October 29, 2025

643: Balancing the Hustle with Miguel Rodriguez

1 hour 4 minutes

What does it really mean to educate your community while running a thriving pet care business? Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack returns to share how he balances content creation, training, boarding, and walking services—while staying grounded in his values. He opens up about recognizing the value of his time, setting clear policies, and learning to say "no" without guilt. Miguel also explains his shift toward video and course-based learning, and how gratitude reshaped his approach after COVID-19. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being an educator starts with empathy, boundaries, and knowing your worth.

Main topics:

Educating clients through social media
Balancing business with personal life
Setting and enforcing client policies
Creating content with real-world value
Recognizing and managing burnout

Main Takeaway: "I'm so lucky to even be burnt out."

That mindset shift changed everything for Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack. Burnout used to feel like failure—until he reframed it as a sign of demand, trust, and impact. Now, when exhaustion creeps in, he remembers the days he waited by the phone, hoping for one client call. If you're tired from helping others, it might just mean you're doing something right. Just don't forget to take care of yourself too—gratitude and boundaries can go a long way.

About our guest:

Miguel Rodriguez is the founder of City Dog Pack, a dog training, walking, and boarding business based in New York City. With over 15 years of experience, Miguel blends practical dog behavior knowledge with a deep commitment to client education and community support. He publishes the "Everything Dog" newsletter on Substack and is expanding into YouTube and TikTok to share even more free and accessible content. A former Marine and lifelong educator, Miguel is passionate about helping people build better lives with their pets. His work emphasizes empathy, gratitude, and practical advice for real-world dog challenges.

Links:

City Dog Pack on Instagram

Email: [email protected]

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Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.