribed or intimidated. They need their needs met and a relationship built on trust, play, and clear communication.
What Your Dog Actually Needs
- Physical exercise – Not just a walk, but real movement that tires them out
- Mental stimulation – Problem-solving, exploration, and learning
- Social connection – Time with you and others that feels meaningful
- Physiological balance – Proper rest, nutrition, and calm environments
- Emotional fulfillment – Play, joy, and feeling secure in their role
When these needs are met, behaviour problems melt away. Your dog stops being “stubborn” and starts being responsive.
“My younger beagle, Levi, is progressively becoming less reactive, as I continue to use the methods Saro teaches.”
Wanda Hudson
The Science Behind Play & Praise
This isn't just my opinion—it's backed by research. Here's what the science says:
Social Bonding Through Play
Research published in PNAS shows that play and social interaction increase oxytocin (the “love hormone”) in both dogs and humans, strengthening the bond more effectively than food rewards alone. Study Link
Reduced Stress, Better Learning
A 2020 study in PLOS ONE found that dogs trained with aversive methods showed significantly higher cortisol levels and stress behaviours, while reward-based methods reduced stress and improved learning. Full Study
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
Studies on motivation reveal that intrinsic rewards (play, social connection) create self-reinforcing behaviour patterns, while excessive reliance on food rewards can diminish a dog’s natural drive to work with their owner. Research
Praise Enhances Performance
Research shows that positive vocal praise and friendly interaction during training support better performance, reduce stress responses, and create positive emotional states in dogs. Study Details
Bottom line: When you make training fun and rewarding through play and connection, your dog’s brain literally rewires to seek out engagement with you—not just the next treat. The science consistently shows that building intrinsic motivation through social bonding creates more reliable, longer-lasting results.
How My Method Works
My approach isn’t complicated, but it is different. Instead of commanding your dog into obedience, you’ll learn to:
- Use play as your primary training tool—turning every interaction into bonding time
- Build genuine praise that motivates your dog more than any treat ever could
- Meet your dog’s daily needs so behaviour problems simply don’t show up
- Communicate clearly without confusion, frustration, or force
- Create a relationship where your dog checks in with you naturally, even off-leash
20+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
0
AVERSIVE TOOLS
100%
TREAT-FREE
0
AVERSIVE METHODS
The Real Transformation
Here’s what dog owners experience when they embrace this method:
✨ Walks become enjoyable – Your dog stops pulling, reacting, and ignoring you
✨ Off-leash reliability – Your dog stays close and checks in, even without a leash
✨ Effortless training – It feels like play, not work
✨ Fewer mistakes – Your dog understands you the first time
✨ Stress-free life – You can focus on enjoying your dog, not managing them
✨ Confidence in public – Hikes, friends’ houses, cafés—everywhere is possible
“My dog just turns away her head, ears pinned back if I try to give her a treat as a reward. She doesn’t want them, I’ve tried so many different types from premium brands to raw meat but she’s not interested. I used to think she was too aloof and stubborn to be trained, she almost never listened and just did her own thing. You helped me to understand her and adapt my training and rewarding methods and we both (and our relationship) have changed for the better. Now she’s actively seeking me out instead of running away and we both listen to each other. She still has her quirks, but instead of getting frustrated and angry, I just laugh, and I feel she’s laughing with me, and now I can honestly say I love her for being her. She’s the best girl, and I could not hope for a better friend and companion.”
V.K. and Sophie
This Is About You, Not Just Your Dog
Here’s something most trainers won’t tell you: Dog training is 70-90% about training the owner.
Your dog isn’t the problem. The problem is that no one taught you how to communicate in a way your dog understands. You’ve been given outdated methods, conflicting advice, and quick fixes that don’t address the real issue.
My online coaching program gives you ongoing support as you learn to meet your dog’s needs, build connection, and become the owner your dog wants to listen to. This isn’t a one-time class—it’s a complete shift in how you understand dog ownership.
You’ll learn to read your dog’s body language, adjust to their personality, and create a life where training doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like fun.
Meet Your Trainer: Saro, Your Dog’s New Best Friend
Saro’s compassionate, proven training methods are built on one simple principle: understanding your dog as an individual. Every dog has a unique personality, learning style, and set of needs—and Saro’s approach honours that.
With over 1,400 happy dog owners who have successfully transformed their pups, Saro brings years of hands-on experience, patience, and genuine love for dogs to every lesson. His step-by-step guidance is friendly, fun, and perfectly tailored to fit your lifestyle and your dog’s natural pace.
Training doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With Saro by your side, you’ll discover how enjoyable and rewarding the journey can be.
What people say?
Saro has the tools, mindset, and in-depth knowledge required to teach dog owners.
Rated 5 out of 5
Manuela and Tommy
It was no longer confusing for Josh and me as we continued through the program with Saro.
Rated 5 out of 5
Heather and Josh
Saro’s training approach aligns perfectly with my goals. It’s humane, enjoyable, and incredibly helpful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sima and Tiger
"There is no other program focused on bond and trust."
Lori Antifave
3 Simple Steps
Step One: Join The 90-Day Stubborn Dog Program
Stop searching and start working on your relationship with your dog.
Step Two: Follow My Simple Process
Learn how to guide your dog with trust and not with force or treats.
Step Three: Enjoy Peaceful Living
Start living a calm and stress-free life together.