About Don

Hi, I’m Don Hoover, a behavior consultant, dog trainer, and business mentor with more than 15 years of experience helping dogs, their people, and fellow professionals grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

UB Haven began in 2013 as a dog training and behavior practice built on compassion and science-based learning. Over time, it became clear that my work was never just about teaching dogs, it was about guiding people through growth, communication, and change. The more I coached clients through behavioral challenges, the more I saw parallels between the process of building trust with a dog and the process of building a sustainable, values-driven business or life.

Today, UB Haven has evolved into a multidisciplinary coaching brand that bridges behavior, business, and personal development. My work now includes not only training & behavior consulting for dog parents, but also mentorship for other trainers, and strategic coaching for small business owners across industries. Whether we’re addressing reactivity in a dog, communication gaps in a team, or direction in a business, my approach centers on the same principles: compassion, clarity, trust, and ethical practice.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Marketing from the University of South Florida, and have completed certifications through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the American Kennel Club, and the International College of Canine Studies. I continue to collaborate and learn alongside veterinarians, behavior specialists, and business leaders, ensuring my methods stay grounded in both science and real-world application.

My professional experience running UB Haven for more than a decade taught me how systems, consistent practices, and clear client communication turn hard cases into teachable, manageable pathways. Those lessons inform how I support fellow trainers and business owners: practical strategies, case-based mentorship, and systems designed to help you work more effectively, not just harder.

At its core, my philosophy is simple: growth — whether personal, professional, or behavioral — always begins with understanding. When we slow down, get curious, and build trust, we create the foundation for transformation that lasts.

Whether you’re here to strengthen your partnership with your dog, navigate complex behavior cases as a trainer, or find clarity in your business direction, I’ll meet you where you are — with empathy, strategy, and a commitment to helping you move forward with purpose.