Our Philosophy
What sets The Naked Dog apart from other dog training businesses is our relationship-based approach that takes place in real world scenarios. Whether we are at your house doing a training session, boarding your dog in our home or hiking the pack on the trails, we are always interacting with the dogs in a way that reinforces a calm, obedient mindset.
Having a strong partnership with your dog makes incredible things possible. Our goal is to achieve a level of communication that is so subtle the dogs respond to a small movement or a sound - even in distracting situations. We hold each of the dogs in our care to a high standard of behavior, consistently reinforcing the good behaviors we want as well as our rules and boundaries. The dogs we work with adore us because our relationship is built on consistency, integrity and a clear leadership structure that provides dogs with a sense of safety.
It’s important to understand our dogs' psychological perspective and work with it. Miscommunications and misattributions result in most of the behavioral problems we get called in on. We teach you how to read your dog’s behavior and actions as well as assess their mental state. Obedience isn’t just about completing the command, but the quality of the dog’s energy. When you learn to tune into your dog, anticipate their reactions and give appropriately timed cues, many issues can be well managed if not completely prevented.
Teaching our dog to be a good citizen isn’t a luxury and it isn’t just to make our lives easier (even though it does). When we consistently implement this training perspective, we have a dog that is less stressed and feels safer in the world. This is because we have provided our dog with clear leadership, consistently enforced rules and boundaries and help to manage his stress levels through awareness, prevention and guidance.
About Allegra
Allegra Kaough
My journey with dogs began in 2008 when I lived with a dog trainer and her six dogs in Arizona. I got my first dog, a Dachshund name Harley, and did apprenticeships with trainers in New York City and Austin, Texas before starting my own venture, The Naked Dog, in 2013. Between taking a pack of 7-20 dogs on off leash hikes everyday for 8 years, boarding dogs in my home almost constantly during that time and running training sessions for hundreds of clients, I’ve learned what really works with dogs. The answer to how to have a happy life with your dog is so simple - just learn how they communicate with each other!
As a long time practitioner of Natural Horsemanship, I sought to connect with dogs in a way that didn't rely on tools, treats or gimmicks, but worked with dogs’ innate psychology to produce the calm, willing mindset that makes dogs the life partner we hope to have - one who is responsive, patient, adaptable and with whom we can enjoy the natural world.
My training approach teaches owners to be the companion their dog deserves, someone who understands dogs as a species and respects their needs and cultural norms. I’m so excited to share this knowledge and help dog owners transform their relationship with their dog. There is no greater joy than to watch a dog who is getting their primary needs met blossom.
Our trainer in Austin, Texas
VIKKI CHARLSON
Vikki has been professionally involved in animal care since 2010, starting as a grooming assistant. Through the years she has not only worked with domestic animals but wildlife as well. She has a well rounded knowledge of animal care ranging from grooming, to daycare and boarding, basic veterinary care, and finally training. She started her professional dog training career in 2015 when she adopted her Pit Bull, Ares. Ares came with an array of behavioral challenges and she fell in love with the science of training when she saw how much it could help a dog like him succeed in becoming a beloved part of her household. She became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2018, and joined the Naked Dog in 2020.
