About The Dog Wizard Farmington Hills

Fred’s journey into dog training began with two German Shepherds, Nacho and Salsa. Though they belonged to a friend, Fred had never interacted with dogs of that caliber before and was immediately captivated. The idea that these incredible animals could be trained sparked a deep curiosity in him.

After years of casual interest and experimenting on his own, Fred started to seriously consider a future in animal handling—a passion rooted in his childhood ambition to become a marine biologist. Faced with the choice between working with crocodiles, sloths, or dogs, he ultimately chose dogs, and it’s a decision he LOVES!

Fred’s journey truly took off in 2022 when he joined a training organization that introduced him to balanced training techniques and learning theory. Eager to grow, he sought out a position at a daycare to gain insight into canine body language in a different environment.

Eventually, Fred found an opportunity to further his growth by joining The Dog Wizard. He thoroughly enjoyed the training program, which helped connect the dots and fill in gaps in his knowledge. Now, Fred is excited to become an active member of the community, helping families and dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes, while continuing his education in canine psychology.

Stewart’s journey into the world of dog training began in his childhood, alongside his two border collies, Flo and Sabrina. Working at the golf course managed by his father, these dogs had a crucial job—chasing geese off the greens. Flo came with an impressive background of training, but Sabrina needed Stewart and his dad’s dedication to get up to speed. This early exposure to training sparked a lifelong passion for Stewart. Stewart's love for animals extended beyond his own pets. He immersed himself in learning about various animals through channels like Discovery and Animal Planet, and loved watching documentaries about any animal, from penguins to pandas to other exotic wildlife.

He pursued a degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo, graduating in 2021. Fascinated by human communication and problem-solving, Stewart aimed to help people navigate life’s challenges. However, after returning to Michigan, he struggled to find a clear career path. His passion for animals led him to dog-sit for family and friends, and it was during this time that he stumbled upon a job posting for a dog trainer. Seizing the opportunity, Stewart combined his psychological insights with his love for dogs, launching his career as a dog trainer. He quickly found fulfillment in this unique blend of human and animal interaction.

In his early months as a trainer, Stewart was asked to dog-sit a Golden Retriever named “Koozie” for three months due to an abusive living situation. Initially anxious and skittish, Koozie benefited greatly from Stewart’s care and training. By the end of the three months, Stewart had grown attached to Koozie, and when the original owner decided not to take him back, Koozie became a permanent member of Stewart’s family. Now, Koozie is a joyful and sociable pup, although he still is not a fan of vacuums.

After a few years of successful dog training in the Metro Detroit area, Stewart joined The Dog Wizard. He has since embraced new techniques and expanded his knowledge, finding even greater satisfaction in his role and continuing to grow as a dog trainer.