My Story in Brief

I consider myself the luckiest person in the world, and one of the main reasons for that is my family! I grew up in a family where values such as caring for others, sharing, curiosity, and dedication were held in high regard. From an early age, I was raised with a sense of unity, mutual assistance, and support, which continues to this day. That's why this book is a natural progression of my desire to help as many people as possible raise and train their dogs.

My father, Asen Arolski Sr., is a multifaceted individual, and some of his interests became mine. My father has been a dog trainer for over 50 years, which made dog training a part of my everyday life. From a very young age, my dad used dogs to teach us various life lessons. According to my parents' stories, I took my first steps at 1 year old with the help of our dog, Claire, who is a Scottish Shepherd breed.

The Story of Maver

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was almost 5 years old when my dad allowed me to walk Maver, an Eastern European Shepherd and an exceptionally beautiful and loyal dog, trained by my father to a degree where "soldier" is an understatement. Of course, I strictly followed my father's instructions. "Hold the leash tightly," he would tell me. And I held it. I even wrapped the leash around my wrist to make sure I wouldn't let go.

There were some unruly stray dogs near the apartment building where we lived. They started barking when they saw Maver, and he was there to protect us. Maver rushed with all his might towards the other dogs to drive them away, but I followed my father's instructions and didn't let go of the leash. That's how I ended up on the ground, dragged on my face along the asphalt by Maver.

Around 2-3 years later, after I had caused another mischief, my dad punished me by not allowing me to go outside, except for walking Maver. I came up with a great plan - I would walk Maver all day! That way, I would be outside and still comply with the conditions. Everything was great, but there was one problem - how would I play football or tag with other kids?

That's when I first encountered the pleasure of having a well-trained dog. The answer was very simple and hidden in one command - "Stay" - after which he would stay in one place while I played with the other kids.

I started going out more often with Maver, and since I didn't have electronic games or remote-controlled toys, the dog was the most entertaining friend I had. Whenever I wanted, he could perform different tricks - sit or lie down 50 meters away from me with just a gesture from me, find a child's lost keys, or play the game of fetching a stick. I even scared some old ladies by commanding him to bark.

The friendship between me and Maver became something extraordinary, and with his help, I could handle the "bullies," impress other kids with his skills, and thus make new friendships. Maver was always ready to accompany me everywhere. We went to the river together or strolled around chasing birds in the field.

Me at 5 years old with my best friend Maver - breed: East European Shepherd.

When I was 13 years old, the inevitable happened - Maver's life came to an end, and our separation from this incredible dog was difficult. Until that moment, he had given me so much, always taking care of me, always being my best friend. He and my dad ignited a spark in me that grew into a tremendous desire to become not just a dog trainer but the best one.

And then, I received one of the most valuable lessons in my life. After sharing my intention with my dad to become the best dog trainer, he told me:

Since I was 13, I started training dogs under my dad's professional supervision. I began practicing various training techniques, learned how to deal with different behavioral problems and difficulties in dogs, and discovered how to help people have well-behaved pets. For over 18 years, I have actively worked with dogs, focusing on their upbringing and behavior, on how to be their best friends and understand them...