About Me
A Life Built Around Dogs
My name is Luke Vela, and I’m the owner and head trainer at Cowboy & Co. Canine Training. When you work with my company, you’re working directly with me—I’m a one‑man operation by design, so every dog and every family gets my full attention.
While Cowboy & Co. officially launched in June of 2025, my life with dogs goes back much further. I’ve been working hands‑on with dogs since 2015, gaining experience in doggy daycares, boarding facilities, bathing, grooming, and pet retail. I’ve also worked with companies like Hollywood Feed and Chewy.com.
I'm a certified AKC CGC tester and a Mantrailing Global-certified mantrailing instructor. I believe learning never ends, so I consistently seek out new opportunities to grow as a dog trainer — all so I can help more dogs and their people.
Dogs haven’t just been part of my life— they’ve been the center of it for over a decade.
Personalized Training
Proven Success
Affordable Training
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Professional Training Experience
I began training dogs professionally in 2020 and worked with several training companies before starting my own. Throughout that time, I studied those trainers' methods and committed myself to learning as much as possible—not just training techniques, but about canine behavior, nutrition, and communication.
Part of my education includes courses from trainers I respect. I even study methods I don’t use, because understanding why a method works or doesn't gives me information I can use to help dogs — maybe yours!
I treat every dog like an individual and work with owners to to find what’s best for each one.
Currently, I'm an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen© (CGC) assessor and Mantrailing Global-certified instructor, soon to be a certified Mantrailing level assessor.
Why I Became a Dog Trainer
Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I wasn’t even raised with dogs in my home — my first real experience came from training my neighbor’s German Shepherd when I was a kid. That early success sparked something that grew into a passion.
Training became the perfect path for me: I could help dogs and their people directly, build lifelong skills, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans — without a needle in my hand. While I don’t provide medical advice, I continue expanding my education, including plans for canine first aid and safety training.
Training Philosophy: Fair, Balanced, and Clear
At Cowboy & Co., I teach using balanced training methods, taught in a fair and thoughtful way. That means dogs learn both what to do and what not to do, with clear communication and consistent expectations.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool, but dogs also need boundaries and structure. I've learned that when dogs learn that 'yes' is where all the treats, praise and toys exist, 'no' becomes information that guides them toward the 'yes' they crave.
More importantly, dogs that have clear boundaries and behavior markers become well-balanced members of your pack. Teaching behaviors step‑by‑step, and not moving on until you know your dog understands sets clear expectations that they thrive under. Corrections, when used, are mild, appropriate, and always followed by success and reward.
Great dog training is never confusing or unfair — it builds confidence and trust.
Relationship Comes Before Obedience
Obedience alone isn’t enough. A dog can “know” commands and still ignore them if the relationship isn’t there.
One of the biggest issues I see is that many dogs and owners live like roommates—coexisting, but without real communication or mutual respect. My approach prioritizes relationship building, engagement, and respect. When a dog truly understands and trusts their handler, obedience becomes faster, stronger, and more reliable.
Sometimes that means taking a step back from strict obedience work and focusing instead on engagement exercises that teach the dog that you are the most important thing in their world.
Learning from Experience — Including My Own Dog!
I don’t teach theory alone — I teach from lived experience. Early in my career, I focused heavily on obedience with my own dog, but our relationship suffered. He worked around me, not with me.
Over the next few years, I rebuilt that relationship through engagement, respect, and meaningful rewards. The difference is night and day.
Today, I trust my dog, and he trusts me — and that’s exactly what I help my clients achieve with their own dogs.
Beyond Training: Sports, Photography, and Real Life
Outside of client work, I’m deeply involved in dog sports like agility, disc competitions, and mantrailing — one of my favorites for building confidence and teamwork. I also enjoy dog photography, which ties directly back into training. A well‑trained dog opens the door to incredible experiences, whether that’s sports, photos, or everyday life.
At the end of the day, my passion is simple: I want what’s best for the dog, and I want to help people build lasting, respectful relationships with their dogs.
"Thank you to Luke! From the consultation, to the board and train, and then the 2 follow up sessions, he's fantastic at actually helping you bond with your dog and teaching your dog to respect you.
I'll definitely continue using Luke. Highly recommend him!"
—Christa Douglas
Find Out if My Program is Right for You
Go ahead, book a consultation! There's no obligation and I'll assess your dog to see exactly what they need. Then, give you a quote for your private lesson package.
Ready to Transform Your Canine Companion?
I serve pet parents in Richardson, Texas, and surrounding areas, including Plano, Dallas, Lewisville, Denton, Mesquite, and Forney. If you're in or around those areas, reach out! There's a pretty good chance I can help you and your dog too.