By: Alexandra Perez

In the heart of every transformative journey lies a story of resilience, discovery, and profound change. For Ryan Matthews, his path from military service to becoming a leading dog trainer is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unique bond between humans and dogs.

A Leap into the Unknown

After serving in the military, where Matthews honed his leadership, problem-solving, and people-management skills, he faced a pivotal moment. Moving to Colorado to care for his girlfriend at the time, he found himself at a crossroads, uncertain of his next steps. Little did he know that this uncertainty would lead him to a new passion that would eventually change his life and positively impact the lives of countless dogs and their owners.

In 2008, seeking a way to support himself while being there for his mother, Matthews made a bold decision: he bought into a dog training franchise. “I had no idea what I was doing,” he recalls. “But I made $10,000 in my first month, and I was hooked.” This initial success sparked an interest in Matthews, one that would drive him to delve deeper into the world of dog training.

The Healing Power of Dogs

Matthews’ journey into dog training was more than just a career change; it was a form of therapy. Like many veterans, he faced challenges with PTSD after his military service. His work became a way to cope, a “drug” that provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But it wasn’t just the work that healed him; it was the dogs.

Dogs had always played a significant role in Matthews’ life, especially his military working dog, Zito, who had kept him safe during his service. “Zito saved my life,” Matthews says. “And civilian dogs saved my heart and soul after the war.” Dogs became a safe space for Matthews, allowing him to reconnect with his emotions and gradually learn how to love again.

This deep connection with dogs led Matthews to explore the nuances of canine behavior, going beyond traditional training methods. “Training a dog to sit or stay is simple,” he explains. “But understanding the essence of the animal, their emotions, and what they’re trying to communicate, that’s where the real work begins.”

Building a New Legacy

After his initial success, Matthews continued to grow his dog training business, but he soon realized that the franchise model was limiting. He wanted to offer more than just basic obedience training; he wanted to transform the relationship between dogs and their owners. This desire led him to create his own brand, World of Dog Training, where he could teach others to become trainers and share his unique approach.

Matthews’ method is unconventional. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a dog’s body language, emotions, and underlying needs. “People often misinterpret what their dogs are saying,” he notes. “A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. It could mean they’re excited or even about to fight. We need to look beyond the surface.”

His approach goes beyond training dogs; it’s about empowering owners. Matthews teaches his clients to carry themselves with confidence, to establish healthy boundaries, and to lead their dogs with clarity and purpose. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with his clients, many of whom report experiencing personal transformations alongside their dogs.

The Price of Passion

However, Matthews’ dedication came at a cost. As his business grew, so did his workload. At one point, he was handling up to 10 appointments a day, leaving little time for rest or self-care. The relentless pace took a toll on his health, culminating in a stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis at just 30 years old. “I ignored the warning signs,” Matthews admits. “I was so focused on helping others that I neglected myself.”

The cancer diagnosis was a wake-up call, but it wasn’t the end of his struggles. Shortly after starting chemotherapy, Matthews suffered a heart attack, a complication from the treatment. “It was the 4th of July, a tough day for many veterans,” he recalls. “I wasn’t supposed to survive, but I did.”

These health crises forced Matthews to reevaluate his life and his approach to work. He realized that while his passion for dog training was important, it couldn’t come at the expense of his well-being. He began to set boundaries, taking time off to recover and focusing on quality over quantity in his work.

A New Chapter

Today, Matthews is not only a successful dog trainer but also a mentor to others in the field. Through World of Dog Training, he teaches aspiring trainers how to connect with dogs on a deeper level, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the animal and the human in the training process. “It’s about more than just commands,” he says. “It’s about building a relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.”

Matthews’ journey from the army to dog training is a powerful reminder that life’s challenges can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. His story is one of transformation, not just for himself but for the many lives he has touched through his work. “Dogs taught me how to love,” he reflects. “And now, I’m dedicated to helping others experience that same love and connection with their dogs.”

In the end, Ryan Matthews’ journey is about more than just dog training; it’s about healing, growth, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.