It Began the Day #5 Was Born
Jason and I were in the hospital holding our brand-new baby boy . . . while Jason was obsessing over dog training videos.
With ten years of marriage under our belts and a solid school-teaching career underway, Jason's sudden fascination with dogs seemed to come out of left field.
But from that moment on, he was all in! It's strange how big life changes often come in pairs: the birth of a baby and the birth of a business.
All great things have small beginnings
About Cornerstone Dog Training
Family dinner. Prayer and scripture study. Some exercise, including being active with our kids. Enjoying time together as a couple.
daily rituals
Playing with our kids. Working on our business. Connecting with our community…in real life AND online. Sneaking away for date nights as often as possible.
YOU CAN FIND US:
Training that SOUNDS nice, but does not deliver lasting results.
We're NOT ABOUT:
Jesus Christ and in actively living our faith. Loving our family. (Oh, and in dog owners giving clear, loving boundaries so dogs can relax and just be dogs.)
We BELIEVE IN:
Do you see the situation I was in at that point? Five young kids (one being a newborn), a husband that teaches full time and now ALSO wants to become a dog trainer? And then he started buying dogs for me to care for all day?! What the heck?! Yeah, it was a lot. And quite overwhelming. I didn’t see how this was going to pan out.
…until Honey.
Honey was the first dog we ever bought, trained, and sold to a new owner. I vividly remember showing what Honey could do to the new owner. Her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. She was ecstatic with the training and couldn’t wait for Honey to join their family.
Wow! To see someone so excited about the work Jason and I had done was amazing. And as she drove off with Honey, I teared up. Granted I’d become quite attached, but was also beyond grateful for what I had just experienced: the transformation in Honey, the joy in her new family, the change in my perspective.
Hmmm…let’s do this again!
Our superpower is helping families have a dog they can enjoy for life, a life filled with a beautiful mix of fun, active play and calm downtime…with a dog happily at their side.
Jason has always loved animals, psychology, and teaching people but the reality was he had never owned a dog in his LIFE! Becoming a dog trainer seemed to me like a hair-brained idea, but Jason (being a determined soul) convinced a mentor trainer to let us pay him to teach us.
Soon Jason was heading straight from his "day job" each day to spend the rest of the evening working with dogs. To top it off, he started buying dogs with the idea of training and selling them.
We offer totally free consultations, in-person or over-the-phone. No pressure, no obligation.
Let's chat!
Jason & Lorelei Robbins
Running the business and marketing side of Cornerstone while keeping our big family afloat...it's a team effort.
Owners & Co-Founders
Madie Meacham
Trainer & Head Office Manager
Madie keeps things running smoothly at Cornerstone. Our right hand. She is an excellent trainer in addition to managing the entire office and our social media like a champ!
Meet the Team
Ruby & Austin Smoot
Ruby & Austin operate a branch of Cornerstone from their home in Saratoga Springs, UT. As all-around quality people with years of dog training experience, you're in good hands with the Smoots!
Trainers & Managers
Saratoga Springs Utah
Madie Bio
Josh Holmstead
If you've ever done a board and train with us in Kaysville, you likely know Josh. He is a skilled trainer with a gentle nature and drive for excellence.
Trainer-Kaysville
Maverick
& Ash Roskelley
Trainers & Office secretary
Mav & Ash are a stellar team! Maverick and Ash teach private sessions in Saratoga Springs and work board and trains together. Ash also helps us with lots of office work. Bless her soul!
Denise Smith
Denise is a gifted teacher and dog trainer! She operates a branch of Cornerstone from her home in Mansfield Ohio. She is so good with people and a joy to be around! Count yourself lucky if you get to train with Denise!
Trainer & Manager
Mansfield Ohio
Emily Hendrickson
Emily is such a sweetheart! She will care for you and your dog like you're her own family. As a previous client herself that had an anxious, agressive dog, she understands the journey you're on. You're in for a treat working with Emily!
Trainer-Kaysville
Zach Randall
We are so blessed to have Zach on our team! He is kind, respectful, and persistent--a winning combination in our book! We are certain you'll have a great experience if you get to work with Zach!
Trainer-Kaysville
Brittany Backhus
Trainer-Misawa, Japan
Before Britt's new puppy had even come home, she had signed up for training with Cornerstone. She's on top of it like that. She then became a trainer with us while in Utah. Now she trains on the Yokota Air Force Base and teams up with Jason and Lorelei to coach our completely online clients from her new home...in Japan!
Team
Member:
Jason Robbins
Title:
The man who started it all
Location:
Kaysville, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Working on Cornerstone! Or running around with my wife and kids (they're my favorite)! I'm the visionary, and the voice you hear on the podcast or in the training programs, but I couldn't have gotten anywhere without the support of each member of the Cornerstone team you see here!
Why I love what I do:
It has been amazing to watch Cornerstone grow and evolve! God is good!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Lorelei's bio
Fun fact:
Same as Lorelei's (did I mention, she's my favorite?)
I enjoy paragliding & I taught school for 15 years
Team
Member:
Lorelei Robbins
Title:
Chaos Manager
Location:
Kaysville, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Staying busy with our family or working on Cornerstone! I was a reluctant entrepreneur. It took 10 years and a hundred business ideas before one finally stuck. And I'm sure glad it did! Learning to lead through Cornerstone has been a blessing to me, our marriage, and our family!
Why I love what I do:
I constantly have some Cornerstone project to keep my brain busy. I think it's been good for our kids to see a business run from the ground level and I'm grateful that my kids get to interact almost daily with our amazing team.
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Christian, Lilly, William, Clara, Thomas, Nathan, James, John, and Coco
I majored in choral education
Team
Member:
Madie Meacham
Title:
Office Manager and Trainer Extraordinaire
Location:
Kaysville, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Training dogs by day and Mixed Martial Arts by night. When I'm not training dogs or training for a fight, I love spending time with my husband and son. We love to go on adventures, watch movies, and play in the mountains with our dog Odin.
Why I love what I do:
I became a trainer after Odin and I graduated from the Crazy to Calm training program. I love seeing owners and dogs work hand in hand (or paw in hand, rather) to achieve their goals and work through tough challenges.
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Chip & Odin
I am fluent in Spanish
Team
Member:
Ruby Smoot
Title:
Trainer & Manager of the Saratoga Springs Location
Location:
Saratoga Springs, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Playing with my twins at the park while our three dogs run around in the background. I also enjoy cooking and baking decorative cakes (my artistic outlet!), and spend most my evenings crocheting under a pile of warm blankets while watching a scary movie.
Why I love what I do:
Helping others with their dogs has become a personal passion because we were in a similar situation with Theo when we came to Cornerstone. We were so thrilled with how much this program changed our lives and our relationship with our dogs, I wanted to help others in the same way.
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Austin's Bio
Fun fact:
Jane & Thomas, Jack, Theo, and Millie
One of my cakes was featured on a Utah billboard 😊
Team
Member:
Austin Smoot
Title:
Trainer & Manager of the Saratoga Springs Location
Location:
Saratoga Springs, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Why I love what I do:
I absolutely love working with dogs. But more than anything, I love working with my wife, Ruby – she’s the real talent in the family. Supporting her during classes and watching our program improve the lives of the people and dogs we work with is a true pleasure in my life.
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Same as Ruby's, of course!
Finding projects around the house as an excuse to work with my hands. I work for a California tech company, so I spend most of my time in my home office we recently finished. But being with our family is my absolute favorite pastime! As a side hobby, I recently took up woodworking and enjoy trying new challenges to expand my abilities.
Last year, one of my woodworking pieces was featured in an art exhibit in Salt Lake City.
Team
Member:
Josh Holmstead
Title:
Trainer
Location:
Kaysville, UT
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Working as an aerospace engineer. I’m adventurous and have too many hobbies and interests if you ask my wife. I love learning and enjoying new experiences.
Fun Fact:
I fly paragliders. It’s my peaceful and re-centering time. There is nothing quite as pure as feeling the wind on your face circling with hawks and eagles thousands of feet above the ground.
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Why I love what I do:
Harper, Tommy, Beau
No dog currently but we are looking for a good match.
I love seeing the change that happens in families when their dogs and families learn how to work together.
Team
Member:
Maverick Roskelley
Title:
Trainer
Location:
Saratoga Springs/ Kaysville
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Disc Golfing, having dinner with my wife, or out-of-the-state traveling. I'm also a branch manager of a credit union, helping individuals and small businesses rock their finances!
Why I love what I do:
I’ve felt and seen the changes that can happen in someone’s life when they have a dog they love and trust and I want to help others feel the same thing!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Ash's Bio
Fun fact:
Ekko and Lina
I’m an avid Scuba Diver and love traveling to new dive spots around the world.
Team
Member:
Ash Roskelley
Title:
Trainer & Office Manager
Location:
Saratoga Springs/ Kaysville
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Performing in live musicals or training as an aerial acrobat!
Why I love what I do:
I love to see the tranformations we can make, not just in dogs, but in the lives of their owners! Having a well-behaved dog can be such a game changer, especially when faced with having to decide if you need to re-home a dog.
My Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Ekko and Lina
I am also a liscened cosmetologist
Team
Member:
Denise Crabb Smith
Title:
Trainer and Manager of the Ohio Location
Location:
Mansfield, OH
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Working on some type of house project or craft, thrifting/antiquing, on a walk with my husband, or planning our next trip, generally flying stand-by (my husband is a pilot). We also love hosting an airbnb out of our home, and, of course, training dogs!
Why I love what I do:
I love supporting clients along their dog training journey. There's nothing quite like seeing someone gain confidence in their ability to do something. I love being the person that guides them along the way. So fulfilling!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Axel & Kohana
I lived in Hawaii for 2 years
Team
Member:
Brittany Backhus
Title:
Manager of Japan Location, Personal Online Trainer
Location:
Yokota, AFB, Japan
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Training for marathons.
Working with dogs.
Exploring the world with my family and our dog, Yankee.
Taking my kids to their extra-curricular events.
Why I love what I do:
As a former teacher, I really love to see the "light bulb moment" for dog owners. When the light finally turns on, their whole world is changed! I also really enjoy getting to the root of the problem with owners and dogs, and watching their relationships grow because of the training we are doing. Lastly, let's be honest. I love meeting so many different kinds of people and dogs. I have so much fun chatting and getting to know people!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Frederick, Annalyn, Dottie
Dog:Yankee
I have run 30 full marathons!
Team
Member:
Zach Randall
Title:
Trainer
Location:
Kaysville
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Adventuring on the mountain! Camping, kayaking, or hiking. I also work for the military in engineering.
Why I love what I do:
There's a unique and incredible aspect to the connection shared between a dog and owner. As a trainer, I have the privlege of helping establish and strengthen that bond. It's truly fascinating to me to witness owners and their dogs gaining harmonious communication. So cool!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Macy
I play the bagpipes
Team
Member:
Emily Hendrickson
Title:
Trainer
Location:
Kaysville
MOST DAYS YOU CAN FIND ME:
Winter is my favorite season so if it’s snowing, I’m probably outside on skis (or day dreaming about being outside on skis). The rest of the year, I am usually hiking, camping or exploring 4x4 trails with my husband and two dogs in our Tacoma truck. Our new favorite place is Canyonlands National Park!
Why I love what I do:
In 2022, I went to Cornerstone with my dog Timber. She was aggressive towards other dogs and strangers and I was so scared she would hurt someone. I love working with clients because I am able to pass on the relief I felt when Timber was able to come to group class and be a model citizen around all the other well-behaved dogs. I love watching all the progress everyone has made in their own training journeys!
My Kids & Dogs:
Prev team member
Next team member
Fun fact:
Timber and Tusher
I am the crew chief for the UC Motorsports 4800 class off-road race team!
Business podcasts. Love!
listening:
Chik-fil-a oreo shake
CRAVING:
Steven R. Covey
READING:
Water. Boring, we know.
DRINKING:
Dry bar comedy w/ the kids
watching:
Currently
Jason & Lorelei's Favorite Things
Our kids! Honestly, they make up the bulk of our world right now. Wouldn't have it any other way.
our happy place!
The Mountains! If you haven't been to Utah, this is your call. The mountains are spectacular!
Summer potluck dinners with other families or a backyard firepit with the kids. Food, chatting with family and friends, relaxing outside. Now THAT'S the good life!
Our Favorite Things
Hobbies
Jason: paragliding
Lorelei: playing the piano
Smoothies! Jason makes a smoothie for the whole family nearly everyday. Our favorite: peanut butter banana
it's smoothie time!
Chatbooks! Lorelei loves documenting our family adventures in photobooks called Chatbooks. 100+ volumes and counting!
Idea Generator
numbers
psychology & Education
Salty food
Entertaining a crowd
Happy to drive
In it to win it
Business Brain
Detail Conscious
Words
Studied Music Education
Sweet food
Feeding A crowd
Happy to navigate
Were we keeping score?
Accidental Entrepreneur
Our differences bring a lot of spice to our family and business. But when it comes to the important stuff (faith and family) we're on the same page!
Jason Lorelei
or
Life with your dog should be a wonderful adventure!
"This was the best decision we ever made! Our dog's transformation is amazing!"
THE REVIEWS
What others say:
Click here for a free consultation
We would love to help you on your dog training journey! We know it can be rather intimidating and overwhelming in the beginning. We get it. But you can relax knowing we will be with you every step of the way.
did we just become best friends?
