Describe your business to our readers
We have been training dogs professionally since 2016. We offer puppy 121s and group classes, gundog training from pet to working and competition level, behaviour consultations, coaching calls and we also run a 6 month gundog trainer programme.
Do you have your own dog(s)?
I grew up with Dalmatians and a Papillon. John grew up with cross breeds.
We have owned Labradors together since moving in together in 2000 and currently have 3 Labradors Dude, Rose, and Genie.
How do you start your day?
We get up at 6am to toilet and feed the dogs before having a cup of tea in bed.
How does a typical business day look for you?
Between 8.30am and 10am it's 'our dogs time' this includes walking, training and currently physio for Genie.
We start clients at 10am whether that be 121s or group classes. In the winter we work until around 4pm, in the summer we typically work two late nights a week until 8pm.
We have one day off a week, and one admin day where we write up behaviour consultation programmes and catchup on admin.
We typically see 60 - 80 dogs a week between us. We teach groups with over 4 dogs together or with an assistant but work individually for 121s.
In the summer we run training weekends, workshops and training days.
We never stop investing in our own continual personal development, attending courses, seminars, and workshops every year.
How do you finish your day?
A glass of wine or cup of tea chatting about our day. We then sit and chill with the dogs in the lounge until bed time.
What do you most love about running your own business?
Flexibility and the opportunity to do what we love every single day.
And your least favourite thing?
Managing time so we don't work 24/7 and the overwhelming want to help everyone, knowing that's really not possible.
What would you like to say to dog owners reading this?
It can be challenging to find a trainer. With all the different labels, methods and techniques it's no wonder it's confusing for clients.
Some trainers use a specific methods or a specific techniques. You may hear trainers say they are 'Force Free' or 'Positive only' some may say they are 'reward based' or 'balanced'. This can be so confusing for clients!
We work with the dog and owner in front of us to help them achieve their goals.
We recommend looking for a trainer who wants to help you achieve your goals, and who is willing to adapt their training to suit you and your dogs needs.
Efficacy in training is so important, simply put, for a client it means achieving a goal.
Efficacy in training relies on the skill of the trainer, but, also their ability to communicate clearly and effectively to the client.
If the training doesn’t work for the dog and client it is a waste of time and money for the client.
Clarity in training is so important for the dog. It is also important for the owner. Without clarity there is a risk to both dog and owner of confusion, lack of understanding, failure and frustration.
When we are asked how we will work with a dog and owner, the answer will always be 'it depends'.
It depends on so many things, including the dog, the owner, the behaviour or problem, the ability of the owner/handler, the health of the dog, the root cause of the behaviour or problem, past training and behaviour history, the list goes on...
If what you are doing isn't working, tell your trainer, give them the opportunity to help you find another approach or method that works for you and your dog.
If you liked reading this then click here to read some more Days in the Life of our Doggy Directory Businesses >>