B The Leader Dog Training

Training begins with an orientation video explaining the philosophy and techniques. Clients then attend a 2-hour, one-on-one coaching session with Julia Bowlin to apply techniques with their dog. Follow-up touch-up sessions are available. Dogs must complete training before joining playgroups. Playgroups are held on Sundays and Thursdays with age-specific sessions to ensure safe socialization.

Pricing Summary

Initial training package includes orientation video and one 2-hour session: $220 at the center, $245 in-home. Touch-up sessions are $205 at the center, $225 in-home. Puppy playgroups are $10/hour; adult playgroups are $10 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour.

Policies

Dogs over 6 months must be spayed or neutered to attend playgroups. Proof of vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies) is required for all dogs. Puppies under 6 months need three rounds of DHPP and one Bordetella vaccine. Clients must call ahead to schedule playgroup visits and training orientation.

B The Leader Dog Training, founded by Julia Bowlin in Springfield, Oregon, offers behavior-focused dog training designed to create a balanced, respectful relationship between dogs and their owners. Julia, known as “Eugene’s Dog Whisperer,” has been training dogs since 2004 and uses techniques inspired by Cesar Millan to address deep-seated behavioral issues like leash pulling, jumping, biting, reactivity, and anxiety. Training is delivered through 1:1 coaching sessions that teach owners how to lead with confidence, integrating training into daily routines like feeding, walking, and playing. The business also offers supervised socialization playgroups for puppies and adult dogs, with separate sessions based on age and size, and requires dogs to complete behavior training before joining playgroups. In-home vet services through BetterVet are also available for dogs with vet anxiety.

Julia’s approach emphasizes building trust and respect over treats, helping owners become consistent leaders. Clients report rapid improvements in their dogs’ behavior, especially in walking, socialization, and home manners, with many noting the transformation in their own confidence as pet owners.

The center serves families with puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, and provides both in-home and facility-based training options.

Additional services include weekly playgroups, in-home veterinary care, and orientation videos to prepare clients before sessions.

Accomplishments

Julia Bowlin has been training dogs since 2004 and is known locally as “Eugene’s Dog Whisperer.” She has studied wolf and dog behavior since childhood and founded B The Leader to help families build balanced relationships with their dogs.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients can call, email, or fill out a contact form to schedule an initial training session. An orientation video is sent before the first session. For playgroups, clients must first complete behavior training and call ahead to arrange an orientation.