In this episode, Jo & Vicky are joined by Sarah Whitehead, an internationally renowned canine behaviour and trainer, speaker, and author. She started working in the industry 35 years ago when only Barbara Woodhouse talked about dog training. At that time, hardly anyone had heard of positive reinforcement clicker training. 

Sarah talks about what working in the industry was like. She, Jo & Vicky discuss how to manage the fact that working as a dog trainer is so stressful and how to reduce your stress levels. Sarah also reveals a really interesting new dog business model which anyone can start providing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Research shows that being a dog behaviourist is incredibly stressful.
• Sarah´s research has revealed that most dog trainers share remarkably similar personality traits. 
• Weirdly, dog trainers are more likely to be blood group A.
• Set boundaries and stick to them.
• Stop treating your business like a hobby.
• Get off the hamster wheel.
• Look at things from a client perspective. Ask – is this something my clients really want or need? If it is not, don´t waste your time and energy on it.
• People are paying a fortune for pre-trained dogs.
• Add an online booking system to your website and the ability to book a call with you.
• You learn a lot more from doing than you will from constantly taking courses.
• Focus on offering the service that you enjoy delivering.
• Imagine what you want your business to look like in a year. Then, take the necessary steps to get there.
• Look outside of the dog industry and learn from other successful business owners.

BEST MOMENTS

‘From the outset, go, this is what I want to do, and this is what I don´t and be really comfortable with that. ´

‘We need to make it much easier for people and be much more professional.’

‘Invest in yourself, invest in your business…it will avoid burnout.’

 

GUEST AND EPISODE RESOURCES

https://sarahwhitehead.com/

https://sarahwhitehead.thinkific.com/

SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com

Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/

 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.