About Dan Alix

Dan grew up in Massachusetts and now resides in Port Charlotte, Florida. From a young age he was captivated by animal behavior and the unique ways animals communicate and respond to their environment. That early curiosity evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more trusting relationships.

Before stepping fully into the world of dog training, Dan served as a police officer for over 13 years - eight years in Massachusetts and five more with the City of North Port, Florida - where he concluded his career as a detective. During his time in law enforcement, Dan developed a deep interest in canine units and the specialized training methods used with working dogs. That interest became personal when he adopted and began training Ekko, a Belgian Malinois. The experience of working with Ekko reignited Dan's passion for structured training and behavioral development.

To deepen his expertise, Dan went on to complete the Master Dog Trainer Program at the Highland School for Dog Trainers, followed by their Advanced Internship, where he focused on complex canine behavior and business management. He also worked alongside Highland trainers in local shelters, helping identify and modify behaviors in dogs needing a second chance at life.

That mission came to life when Dan rescued Asher, a 1.5 year old German Shepherd who had been surrendered multiple times by families who didn't understand how to read his body language or meet his behavioral needs. Scheduled for euthanasia, Asher was saved through training, structure, and trust-building - proof that with the right communication system, even dogs labeled as "too difficult" can thrive.

Dan founded B.O.N.D K9 Training to prevent more dogs like Asher from slipping through the cracks. His goal is to provide everyday solutions that improve behavior, inspire obedience, instill neutrality and increase dependability - whether you're starting with a young dog or navigating serious behavioral challenges.