Courtney and Matt bring deep experience in humane training, behavior support, rescue transitions, and practical plans built for real life.
About Us
Courtney and Matt bring deep experience in humane training, behavior support, rescue transitions, and practical plans built for real life.
Our Team at a Glance
Years of professional animal care and training experience
Least invasive, functionally effective methods centered on welfare
Humane behavior support built around calm learning and trust
Professional Credentials
Courtney and Matt bring advanced credentials, continuing education, and practical field experience to support dogs and the people who love them.
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After graduating from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management in 2011, Courtney built a foundation in wildlife rescue, zoo care, and animal management through volunteer work, internships, and employment with respected organizations in Texas and Louisiana. Before, during, and after college, she also worked in restaurants, developing the kind of high-quality customer service experience that still shapes the way she supports clients today.
In May 2014, she began her professional dog training career and has not looked back since.
2014-2015: Petco Dog Trainer
2015-2016: Petco Dog Training District Mentor
2016: All Fur Fun Dog Sports Facility
2016-2018: Started Wag Works, Home For Hounds at Dallas County Jail, Camp Bow Wow Dog Trainer & Staff Education
2018-2019: PetCoach Services Manager
2019-2020: Wag Works, Carlsbad Pet & Feed, Rover, Dogs on the Run
2020-2022: Dogs Abound Training Manager
2022-2025: Alcala Country Pet Resort Training Manager
Current: Wag Works Dog Behavior & Training, Dogs on the Run
Courtney continuously seeks collaboration with other high quality pet care companies to provide local pet communities with the highest quality education and support possible. She spends countless hours learning, practicing, and teaching least invasive, functionally effective (LIFE) training methods with a heavy emphasis on optimizing overall welfare. She regularly attends seminars, workshops, conferences, and webinars led by top industry professionals in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date advice and information available.
With positive reinforcement as the foundation, Courtney is passionate about educating clients and other pet care professionals on least invasive, functionally effective (LIFE) training methods and management practices. With a strong emphasis on overall welfare, she specializes in optimizing early development in puppies and supporting moderate to severe behavioral challenges stemming from fear, anxiety, and stress.
She is a proud advocate for errorless learning that uses thoughtful environmental management, fulfillment of individual needs, and positive reinforcement exercises to create lasting behavioral change.
“Errors are not necessary for learning to occur. Errors are not a function of learning or vice versa nor are they blamed on the learner. Errors are a function of poor analysis of behavior, a poorly designed shaping program, moving too fast from step to step in the program, and the lack of the prerequisite behavior necessary for success in the program.”B.F. Skinner, The Technology of Teaching, 1968
With her own dogs, Ted and Zeke, Courtney has dabbled in trick titles, obedience, and nose work. Her pack later grew to include her husband’s dogs, Lily and Karma, as well as their human addition, Sage, born in February 2022. Together they enjoy getting out in nature, hiking, camping, and traveling as often as they can.
Trainer Bio
Matt Montes is a certified canine behavior consultant and dog trainer specializing in rescue and shelter transitions, dog-to-dog social facilitation, reactivity, and aggression cases. His work is built around a simple belief: pet training is often necessary, but it does not have to be a burden. With the right plan, clear communication, and practical support, families can find solutions that fit real life.
Matt brings more than 15 years of experience across private training, rescue leadership, shelter behavior, dog daycare operations, and high-risk behavior consulting. His background includes a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, the CBCC-KA certification, Family Dog Mediation training, and years of leadership in rescue and shelter environments. His approach combines behavior science, hands-on field experience, and a steady focus on helping dogs and people live together more safely, comfortably, and successfully.
Matt began training dogs in 2010 through rescue work, where he saw firsthand how often dogs and families needed practical, humane behavior support. That early experience shaped his professional direction and sparked a long-term focus on helping people and dogs navigate real-world challenges. In 2015, he founded and led Mission Miracle K9 Rescue in Texas, where his work included behavior cases, cross-country transport, shelter support, cruelty investigation and seizure support, and education for volunteers, fosters, animal control officers, and other animal care professionals.
Since then, Matt has worked with private clients, shelters, fosters, adopters, animal welfare teams, and pet care professionals to create practical, humane behavior plans for dogs with a wide range of needs. His professional background includes behavior consulting through Superdog University, behavior and training work with Rancho Coastal Humane Society, leadership in dog daycare and training operations, and extensive rescue work focused on safety, behavior, and education.
Career Timeline
2009: Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, developing a foundation in risk assessment, crisis response, planning, and practical problem-solving.
2010: Matt began training dogs through rescue work, where he saw firsthand how often dogs and families needed practical, humane behavior support.
2015: Matt founded and led Mission Miracle K9 Rescue in Texas, leading rescue operations focused on behavior cases, cross-country transport, shelter support, cruelty investigation and seizure support, and education for volunteers, fosters, animal control officers, and other animal care professionals.
2017: Matt earned his Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed credential and expanded his work with private clients, including reactivity, aggression, and complex dog-to-dog cases.
2017: Matt founded Superdog University to provide thoughtful, practical, reward-based training and behavior consulting for families who want real solutions that fit real life.
2020: Matt moved into leadership roles in dog daycare, training, and pet care operations, building staff training systems, improving safety practices, and helping teams better understand canine behavior.
2021: As General Manager of Alcala Country Pet Resort, Matt led a 35-person team across five departments while overseeing training program growth, client experience, safety, and enrichment standards.
2024: Matt joined Rancho Coastal Humane Society as a Behavior and Training Specialist, supporting shelter dogs, adopters, fosters, staff, and volunteers through behavior assessment, training plans, and humane handling education.
Today: Matt continues to specialize in rescue and shelter transitions, dog-to-dog social facilitation, reactivity, and aggression. His work focuses on making training feel clear, manageable, and effective so families can move forward with confidence.
Training Philosophy
Across his roles, Matt has developed a reputation for clear communication, grounded problem-solving, and the ability to make complex behavior challenges feel more manageable.
His training philosophy is humane, modern, and results-focused. He prioritizes reward-based strategies, thoughtful management, and realistic training plans that reduce stress for both the dog and the family.
His goal is not to create a rigid, one-size-fits-all program. It is to help each client understand their dog, improve safety and communication, and build reliable behavior that holds up in everyday life.
Beyond Work
Outside of dog training, Matt trains, coaches, and competes in jiu jitsu. He enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures with his family and son, and is always up for an outdoor adventure.