What does it cost to stand as a wall between a dog and a culture of fear? In the final portrait of our limited series, we meet Drayton Michaels in his studio.

This is a story of a "big ass life" and the unshakeable promise that defines it: The Covenant.

Drayton reflects on the absolute refusal to cause a dog fear or pain—a moral line he drew as he emerged from the rock-and-roll scene of New York City and hasn't wavered from since.

This is a deep dive into the discipline, "thick skin," and transparency required to be a moral counterbalance in a field that often demands force.

From an "androgynous space alien" finding refuge in punk rock to a man who treats his craft with the obsession of a professional athlete, Drayton reveals the softness beneath the "superhero" armor.

Start your 2026 with a different way to lead. In this episode:

• The Unbroken Line: Why the Covenant is the only thing that matters.
• The Cost of Integrity: Navigating an industry built on misinformation.
• The Victory: What it feels like to save a dog from the end of the line.

CHAPTERS:

• 0:00 – Series Intro: Emerging Minds in Dog Psychology
• 1:58 – Meet Drayton Michaels: The Eatentown Studio
• 2:39 – The Unwavering Standard: Fighting for Dogs Every Day
• 4:10 – Confidence vs. Arrogance: The Mr. Fix It Fallacy
• 5:28 – Lessons from Bob Bailey: Supreme Confidence in Training
• 6:22 – A Resume of Choices: Leaving a "Terrible" Environment Behind
• 7:31 – The "Scumbag" vs. The Professional: Facing Personal Truths
• 8:18 – Learning to Ride the Animal: Survival in New York City
• 10:00 – The Guarantee: Sovereignty, Sobriety, and Life Support

Subscribe to Emerging Minds to complete the journey. What is the "Covenant" you have made with yourself, and what are you willing to pay to keep it?