Who is Derek Lien and how in the world do you pronounce Djevelhund?

I'm a dog trainer based in Hawley, MN passionate about helping dogs and their humans learn to communicate so they can build a great working relationship. Communication is key in any relationship, and it's especially important between dogs and their humans. By learning how to communicate with your dog, you are making a positive impact on both of your lives!

I am also the CEO, CFO, CIO, VP, AVP, ABC, XYZ of Djevelhund Dog Co. Djevelhund is pronounced “jeh • vull • hoond”. It's Norwegian for “Devil Dog”. “Devil Dog” was the name given to Doberman war dogs who worked alongside U.S. Marines in the 1940's. I'm not a Marine, but I do own a Doberman and I'm Norwegian, so there you have it – “Djevelhund”.

Training Methods

When you experience a well-trained dog for the first time, there's no going back. A trained dog is an absolute joy to live with. For me, learning how to train dogs is a passion I've been chasing for the last decade. I enjoy discovering what motivates a dog and using those motivators to teach behaviors you can put on cue. Once behaviors are reliable and can be put on cue, you're in business! Your relationship with your dog will flourish and you'll truly experience the meaning of man's best friend.

I'm a firm believer there isn't a one size fits all approach to training a dog. My approach is to find out which method(s) works best for your dog. Also, which method works best for the situation or environment your dog lives in so you can maintain the training at home. I believe in balanced reward-based training and being fair to the dog. I use food (treats) and praise (good boi!) to teach behaviors in the learning phase. I'll use food long enough to build a strong reward history to ensure consistent behaviors and understanding. Once I establish clear expectations and the dog has a full understanding of the learned behaviors, I'll then introduce communication tools (flat collar, harness, slip collar, leash or prong collar) to help the dog learn to be reliable as well as eager and willing to work. Every dog is different and what works for your dog, might not work for the dog down the street. It's my job to find which communication tool works best for your dog and then teach you how to use it correctly and fairly. This balanced approach will create clear communication and a great working relationship between you and your dog.

Training Background

I've spent the last decade attending classes, training, studying, learning, going to seminars and competing. I've volunteered teaching group obedience classes and even spent a summer volunteering time at a local animal shelter walking and socializing dogs. My background is in training for, and competing in, competition obedience. Competition obedience was developed in the 1930s and is all about fostering dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public and around other dogs. Competitions require dogs to demonstrate their abilities to heel, stay, retrieve, jump and do a handful of other behaviors all while showing they enjoy working with their handler. I have two competition dogs, a Doodle named Gus and a Doberman named Kona. Kona just started competing in November 2022 and has since earned a Novice CD title, an Open CDX title and Utility UD title. Gus has been competing since 2018 and has won multiple titles and awards:

• Ranked #3 All American Dog in the country 2021 and 2022.
• #2 All American Dog at the 2021 National Obedience Championship
• #1 All American Dog at the 2022 National Obedience Championship
• Invited to compete at the AKC National Obedience Championship three years in a row
• Multiple HIT awards (Highest Scoring Dog in Trial)
• Multiple High Combined awards (Highest Combined score in Utility and Open)
• Beginner Novice title (BN)
• Novice title (CD)
• Open title (CDX)
• Graduate Open title (GO)
• Utility Dog title (UD)
• Utility Dog Excellent 1 and 2 titles (UDX2)
• Obedience Master titles 1, 2 and 3 (OM3)

My Goal

I want everyone to experience what it's like to own a well-trained dog and enjoy their dogs as much as I enjoy mine. If you want to discuss how I can help you achieve your goals with your dog, please fill out the contact form below and I'll get in touch.