Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Lugo And Alex Rojas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ryan Lugo and Alex Rojas, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At IQ Dog Training, our mission is simple: to help dogs and their owners build a strong, lasting relationship through effective, real-world training. But the story behind our mission comes from firsthand experience seeing the gap in traditional dog training methods.
We noticed that many training programs rely heavily on treat bribery or generic techniques that don’t take into account a dog’s natural instincts, temperament, or the owner’s specific needs. We wanted to create something better—something that actually teaches dogs how to think, make better choices, and integrate into a family’s lifestyle seamlessly.
That’s why we developed a training approach that blends social learning, structured obedience, and real-world application. Instead of just conditioning dogs to respond to commands for rewards, we teach them how to adapt, understand expectations, and behave confidently in any situation.
We also believe that training should be practical, which is why our Board and Train Boot Camp is designed to set dogs up for long-term success, not just quick fixes. Through a mix of one-on-one training, socialization, and supervised group learning, we create balanced, well-behaved dogs that owners can trust and enjoy in their everyday lives.
Ultimately, IQ Dog Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about transforming the relationship between dogs and their owners so they can live happier, stress-free lives together. That’s what drives our mission every day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Ryan:
“Dog training started as a hobby for me. I was fascinated by what dogs could do, and I started experimenting with teaching my chihuahua tricks, mental challenges, and even how to read written commands. I wanted to see just how much a dog could understand through mental stimulation alone. That’s when I realized dogs are far more intelligent than most people assume.
As my interest grew, I moved into protection work, training large working breeds for advanced skills. This was a completely different world—it wasn’t just about mental exercises anymore. I saw firsthand how much structure, instinct, and leadership influence a dog’s ability to make decisions. Eventually, I transitioned back to pet training, bringing everything I had learned with me.
I was so focused on teaching dogs my language that I wasn’t fully acknowledging their natural way of thinking and communicating. That’s when I met Alex, and my entire approach changed. If you’re ready to see real results, IQ Dog Training is here to help.”
Alex:
“That’s exactly why Ryan and I teamed up. We both believe in unlocking a dog’s full potential, but we came from different backgrounds. My experience in security and protection dogs showed me how much dogs rely on instinct, structure, and real-time decision-making.
One of the most overlooked aspects of training is proprioception—a dog’s ability to understand where they are in space. Dogs that lack this awareness often develop reactivity, anxiety, or even aggression because they don’t feel in control of their own movement. Training isn’t just about commands; it’s about helping dogs understand their own body, move with confidence, and process the world around them in a calmer state.
The science behind proprioception is fascinating, but training itself is an art. It’s about developing a dog’s awareness, confidence, and ability to make better decisions. That’s why at IQ Dog Training, we create individualized programs to help each dog grow both mentally and physically.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Ryan: Both Alex and I made a major shift when we left our jobs, our past to build something of our own. We didn’t plan it together—each of us came to that decision separately—but when we met, we realized we had the same vision.
I started IQ Dog Training from scratch, with no guarantees—just a clear goal of creating something better. When I invited Alex to join, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Building a business from the ground up takes sacrifice, risk, and a lot of trust.
One of the biggest pivots we’ve faced wasn’t just starting a business, but learning how to scale it while working as a team. Partnership isn’t always simple, but it makes achieving big goals possible. We’ve had to adapt, problem-solve, and push through challenges to grow IQ Dog Training into what it is today. Looking back, betting on ourselves was the best decision we could have made.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
We met at a dog-friendly coffee shop. Our k-9’s Kairo and Olivia, met for the first time. We quickly realized we had similar goals and a vision for creating something new in the dog training world.
At the time, I had just moved from Utah to California not knowing very many people, and we both knew how challenging it was to start a facility in this economy. Instead of going at it alone, we decided to join forces. After months of perceiving and planning, we launched the very first IQ Dog Training facility in Montebello, CA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iqdogtraining.com
- Instagram: iqdogtraining
- Facebook: Iqdogtraining
- Youtube: IQ Dog Training
- Yelp: IQ Dog Training
