Mindful Training

Remembering Hippo

When we think of Hippo, we think of how he helped shape our training modality, making it what it is today. He opened our eyes to how mindfulness, clarity and consistency positively help manage a dog's energy, behavior, confidence, and quality of life.

Working with him changed us. We met him as a puppy back when he squeaked before he could bark! He taught us that sometimes what a dog needs most isn’t just exercise and energy burning, but understanding, guidance, playfulness, companionship, and calm energy.

So much of what our business eventually became started with the time we spent with him:
the walks,
the training sessions,
the pet sitting,
the quiet moments,
the breakthroughs.

Hippo helped shape our hearts as trainers and helped us make Mindful Training what it is today. Thank you for starting this journey with us, Hippo! You are forever missed and remembered 🙏🤍🦛

Hippo 🦛💗🫶🫂

Hippo was so much more than a client dog to us—he was the very first dog we ever trained. In so many ways, he helped shape who we are today.

A Cane Corso & Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix with the softest, most sensitive soul… Hippo taught us patience, compassion, and what it really means to meet a dog where they are.

As a puppy, Hippo battled parvo, which deeply impacted his health and early development. Because of that, he spent time isolated from other dogs—so getting to be part of his world as he learned “how to dog” was something we’ll always hold close. From building his foundational obedience to spending our days with him through training and pet sitting, we watched him grow

He was so deeply loved by his mom, Laurie—an incredible veterinarian who gave him everything she had from the very beginning. It meant so much to us that she trusted us to be part of his life, to help enrich his days with structure, play, companionship, and care while she was out helping so many other animals in our city.

Over the years, Hippo became part of our rhythm—40-minute sessions, long days, weeks, months, and years of time spent together. It’s hard to put into words what that kind of consistency and connection turns into… but it’s something we will always be grateful for.

Hippo was recently diagnosed with cancer, and it progressed quickly. His passing this past Monday came as a shock to us, but it was a decision made with deep love and intention—to give him peace and freedom from pain.

Our hearts are heavy knowing we won’t get another moment with him. But we feel incredibly lucky to have had so many.

We love you, Hippo. Thank you for everything you gave us. 🤍

Always a great time with the sweetest boys! 😘The opposite of rude- Gus & Frank! 🫶

Feels great to be seen 😌 👀 🐶 🐾

We take dogs on adventures! Ask us about our training walks.

When you bring the good vibes into life like you're a bouquet of flowers 💁‍♀️ 💐 ✨️

Training through every season 💜🌳🐾 Happy Easter!

🏆 Best Dog Trainer of West Austin! 🐾✨

Mindful Training is voted Best Dog Trainer of West Austin, and we are beyond grateful. We are honored to receive this award—and it’s all thanks to our amazing clients and community. Thank you for your trust, your votes, and for letting us be part of your dog’s journey! This award reflects the relationships we’ve built through the years, the work we’ve done together, and the amazing dogs who are the reason why we show up every day 💛

Spotlight: Rose 🌹

Sweet Rose is an Australian Cattle Dog × Shih Tzu mix who recently completed basic obedience training. Training helped Rose burn her mental and physical energy, reduce nipping and mouthing, and strengthened her responsiveness to her mom and dad! She's also begun agility training and is hopping over beams like a pro!

We're honored to be nominated for "Best of West Austin"! We already feel like winners because of the amazing dogs and families we serve 🐾🏆👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🐕

Vote for Mindful Training at www.bestofwestaustin.com

"No magic wand, or unicorn, just Mindful Training 🪄🐕‍🦺

It's the final day to vote for Mindful Training for "Best of West Austin"! every vote helps us reach more families and dogs 🗳

Vote: Mindful Training at www.bestofwestaustin.com