Lazy Dog Training: How Air Force Veteran Brittney Howard is Revolutionizing the Way We Train Dogs
Dog owners everywhere face the same struggles—endless barking, leash pulling, separation anxiety, and the overwhelming feeling that there’s just not enough time in the day to manage it all. Enter lazy dog training, the innovative, results-driven method created by Air Force veteran Brittney Howard, founder of Dawg Boss. With lazy dog training, you can shape your dog’s behavior from the comfort of your couch—literally.
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight, Brittney shares how her military experience prepared her to launch a thriving dog training business, what makes her lazy dog training philosophy so effective, and how she’s helping dog owners reclaim their time and peace of mind.
From Service Member to Dog Behavior Specialist
Brittney Howard didn’t set out to become a dog trainer. After serving in the Air Force, she found herself navigating the often difficult transition to civilian life. While she was fortunate to have a support system during that time, she still experienced the loss of identity that many veterans feel.
“In the military, I was a subject matter expert—a SME,” Brittney explains. “When I got out, it felt like no one cared about my skills. That was a tough reality check.”
Brittney HowardWhat started as a small side hustle during her spouse’s deployment—training a few dogs to stay busy—quickly snowballed into something more. The demand was there, and so was Brittney’s natural ability to connect with both dogs and people.
“I just wanted to make enough money for coffee and my internet bill,” she laughs. “But once I saw how many people were desperate for help, I realized this could be a real business.”
What Is Lazy Dog Training?
At the core of Dawg Boss is a philosophy that training doesn’t have to be time-consuming, exhausting, or intimidating. Lazy dog training flips the traditional model on its head by focusing on the dog’s mental state rather than just obedience commands.
“We teach people how to train their dogs while watching Netflix,” Brittney says. “Seriously. You can change your dog’s behavior without spending hours walking them or going to a park every day.”
Lazy dog training is all about meeting dog owners where they are. Whether you're a parent juggling four kids, a veteran with mobility limitations, or someone with a jam-packed schedule, lazy dog training provides a realistic, effective alternative to high-energy, time-intensive programs.
Why Traditional Dog Training Falls Short
Most dog training programs emphasize external behavior: sit, stay, heel. But Brittney noticed that these commands didn’t address the underlying emotional and psychological needs of the dog.
“You’re not just fixing separation anxiety—you’re helping your dog build confidence,” she explains. “The whining, barking, or chewing isn’t the problem. It’s a symptom of a deeper issue.”
Lazy dog training tackles those deeper issues by helping dogs feel safe, secure, and mentally engaged. The focus shifts from obedience to emotional regulation, allowing dogs to truly thrive in their environment.
Lazy Dog Training in Action
So what does lazy dog training actually look like?
“We start by telling people to stop walking their dogs,” Brittney says. “I know that sounds crazy, but walks aren’t as fulfilling as people think.”
Instead of long, exhausting walks, Brittney teaches exercises that stimulate a dog’s mind—like scent work, structured place training, and games that challenge problem-solving. The result? A calm, confident dog that no longer needs to burn energy in unproductive ways.
“Our clients are sitting on the couch, tossing treats, and creating real behavioral change,” she says. “It’s easy, repeatable, and it works.”
One of her most successful clients was a disabled veteran who couldn’t physically manage traditional training methods. Using Brittney’s training framework, they were able to resolve severe reactivity issues—without ever needing to leave the house.
The Entrepreneurial Journey Behind Dawg Boss
Starting Dawg Boss was more than a career shift—it was a calling. Brittney took the company from a one-woman operation to a growing team with national and international clients. And she did it all without a business loan or formal entrepreneurial training.
“I’ve never taken a loan. I started with zero dollars and just built slowly,” she says. “Dog training has low overhead—you just need skill and insurance.”
While she hasn’t yet taken part in structured veteran entrepreneur programs, she’s now exploring resources like IVMF, V-WISE, Warrior Rising, and the Rosie Network to support the next phase of growth. She’s also launching a video course so dog owners everywhere can learn at their own pace.
Protecting the Brand: Hiring with Intention
As Dawg Boss grows, Brittney remains fiercely protective of her brand. With dog training being an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a trainer—making the hiring process challenging.
“This business is my baby,” she says. “No one’s going to represent Dawg Boss unless they align with our standards.”
It’s a smart move. Brittney understands that lazy dog training isn’t just a method—it’s a brand built on trust, inclusivity, and empathy. From the language used in client sessions to the way staff are onboarded, every detail supports her mission of training smarter, not harder.
Beyond Dogs: The “Love Is Weird” Podcast
Brittney’s talents don’t stop at dog training. She also hosts the “Love Is Weird” podcast, where she talks about relationships, sex, and the messy, beautiful parts of being human.
“I like to keep it honest, a little funny, and always real,” she says.
This dual presence—dog trainer and candid podcaster—makes Brittney a unique voice in both the pet and personal development spaces. Whether she’s helping you manage your anxious shepherd or navigate a tough breakup, Brittney shows up with authenticity.
Who Is Lazy Dog Training For?
Lazy dog training is ideal for:
Busy professionals who don’t have time for long sessions
Parents managing kids and household chaos
Disabled veterans or individuals with limited mobility
Neurodivergent dog owners who need a more structured, step-by-step approach
Anyone tired of feeling like dog training is a chore
If you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or just want a better connection with your pup, this training offers a pathway to success without the burnout.
How to Connect with Dawg Boss
You can follow Brittney and her team at @dawgbossrva across all major platforms, including:
📱 Instagram
📘 Facebook
🎵 TikTok
📺 YouTube
💼 LinkedIn
Want more information? Reach out via text, email, or visit their social media for video tips, client stories, and updates on upcoming courses.
And don’t forget—if you want to support VET S.O.S., use the code VETSOS at spearpointonline.com for great gear and to help amplify veteran voices like Brittney’s.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Lazy Dog Training
Lazy dog training is more than a method—it’s a movement. With Brittney Howard leading the charge, dog owners around the country are learning that they don’t need to be perfect, high-energy trainers to see powerful results.
By blending her military discipline with deep compassion for both dogs and people, Brittney is changing the face of dog training—one lazy session at a time.
If your dog needs more confidence, and you need a little less chaos, it might be time to trade in your leash for a handful of hot dogs—and embrace the power of lazy dog training.
