BRAD Howell
Owner of Red Beard Dog Training and Downtown Dog Enrichment
Hey y’all, Brad here. Welcome to Red Beard Dog Training.
I started Red Beard in 2014 with the simple goal of helping dogs and owners while doing something that I loved. It’s a humbling and surreal feeling to still be passionate about my work over a decade later.
In the early years, I worked non-stop out of my home. Lessons, board and trains, consultations, etc. My true passion was taking boarding dogs on adventures, letting them experience the magic of the natural world.
Mako, my reactive 3-legged dog that started my training journey, was dear to my heart but a liability to my business. I needed a helper dog. After a very intentional search, I foster failed Dexter, a mutt from the SPCA who quickly became the heart and soul of Red Beard.
Sexy Dexy possessed a unique level of social intelligence. He was kind, gentle and patient, but also set clear boundaries and was an excellent communicator to other dogs.
We moved to a small facility in 2019 and started adding staff and slowly growing.
In 2021, we landed downtown in our current facility, an amazing space that allowed us to offer a variety of training and saw the creation of what is now Downtown Dog Enrichment, the triad’s only training-based structured doggy daycare.
We lost Sexy Dexy to cancer in December 2024. Our connection was indescribable and his influence on Red Beard immeasurable.
The post-Dexy era of Red Beard continues to focus on helping owners and providing dogs with fulfilling experiences. Private lessons, Board and Train and Day Training cover the training approach most owners seek.
But we aren’t’ stopping there.
In the cooler months, Adventure Boarding (AKA Red Beard Road Trippin’), takes place all across North Carolina as dogs join me for a variety of adventures from the mountains to the beaches in our ProMaster Van designed for dog travel.
In the summer, we lean into swim lessons, lake days and river trips to keep everyone safe from the relentless heat and humidity.
Pictured: Brad and Dex adventuring and posing for picture day
Director of Training Programs
Director of Operations
Drew came aboard part-time in the summer of 2024 as a team member of Downtown Dog Enrichment.
As we continued to grow, so did Drew’s duties. She performs numerous admin tasks for both businesses and also works hands-on with our day training dogs.
Drew is possibly the only human on earth to have the Dali Lama bless her ring AND watch baby sea turtles hatch on top of her feet.
Hobbies include hiking, birding, yoga and spending time with her dog Weasley.
Drew
JAY
Trainer
Board & Train/ Day Train
Jay heads up our Day Training and Board and Train programs at Red Beard.
Originally from Chicago, Jay moved to Greensboro from Athens, GA where they supervised a large daycare facility.
Prior to Georgia, Jay held a similar position at a boarding facility in Minnesota.
Jay enjoys being outdoors, specifically hiking and camping. When indoors, they can be found reading and hanging with their cat Rue.
