The Dog Tribe
Mindset
The Dog Tribe Mindset
At Dog Tribe, we don’t just train dogs—we build trainers. And not just trainers, but leaders. People who are sharp enough to think critically, humble enough to keep learning, and tough enough to do hard things with compassion.
The Dog Tribe mindset is simple: Earn it. & Own it.
This isn’t a quick-cert, feel-good path. It’s a lifestyle rooted in showing up—again and again—for the dog in front of you, for your clients, and most importantly, for yourself. It means getting your hands dirty, taking accountability, and learning to communicate clearly under pressure. It means pushing your edge while keeping your values intact. It means being someone dogs trust, clients respect, and teams rely on.
I’ve lived every role in this industry—from tech to trainer, from facility cleaner to CEO. I've fostered dogs in my home, run high-volume kennels, led sport clubs, taught professionals, and scaled seven-figure companies. And what I’ve learned through all of it is that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from grit, clarity, consistency, and relentless self-development.
That’s what Dog Tribe is built on.
Whether you're here to start your career or level up your skills, this space was created for people who are serious about doing the work. People who care deeply about dogs and about showing up as professionals in the industry. If that’s you, welcome to the tribe.
We don’t cut corners here.
We don’t chase trends.
We do real work, with real dogs, in the real world.
Let’s get to it.
Get to
Know Me
Fabian Romo-Vargas
Founder of Dog Tribe Academy
Fabian Romo-Vargas is a nationally recognized dog trainer, educator, and entrepreneur who has spent the past 17+ years immersed in every corner of the canine industry. From working in dog daycares and rescues to founding multiple successful dog training brands—Found Chicago, Pup Start Chicago, and MOJO Dog Co.—Fabian’s path has always been rooted in one thing: helping dogs and people live better lives together.
His approach to training is equal parts instinct and intention. Blending practical skills with deep behavioral insight, Fabian has coached hundreds of dogs through obedience, reactivity, aggression, protection, and more. But what truly sets him apart is his passion for mentoring people. Fabian believes that great dog trainers aren’t just great with dogs—they’re excellent communicators, leaders, and educators. That’s what Dog Tribe Academy is all about.
Fabian created Dog Tribe to fill a gap in the industry: real-world, hands-on education for aspiring dog professionals who want more than just textbook knowledge. Whether it’s learning leash handling, running a training business, or understanding canine psychology at its core, Fabian’s goal is to help the next generation of trainers build meaningful, sustainable careers.
When he’s not on the field training or in the classroom teaching, you can find Fabian competing in PSA, consulting with professional organizations like the IACP, or helping dog pros scale their businesses through leadership and brand development.
Dog Tribe Academy is his legacy project—and an open invitation to anyone ready to train hard, think deeper, and become more.
We build dogs...
and people
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
I've always viewed a career in dog training and any progression in the canine industry as a step-by-step process that involves not only learning about dogs but also learning to collaborate with people. One of the key things we've understood over the years is that the first step to being successful in working with animals is understanding them very well, and then becoming specialized in our work. The second, and equally important aspect, is the ability to handle and tackle any challenge that comes our way.
The most crucial element that brings everything together, however, is learning to work with people. At the end of the day, it's not the dog paying for the services—it's always the people, the customers, and those in need of help. Our ability to communicate with them, mentor them, coach them, and share information in a way they can absorb is a vital skill for success.
When we think about dog training, we really think about people training. How do we train people? How do we inform dog owners? How do we work within our teams and organizations to create success for those around us? Dog training is not just about being good with dogs; that is just step one. Being successful in this career requires learning to work with people, which is why we take the time to build the people around us.
15+ Years of Canine Experience
Fabian is a seasoned trainer who has worked with thousands of dogs throughout his career, logging tens of thousands of hours in hands-on experience. From shelter dogs to working dogs, from running large facilities to fostering and training dogs in his own home, he has fully immersed himself in the training lifestyle—an approach that has shaped his career and provided invaluable lessons along the way.
Senior Training Instructor
As an instructor, Fabian has coached dozens of trainers in behavioral training, working dogs, and competitive dog sports. He’s led training teams, managed dog sport clubs, and supported competitors as they prepare for trials. Fabian’s teaching style is direct yet compassionate—grounded in fundamentals while consistently challenging students and trainers to push beyond their comfort zones as a way to sharpen their skills and grow in the craft.
Investment & Business Development
As an investor and entrepreneur, Fabian has dedicated his passion for business to the canine industry. From starting as an entry-level technician to growing his company to multiple seven figures annually—with over $20 million in sales since inception—Fabian has become a recognized leader in the field. He has scaled his facilities and business concepts to over 45,000 square feet in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, on the north side of the river. Fabian has also mentored aspiring entrepreneurs in launching successful ventures and has played a key role in nonprofit leadership, focusing on financial development and fiscal responsibility.