Today we’d like to introduce you to Orlando Cuevas Sr.
Hi Orlando, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into dog training started when I got my first dog—a pitbull—after moving out on my own. At the time, a coworker connected me with a family friend who was a professional dog trainer located about six hours away. I enrolled my dog in a board-and-train program and later returned for the follow-up lessons. I was completely amazed by the transformation. Seeing that kind of change firsthand sparked something in me.
I ended up moving to that area and went through the program again with another dog, while also attending group classes twice a week. That experience really opened my eyes—not just to training, but to the impact it had on people’s lives. I saw how much stronger the bond between dogs and their owners became, and how much it improved their overall quality of life. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do.
From there, I immersed myself in learning. I read books, watched videos, and started working with friends’, family members’, and anyone’s dogs I could. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I wanted to turn this into a career.
At the time, I was working as a firefighter/EMT for the city, as well as a refinery operator and a member of the hazmat, fire, and rescue team at the refinery. Even with all of that, I couldn’t stop thinking about dog training. So I made the decision to go all in.
I attended a professional dog training school and went on to open a franchise location in Ohio. The business grew quickly, and we were able to help many dogs and families. Being part of that transformation has always been incredibly rewarding.
After successfully running and eventually selling our company in Ohio, we relocated to South Florida in 2020. Since then, we’ve continued to focus on what we’re most passionate about—helping people build better relationships with their dogs and improving the quality of life they share together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Working with so many different dogs, people, personalities, and challenges means there are always bumps along the way. No two situations are ever the same, and that keeps things both interesting and, at times, difficult.
Dog training is an industry where you’re constantly learning. New ideas and methods are always emerging, and you’re continually adapting to different behaviors, breeds, and the unique lifestyles people share with their dogs. On top of that, running a small business—especially in an economy with its ups and downs—adds another layer of challenge.
That said, it’s all worth it. Dogs have become more than just pets for most people—they’re family. In many cases, they fill important emotional roles and bring a lot of joy, comfort, and purpose into people’s lives. Being able to help strengthen that relationship and improve the quality of life for both the dog and the owner is what makes all the challenges so rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Every dog—and every family—is different, which is why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. At Broward County Dog Training, we specialize in real-world training for any dog, any breed, any age, and any behavioral challenge.
Our approach focuses on where life actually happens—parks, stores, neighborhoods, and in the home—so dogs and their owners learn how to navigate everyday situations with confidence. We build each program around the family’s specific goals, lifestyle, and needs, ensuring the training is practical, sustainable, and effective long-term.
We offer a variety of programs, including one-on-one private lessons, day training, and transformation camps, allowing us to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalization and transparency. Every client begins with a free in-home evaluation, where we assess the dog’s temperament and personality, discuss goals, and take a deep dive into what has or hasn’t worked in the past.
This evaluation is just as much about the family as it is about the dog—it gives them the opportunity to get to know us, ask questions, and make sure we’re the right fit. From there, we design a customized training plan with the right structure and timeline to deliver real results.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we build with our clients and the real, lasting change we create—not just in dogs, but in the relationships between dogs and their families. Our goal is simple: to give owners the tools, confidence, and understanding they need to enjoy life with their dog to the fullest.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding the right mentor really comes down to alignment and willingness on both sides. You want someone whose methods, values, and end goals match what you’re trying to achieve—not just someone who’s successful, but someone who does things in a way you actually respect and want to replicate. At the same time, mentorship isn’t something you just “get”—it’s something you earn by showing initiative, consistency, and a real desire to learn.
One of the most effective ways to build those relationships is by being willing to offer value first. That might mean volunteering your time, helping with small tasks, or simply being present and reliable. When people see that you’re serious, coachable, and willing to put in the work without expecting immediate returns, they’re much more likely to invest their time in you.
Networking in general works the same way. Focus less on “what can I get” and more on “how can I contribute.” Build genuine relationships, stay in touch, and be someone people enjoy working with. Over time, those connections naturally turn into opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://browardcountydogtraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtrainingbroward/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrowardCountyDogTraining
