Patient & Calm
A patient and calm approach creates a safe and comfortable space where every dog can learn at their own pace.
Meet Carlos
Carlos Calretas:Head Trainer at Tail Tales
Carlos Calretas is Head Trainer at Tail Tales Academy and a professional Animal Behavior Consultant with over a decade of experience working with dogs, exotic animals, and wildlife. Since 2012, he has brought his extensive experience in animal behaviour into family dog training, helping dogs and their people build stronger, more trusting relationships.
Clear Communication
Clear and consistent communication. Simple cues that make training easy to understand.
Problem Solving
Creative problem solving adapts training strategies to overcome challenges and build confidence.
Reliable & Committed
Reliable and committed support. Consistency and dedication to help every dog succeed.
Positive Energy
A positive training environment encourages confidence, curiosity and joyful learning.
Training Philosophy
Carlos believes animals learn best when they feel safe, understood, and motivated to participate. His approach is grounded in science-based training and the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) framework, prioritising the animal's wellbeing while encouraging choice, trust, and cooperation.
Inspiration
Carlos' journey began in the Portuguese countryside and truly came to life at the zoo. Watching free-flying birds willingly choose to collaborate with humans changed the way he understood animal training. He discovered that trust and cooperation could create powerful results without fear or force, a principle that continues to shape his work today.
Professional Experience
Carlos has trained animals across Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. His experience includes training birds at Zoomarine, interning with the State Fair show in Dallas, developing his skills in Orlando, and managing and training endangered species at AlWabra Preservation in Qatar. He has also studied behaviour analysis under world-renowned behaviour analyst Dr. Susan Friedman and holds IAABC certification as a professional Animal Behavior Consultant.
Training Focus
Carlos focuses on creating environments where dogs are set up to succeed rather than simply correcting unwanted behaviours. By understanding the environment, motivation, and individual needs of each dog, he helps them make better choices and develop reliable behaviours, creating confident, engaged, and willing partners.
Want to Join Our Training Team?
Join a team committed to ethical, positive reinforcement-based training.
We’re looking for qualified and experienced dog trainers who share our approach to compassionate, science-based training. If you have the skills, knowledge and dedication to support dogs and their families, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply to Join Our Team