About Balanced Dogs in Brooklyn
At Balanced Dogs, we combine science-backed training methods with a deep understanding of each dog’s true needs. Guided by the LIMA methodology, we focus on building trust, teaching positive habits, and creating lasting bonds between dogs and their owners—making Brooklyn a happier place, one walk at a time.
Our Mission
At Balanced Dogs, our mission is to elevate canine well-being by educating owners about their pets’ true needs and providing services that meet those needs. We believe that true balance comes not just from physical exercise, but from a deep understanding of a dog’s emotional, psychological, and social needs.
Our personalized approach is grounded in dog psychology and the principles of operant conditioning, always following the LIMA methodology (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive).
We focus on non-assertive, positive techniques such as luring, capturing, and shaping, with the primary goal of teaching desired behaviors through positive reinforcement (adding something positive to increase good behaviors, like a treat for a sit) and negative reinforcement (removing something negative, like leash pressure, when the dog responds correctly).
When it comes to behavior modification and counterconditioning, we use these same principles to teach opposite behaviors to unwanted actions. For example, a dog sitting calmly cannot be jumping at the same time.
We also incorporate negative punishment when needed (removing attention to discourage behaviors like jumping or barking) — always striving to use the least intrusive, most humane methods possible.
In rare cases where necessary, positive punishment (adding an aversive, like a quick leash correction) is applied with extreme care and only under the guidance of a professional trainer, always integrated into a comprehensive, balanced training plan. Our goal is to resolve issues without increasing stress, confusion, or aggression.
Through every service we offer — from basic obedience training and habit-building to pack walks and pet sitting — we reinforce these lessons daily.
Our services are not random outings; they are structured experiences that maintain, strengthen, and reward balanced behaviors.
At Balanced Dogs, we are committed to:
- Building confident, happy dogs by addressing behavioral challenges with patience, expertise, and a science-backed approach.
- Elevating canine well-being through structured, positive reinforcement techniques, and necessary, ethical corrections when appropriate.
- Creating meaningful connections between dogs, owners, and neighborhoods by offering pack walks, group training, and consistent, customized pet care.
We believe that by nurturing each dog’s unique needs, we create not just happier homes—but happier communities.
Are you ready to improve your dog's mental and physical health?
Meet Germán Carrión - CEO
Germán Carrión is the founder and driving force behind Balanced Dogs.
His relationship with animals runs deep—he grew up immersed in a family where dog breeding was not just a tradition, but a way of life. From an early age, Germán cultivated a natural understanding of dog behavior that has guided his career for over 20 years.
Before bringing his expertise to Brooklyn, Germán served as a manager for Lord Guau, one of Ecuador’s largest pet store chains. There, he mastered all aspects of pet care, retail management, and client education, helping families better understand and care for their pets. His work extended to international pet transportation, helping owners safely relocate their dogs around the world.
One particularly formative moment was assisting with the transport of the famous endurance dog Arthur to Sweden—a turning point that reaffirmed Germán’s commitment to working directly with dogs in a meaningful, hands-on way.
In 2017, Germán transformed his passion into his own venture: Balanced Dogs.
Rooted in LIMA methodology and a philosophy of respect, patience, and tailored guidance, Balanced Dogs became a trusted provider of dog training, structured pack walks, and personalized pet sitting services across Brooklyn.
Germán’s approach is simple but powerful:
“Every dog deserves respect, patience, and a personalized path to balance and happiness.”
At Balanced Dogs, he ensures that each dog is matched to the right walker and the right pack based on their temperament, personality, and needs. Regular walkers and small, stable pack structures help foster deeper trust and quicker communication, both with dogs and their owners.
Whether it’s guiding a shy puppy toward confidence, helping a reactive dog find calm, or providing reliable care while families travel, Germán’s goal remains constant: to build stronger bonds between pets and their owners and to create thriving communities for both.
Today, Germán and the Balanced Dogs team continue to help dogs—and their humans—live better, fuller lives across Brooklyn’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Because a happy dog doesn’t just mean a happier home.
It means a happier world.
Meet Our Walkers
Lesha Ermine
Lesha is a compassionate dog walker with a heart for rescue animals. She proudly shares her home with Sibastin, her 8-year-old Sphynx cat. In her home country, Ukraine, Lesha also adopted Freud, her 5 year old American Pitbull Terrier. Her journey with her rescued pets has inspired Lesha to provide thoughtful and attentive care to every dog she walks, ensuring they feel secure and cherished. With a warm and patient approach, Lesha is committed to making every walk a positive and enriching experience for your pup.
Ulises Coyotl
A true Brooklynite at heart, Ulises maneuvers swiftly with his experience as a delivery driver navigating the city's lively borough’s, ensuring he leads every pup safely. While preparing to embark on his college journey, Ulises embraces his dog walking as far more than a side hustle—it’s a passion project and open love letter to his 6 year old Chihuahua Beagle Pookie. Guided by German, Ulises is refining his craft as he studies alongside him to also become a trainer himself while pursuing his studies.
Ciel Chen
Ciel is a passionate dog walker with a deep love for animals. Growing up with a father who was a professional dog trainer, she developed a natural affinity for understanding and caring for pets from a young age. When she's not out walking dogs, Ciel enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old short-haired brown tabby cat, Aki, who keeps her company at home. With a gentle approach and a commitment to providing the best care, Ciel ensures every pet feels safe, happy, and loved.