Carlos Eduardo Medeiros
For Lya Yibirin, the decision to found Lifestyle K9 in California was the culmination of a lifelong passion. From rescuing animals as a child to pursuing professional mentorships with trainers she admired, her journey has always centered on building stronger, healthier relationships between families and their dogs. “Before graduating from university, I decided I was going to make my dream a reality,” she recalls. “My dogs gave me the reason to learn, and helping other families gave me the purpose to build a career around it.”
A Philosophy Rooted in Education and Empathy
With a background in Exceptional Student Education, Yibirin developed a perspective that continues to shape her training methods today. “It taught me to see each being as unique, to adapt methods, and to show them how capable they are,” she explains. “That’s exactly how I approach every dog and every owner—with patience, adaptability, and encouragement.”
From Passion to Profession
Lifestyle K9 was not born overnight. Yibirin’s earliest lessons came from working with her own reactive and strong-breed dogs, which pushed her to study, practice, and grow as a leader. She began by helping friends, who soon became her first students. That gradual, organic process turned into her business—one that she launched with a single client and has grown steadily ever since. “It’s been built step by step, with discipline and passion,” she says.
Growth in California
Moving to San Francisco was a leap of faith, but one that quickly paid off. “The city opened its doors to me and trusted me,” Yibirin reflects. That trust has translated into tangible results: in just a few months, she has trained more than 30 dogs, earning a high referral rate that speaks to both client satisfaction and Lifestyle K9’s growing reputation.
For Yibirin, though, the numbers are only part of the story. “Every dog I train, every family I help, is a success story. It means another happier home, another bond strengthened. For me, those are the milestones that matter.”
Balancing Business and Life
Launching and growing a business while preparing for motherhood has been one of Yibirin’s most personal challenges. Yet she sees it as a source of strength. “It’s been a beautiful challenge,” she admits. “Some days are easier than others, but it has taught me about organization, priorities, resilience, and how much I want to see this business grow in an organic, family-centered way.”
Building Trust Organically
Yibirin attributes much of Lifestyle K9’s success to her transparency and dedication. “My business is my heart,” she says. “Visible results, honesty, and passion—those are the things that generate immediate trust.” Her training model emphasizes not just obedience, but calmness, confidence, and leadership—qualities she believes are essential for both dogs and their owners to thrive together.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision
Yibirin’s plans for the future extend beyond in-person training. She is developing a Dog House community hub, along with digital programs, online courses, and mentorship opportunities. She envisions schools for trainer education and partnerships that will help others enter the profession.
“Expanding Lifestyle K9 is a dream I’m already bringing to life,” she says. “I want this philosophy to reach thousands of families, not only in California but worldwide. The goal is to empower people to live better with their dogs—and to give trainers the tools to build meaningful careers.”