Cody working a black Lab on a mountain rock, dog holding a steady position while Cody signals from below

Coaching for dog trainers starting their own business

You train dogs. We handle everything else.

I'm Cody Axthelm, founder of Gungho Dog Training. I coach trainers starting their own business — under the Gungho name, or under yours. Operations, outreach, appointment setting: that's our side. You do the training. We got your back.

Book a Call See how it works

Pick a name. We build the business.

Franchise a Gungho Dog Training business, or start your own under your name. We'll help you either way.

"I want the Gungho name."

Franchise a Gungho Dog Training business. The name, the system, the reputation — already built. Set up for you, in your town.

"I want my own name."

Start your own dog training business, under your name. Same setup, same help. Your name on the door, our work behind it.

Cody also trains a small number of owners himself, online, one on one — by request only.

How it works

Our side: operations, outreach, appointment setting. Your side: train dogs, show up, stay ready for the calls.

Step 1

Book a call

We talk about you: where you train, which name goes on the door, and what you want to build. You get a straight read on what happens next.

Step 2

We put it in order

We look at your business, make our recommendations, and push through with you — helping you get your stuff built and in order.

Step 3

We run it

Operations, outreach, appointment setting — handled on our side, day to day. Your side: train dogs, make your appointments, stay ready for the calls.

Meet Cody

Cody Axthelm has been around dog training his whole life. His family has been training dogs since he was 14, and breeding AKC Labrador Retrievers in Ellensburg since 1985. He founded Gungho Dog Training in 2018.

Ten-plus years in. Trainers follow him because the work is real.

Now Cody coaches trainers starting their own business. He shows up to the calls. Everything around the calls is handled.

He mentors and trains other coaches for one reason: so more dogs can be saved, more dogs can be kept in happy homes, and more dogs can get a better life.

Cody kneeling in the snow next to his black Lab, both looking at the camera

Black Lab holding a large shed antler in its mouth on green grass — A Lab holding a shed antler. He'll hold it until he's released.

Cody riding a bucking bull at a rodeo, one hand in the air — Cody rode bulls before he trained dogs.

Snow-covered mountain peak rising over evergreen forest — The Cascades, outside Ellensburg.

Straight answers

Do I have to use the Gungho name?

No. Run it as Gungho, or under your own name. We'll help you either way — the setup and the help are the same.

What do I actually have to do?

Train dogs. Show up to your appointments. Stay ready for the calls — they're going to start coming. That's your job. Operations, outreach, appointment setting — that's ours.

What does it cost?

That gets worked out on the call. It depends on which door you pick and where you're starting from. Book a call and you'll get a straight answer.

I'm a dog owner, not a trainer. Can Cody help me?

Start with his videos — they teach the work, free. If you want Cody himself, he trains a small number of owners one on one, online, by request.

Start with a conversation

It starts with a call — about your training, your town, and the business you want to build. No pressure. A straight read on which door fits and what happens next.

Reach Cody on Instagram

Booking opens here shortly. Until then, Instagram is the fastest way in.