Let me explain

In the timeline of the existence of the internet, social networking, social media, algorithms, influencers, content creators, trending or going viral, app development and all the fun things we take for granted and assumed have been here all along, I started my journey over 20 years ago.

Utilizing the power of new technology has been part of my life and being perfectly aligned with that trajectory, every aspect of my life for the most part has been documented and put online.

Fast forward to today. I spend most of my time making content for my local community here in Monterey and clients all over the USA and Canada. While its a fun creative challenge to make viral videos for myself, I have a more important impact by helping small businesses connect with new customers and build community.

Challenging myself to help others find their voice online and create videos and pictures that showcase my clients has been some of the most fun I’ve had lately on social media. I simultaneously have been building a dog training business in the Monterey area focusing on areas like Pacific Grove, Carmel by the Sea, Santa Cruz and all Monterey County areas. I recently had a few videos blow up on social media growing my @PacificGroveDogTraining Instagram to over 40K followers and have been flooded with new organically generated customers.

On top of that I’ve made a name for myself in the local community by hosting weekly free group class and pack walk events and collaborating with other verterinarians, pet shops, groomers and dog walkers. As the new guy in the area I’ve been including a free bonus lesson with all packages and offer a no turn down policy to help anyone who needs it.

Recently I got to be part of the Monterey Car Week Festival and take some incredible photos and drone footage from the events and day to day craziness. Now I am filming the harvest season for all the Monterey Wineries here and even taking a few special trips to other vineyards in Napa Valley and Paso Robles.

Navigating Cancel Culture and Embracing Authenticity - miami wire magazine

Dylan Blau’s journey in the digital realm has not been without its challenges. Confronting cancel culture and online haters head-on, he encourages individuals to stop playing it safe and start standing up for what they believe in. According to Blau, “Haters are part of the process, and if you are not triggering someone, your opinion isn’t strong enough.” His philosophy is centered on being raw and honest, allowing people to decide whether they love or hate him.

Blau’s insights into going viral emphasize the importance of producing content that triggers people to find their voice and express their beliefs. Creating a platform for two-sided conversations, where individuals are willing to listen and be objective, fosters a community capable of discussing any topic openly—a dire need in today’s world marked by echo chambers.

Dylan wanted to make a clear point that “as dog trainers we should not be slandering other dog trainers for clout, especially when most drama or gossip is never the full story. Typically the internet is filled with creators or haters, those who make content and those who comment on it negativity and thrive on gossip and conspiracies. As a creator of content your job is to focus on yourself and to never punch down to make yourself look better. Never get involved in drama or participate in cancel culture, however it’s important to stand up for people when they are being attacked online even if that means sending a message or making a phone call to check in. If you get triggered or disagree with someone, use that as an opportunity to create content that teaches your beliefs in a positive way that doesn’t involve mentioning the person that upset you. What we do on social media can echo an eternity and impact the lives of innocent people trying to make a positive impact in the world.” With the rise of suicides in the USA as a result of online bulling, cancel culture, slander and the extreme measures haters go to these days to destory a person or business, Dylan’s message is more important now than ever.

Dylan Blau’s journey is not just about dog training; it’s a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and embracing the challenges of the digital age. As readers delve into his story, they are invited to reflect on their own approach to social media, business growth, and standing up for what they believe in. Dylan’s words serve as a motivational, encouraging readers to maximize their potential, give back to their community more and be better than being a hater.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

A Journey of Transparency and Impact - miami wire magazine

Dylan Blau’s journey in the dog training industry began over a decade ago when he became one of the original pioneers to embrace social media. In a groundbreaking move, he went live on Facebook, showcasing full training lessons and group classes in their raw and uncut form. Continuously creating the industry norms, Blau utilized streaming live with a combination of working with the most untrainable or aggressive dogs as well as giving people an inside look into his life.

Over the years, Dylan’s commitment to transparency has garnered him immense respect from dog lovers and trainers globally. With over a billion views and half a million followers on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok (@WeAreDogTraining), Blau’s influence extends far beyond dog training. Yet, what matters most to him is the number of dogs he has trained and the dog trainers he has empowered to make a difference in their communities helping as many dogs each year as possible.

In the midst of the pandemic, when countless dog trainers and service-based industries faced unprecedented challenges, Dylan Blau emerged as a guiding force. Recognizing the power of social media, he played a pivotal role in helping hundreds of dog trainers grow their businesses online, ensuring growth and survival during uncertain times. Blau’s unique approach focuses on transparency, posting multiple times per day, and the understanding that social media allows potential customers to connect with the authentic person behind the brand.

Every year in the USA close to 2 million dogs get rescued and a large percent will develop behavior issues resulting in them being returned back to the shelters. Dylan says, “most dog owners lack the basic knowledge they need to set their dog up for success and when problematic behaviors develop, rather than taking responsibility, they label the dog a bad dog and return it back to the shelter; rather than seeking the help of a local dog trainer. As a mentor to hundreds of dog trainers, Dylan teaches them the importance of hosting free dog training events in their community to give people the opportunity to peak their curiosity about what training is all about. He also recommends offering a free lesson or evaluation to get started.

Through his coaching and mentorship, Dylan Blau has helped hundreds of dog trainers maximize their potential on social media while empowering them with his knowledge of how to successfully grow their business. Known for his 12 month dog trainer business challenge, Dylan is teaching the next generation of dog trainers to build a business with a mission to help as many dogs as possible. As a marketing genius you can obviously guess his clients are making double or triple their income within a few months of using Dylan’s strategies reaching that new peak in business where they need to hire people and get a company vehicle or facility. Dylan says, “the hardest level for a dog training business is getting past $10k per month, helping people reach the next level of their business and seeing how happy it makes them is why I love to help guide small businesses through this moment in their career.”

On A Mission To Save The California Wine Industry With Social Media- san Francisco post

In a world where posting professional pictures and videos once a month have zero effect, Blau’s raw, documentary-style videos stand out allowing for organic viral moments to happen. Over the past decade, he has amassed more than a billion views and over 500,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, under the handle @WeAreDogTraining. At the same time he has built an entire other account focusing on promoting local food and wine in California. Currently based in Monterey,  he works with restaurants, wineries, coffee and tea companies as well as many other small businesses. Focusing on helping his community he has quickly built a name for himself, becoming the go to marketing agency in the area.

Blau teaches his clients how to craft viral content, speak authentically, and build thriving businesses in a digital world. His knack for recognizing what resonates online, and his commitment to standing firmly behind bold opinions has earned him both loyal supporters and, unsurprisingly, a fair share of critics. Dylan says, “Social media is about creating conversations. If you can get people to argue in the comments you have succeeded; within seconds of watching your video they need to have a strong emotional reaction that stops them from scrolling and makes them engage with your content.”.

After a decade working with restaurants and wineries Dylan believes that the number one reason the wine industry is failing to capture the attention of the younger generation is the lack of marketing on social media. While the alcohol industry spends billions a year on marketing the industry relies on brick and mortar business methods without any promoting on social media. Blau says, “this disconnect from social media has created a perfect storm where an entire industry is struggling and now they are forced to adapt quickly or close their tasting rooms and in some cases sell their winery.

Blau’s passion project, The California Wine List, brings his storytelling expertise to the wine world. “We’re not in the golden era of wine anymore, but we could be,” he says. The problem, according to Blau, isn’t quality, it’s visibility. “The alcohol industry spends billions promoting beer and spirits. Wine, on the other hand, barely invests in marketing. That has to change.”

Determined to be that change, Blau is now working directly with vineyards, restaurants, and tasting rooms across Monterey County as well as others across California, showcasing the power of social media’s reach. In a final message to anyone reading this looking to take some of Dylan’s advice he says, “Customers want a memorable experience, something that makes them take out their phone to capture the moment and share it; this content connects with people online giving them a reason to drive or fly to you so they can experience the same magical moment, this is the circle of life for any business online.”.

Blau’s ability to fuse grassroots marketing with cutting-edge social media tactics is setting a new standard. Many of the businesses he collaborates with report faster, more organic engagement than they’ve seen with traditional agencies. Part of that success, clients say, is because Dylan doesn’t just teach basic cookie cutter strategies, with billions of views personally, his unique knowledge of how viral videos work allows for on the spot creative ideas that can be quickly executed and distributed on multiple platforms.

Blau’s consulting style is best described as “Renaissance man meets restaurant rescue.” He brings an eclectic skill set, infectious enthusiasm, and a laser-sharp focus on problem-solving. Those who work with him often compare him to a young Gordon Ramsay, direct, passionate, and driven to elevate standards across the board. But beneath the intensity is a desire to empower. His mission is clear: help people and businesses recognize their own value, articulate their message, and rise above the noise to increase sales.

For Blau, the key to going viral is having a clear point of view. “Stop playing it safe. You need to stand up for what you believe, and say what needs to be said,” he advises. “If your content doesn’t make someone stop, react, or respond, what’s the point?”

In a world of recycled trends and copycat content, Blau’s commitment to originality stands out. He teaches that every piece of viral content starts with one thing: a strong question that demands a response. His content doesn’t just entertain, it provokes thought, stirs emotion, and sparks dialogue.

As Blau continues to grow @CaliforniaWineList, he’s making it his mission to turn struggling vineyards into viral sensations and give overlooked businesses a shot at real visibility. His Instagram feed now features vineyard tours, behind-the-scenes stories, interviews and engaging content that blends lifestyle, local pride, and wine appreciation, all with that signature Blau edge.

Whether it’s food and wine, dog training or experimenting with AI, Dylan Blau is a pioneer who refuses to sit still. With every venture, he’s not just following trends, he’s creating them. His message is one of empowerment, disruption, and unapologetic self-expression. If you’re a business that’s been playing it safe for too long, consider this your invitation to shake things up. 

Dylan Blau’s name has long been synonymous with disruption, in the best possible way. Known internationally for revolutionizing the world of dog training through viral content and transparent storytelling, Blau has turned his sights to a new, perhaps unexpected, frontier: California’s wine industry. In a bold pivot, Blau is leveraging his social media expertise and innovative strategies to breathe new life into an industry grappling with years of decline.

Through his latest venture, @CaliforniaWineList, Blau is spotlighting local vineyards across the state, many of which have remained hidden gems for far too long. Currently based in Monterey, he is working hands-on with local businesses in Carmel by the Sea all the way up to Santa Cruz. His approach is anything but traditional—an intentional move to challenge the status quo and offer wineries a solution to get the younger generation excited about drinking wine.