K-9 Guru - Ryan Furlet
May 28, 2025 11:36AM ● By Mary Colarik
by Mary Colarik
People love their dogs. Dogs love their people. However, both dogs and people often need some behavioral training to retain balance within the home and when out in public. There are numerous dog obedience classes, how-to books and trainers around, including one of the most famous trainers, Cesar Millan aka the Dog Whisperer. All have different approaches and ideas touting the ‘best’ way to train dogs.
Of course, there was the usual barking at cars, trucks and walkers in the neighborhood, however, the bigger problem was our daily walks down T-Street to the beach. Marvin was growling and barking at every dog we saw along the route which upset my dog Lola, so she would growl at Marvin. It was becoming a struggle and quite a scene when we were out and about.
Luckily, my neighbor Jena mentioned the K-9 Guru. I went straight home, got on his website, filled out the information form, which included space for detailing what was causing issues with the dogs. He called to discuss the dogs and our struggles, arranging a date to meet with us. What a miracle he worked out with our two dogs in one, two-hour session.
Born in Chicago, he lived the first 13 years of his life in the big city, not a suburb. Therefore, at a young age he learned to be very aware of his surroundings and where possible dangerous situations might lurk. This experience of being a young kid in a large midwestern city gave him a bit of fear peppered with wisdom When he was in middle school his family moved to San Clemente. He says that he lived a fairly normal life as a young teen, he was a “simple guy” from age 13 to 16, who enjoyed sports, the ocean, his family, friends and dogs. While in middle school he began working with dog rescue groups. When he was 15, he was hired to teach basic obedience classes at PetSmart in Doheny. He was soon running their biggest training program, not only the fun stuff like dog tricks, but actual behavioral training. Additionally he began rehabbing working dogs to integrate them back into civilian life after years of service in the Marines or with Rangers. He has trained dogs that are certified for therapy, teaching them drills, desensitization and socialization. He also trains dogs for photo shoots for commercials and television shows.
Furlet attended and graduated from San Clemente High School. His last couple of years of school were busy working with the dogs, doing commercial sales, attending school and “throwing papers” at night. His only child, a son, Andre was born when Ryan was 17. His son, now 18, is a “wonderful, kind hearted, compassionate” young man, a high school graduate, who is currently attending Trade School.
Although many people, myself included, may assume that Ryan is the guru, he states the dog is the guru. A guru is “a master teacher.” Ryan believes that every dog has a master plan for us. Dog owners are given the dog that they can handle. The “gift” is the dog and as he says dog is God spelled backwards. Ryan has a strong faith in God’s grace. He has made mistakes, but is always learning, “the teacher is always the student.”
When he first meets with dogs and their owners, he assesses the situation, the dog’s energy and personality and the owner’s strengths. His goal is to guide and inspire the dogs while building trust and loyalty.
Ryan’s arrival at our home on a Sunday afternoon ensued several moments of chaos–with our two dogs jumping about and barking. Ryan’s calm demeanor allowed the dogs to stop their antics and slowly accept his presence. He immediately noticed Marvin’s high anxiety and nervousness. His tail was between his legs and he seemed suspicious of the unknown visitor. Ryan’s soothing voice as he spoke with us and the dogs developed the trust that was needed for all of us to walk down the street finding a bit of equanimity. He assured us it would take some work and consistency but we would be amazed at the ability of the dogs to behave on their walks in a more respectable manner. Furlet believes in starting with changing one or two behaviors. If the owners are interested in more in-depth training, he will continue to work with them and their dogs.
Ryan Furlet started his K-9 Guru business about eight years ago. He offers several different sessions depending on the people’s needs and interest with training their dogs. He also wants to serve the community by giving back in ways that will have a positive impact in our town. He has donated his time to volunteer with different organizations including bringing in dogs to work with the teens served by the programs at the Noble Path. He most recently worked with a group of girl scouts teaching these youngsters about how to approach dogs, how body language affects dogs and how to set boundaries. The lessons learned with the dogs can also be applied to life in general. Psychiatrists and psychologists have connected with Ryan which has led to him bringing dogs to rehab centers to help ease anxiety with those in recovery programs.
Although he also works in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and other surrounding communities he is most grateful to the city of San Clemente and says he owes his success to the people of San Clemente which is why he wants to have “a life of service providing a positive impact on the community.” He loves his hometown of Chicago, but he is most grateful to live and work for over 20 years in such a fabulous spot by the ocean, “sunny San Clemente.”
While walking down Del Mar with a Lieutenant General or a General who each often work with Furlet and his dog training methods, he reflects, “how did a guy like me end up walking through town and having lunch with a Lieutenant General?” He is humbled and appreciative of life and the opportunities he has here in the village.
People love their dogs. Dogs love their people. However, both dogs and people often need some behavioral training to retain balance within the home and when out in public. There are numerous dog obedience classes, how-to books and trainers around, including one of the most famous trainers, Cesar Millan aka the Dog Whisperer. All have different approaches and ideas touting the ‘best’ way to train dogs.
Ryan Furlet is well-known around our Spanish Village as the go-to guy to help dog owners and their dogs find harmony.
Locally, the K-9 Guru, Ryan Furlet is well-known around our Spanish Village as the go-to guy to help dog owners and their dogs find harmony whether at home or in public. I first met Ryan after a frustrating few weeks with my partner Colins’s new rescue pup, Marvin. We knew Marvin had been bullied by other dogs when he was a puppy. We were concerned about our two dogs being able to live calmly and peacefully with us. They became friends quickly … on the home front.
Of course, there was the usual barking at cars, trucks and walkers in the neighborhood, however, the bigger problem was our daily walks down T-Street to the beach. Marvin was growling and barking at every dog we saw along the route which upset my dog Lola, so she would growl at Marvin. It was becoming a struggle and quite a scene when we were out and about.
Luckily, my neighbor Jena mentioned the K-9 Guru. I went straight home, got on his website, filled out the information form, which included space for detailing what was causing issues with the dogs. He called to discuss the dogs and our struggles, arranging a date to meet with us. What a miracle he worked out with our two dogs in one, two-hour session.
Demonstration at the Noble Path, Ryan assesses the dog’s personality and the owner’s strengths.
Ryan is an engaging conversationalist. As we conversed at a local coffee shop, he answered my questions in a humble, but direct way, peppering the conversation with philosophical quotes that apply to his work and life. His melodic voice drew me in as he described finding balance, trust and loyalty with the many dogs and their owners that he works with in San Clemente, the beach cities, San Juan Capistrano and beyond.
Born in Chicago, he lived the first 13 years of his life in the big city, not a suburb. Therefore, at a young age he learned to be very aware of his surroundings and where possible dangerous situations might lurk. This experience of being a young kid in a large midwestern city gave him a bit of fear peppered with wisdom When he was in middle school his family moved to San Clemente. He says that he lived a fairly normal life as a young teen, he was a “simple guy” from age 13 to 16, who enjoyed sports, the ocean, his family, friends and dogs. While in middle school he began working with dog rescue groups. When he was 15, he was hired to teach basic obedience classes at PetSmart in Doheny. He was soon running their biggest training program, not only the fun stuff like dog tricks, but actual behavioral training. Additionally he began rehabbing working dogs to integrate them back into civilian life after years of service in the Marines or with Rangers. He has trained dogs that are certified for therapy, teaching them drills, desensitization and socialization. He also trains dogs for photo shoots for commercials and television shows.
Furlet attended and graduated from San Clemente High School. His last couple of years of school were busy working with the dogs, doing commercial sales, attending school and “throwing papers” at night. His only child, a son, Andre was born when Ryan was 17. His son, now 18, is a “wonderful, kind hearted, compassionate” young man, a high school graduate, who is currently attending Trade School.
Although many people, myself included, may assume that Ryan is the guru, he states the dog is the guru. A guru is “a master teacher.” Ryan believes that every dog has a master plan for us. Dog owners are given the dog that they can handle. The “gift” is the dog and as he says dog is God spelled backwards. Ryan has a strong faith in God’s grace. He has made mistakes, but is always learning, “the teacher is always the student.”
When he first meets with dogs and their owners, he assesses the situation, the dog’s energy and personality and the owner’s strengths. His goal is to guide and inspire the dogs while building trust and loyalty.
Ryan’s arrival at our home on a Sunday afternoon ensued several moments of chaos–with our two dogs jumping about and barking. Ryan’s calm demeanor allowed the dogs to stop their antics and slowly accept his presence. He immediately noticed Marvin’s high anxiety and nervousness. His tail was between his legs and he seemed suspicious of the unknown visitor. Ryan’s soothing voice as he spoke with us and the dogs developed the trust that was needed for all of us to walk down the street finding a bit of equanimity. He assured us it would take some work and consistency but we would be amazed at the ability of the dogs to behave on their walks in a more respectable manner. Furlet believes in starting with changing one or two behaviors. If the owners are interested in more in-depth training, he will continue to work with them and their dogs.
Within a week my next-door neighbors were amazed with the change in behavior and especially less barking. A few days after our session with Ryan, my partner was calling me “the dog whisperer” as I tried my best to follow the lessons learned from our guru. The change was nothing short of a miracle especially on our walks.
Ryan Furlet started his K-9 Guru business about eight years ago. He offers several different sessions depending on the people’s needs and interest with training their dogs. He also wants to serve the community by giving back in ways that will have a positive impact in our town. He has donated his time to volunteer with different organizations including bringing in dogs to work with the teens served by the programs at the Noble Path. He most recently worked with a group of girl scouts teaching these youngsters about how to approach dogs, how body language affects dogs and how to set boundaries. The lessons learned with the dogs can also be applied to life in general. Psychiatrists and psychologists have connected with Ryan which has led to him bringing dogs to rehab centers to help ease anxiety with those in recovery programs.
Although he also works in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and other surrounding communities he is most grateful to the city of San Clemente and says he owes his success to the people of San Clemente which is why he wants to have “a life of service providing a positive impact on the community.” He loves his hometown of Chicago, but he is most grateful to live and work for over 20 years in such a fabulous spot by the ocean, “sunny San Clemente.”
While walking down Del Mar with a Lieutenant General or a General who each often work with Furlet and his dog training methods, he reflects, “how did a guy like me end up walking through town and having lunch with a Lieutenant General?” He is humbled and appreciative of life and the opportunities he has here in the village.
Contact Ryan Furlet, the K-9 Guru at www.k-9guru.com. All his services are listed including Canine Good Citizen, an AKC approved training.
