What’s the secret to creating calmer dogs, happier owners, and a thriving daycare?

Could blending behavioral science with heart be the key to your next big breakthrough?

How can zoo-inspired enrichment ideas revolutionize your daycare’s approach to play and learning?

In this episode, Dom Hodgson takes you from the buzz of the Hershey Expo to an enlightening chat with Annie Grossman, author of How to Train Your Dog with Love and Science.

Annie dives into the heart of behavioral science, revealing how understanding dog psychology can radically improve how your daycare operates.

She explains why daycares are the perfect “labs” for training, shares the essentials of reading dog body language, and outlines her premium “Day School” model that blends training with enrichment to create a standout service clients are willing to pay top dollar for.

Annie also unpacks how science-backed training isn’t just about solving problem behaviors—it’s about building confidence, creating trust, and setting dogs up for long-term success. Combined with insights from zoo-inspired enrichment strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you stand out, deliver exceptional care, and grow your daycare business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Hershey Effect – Why the connections and inspiration from expos like Hershey are invaluable for pet care businesses.

Love Meets Logic – Annie Grossman’s innovative training philosophy and how it’s shaking up the daycare game.

Day School Done Right – How Annie’s model combines training, enrichment, and premium pricing to boost revenue and results.

Zoo-Inspired Enrichment – What polar bears and giraffes can teach us about keeping dogs engaged and happy.

Decoding Dog Behavior – Why understanding body language is essential for a calmer, more harmonious daycare.

Dom also catches up with his good buddy Eve Molzhon as they look back on a very successful Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo…Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsor Canine Lab Testing. 

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting

Host Dom Hodgson has a very small number of coaching and consultation opportunities available for 2025. To be considered to work with Dom, and experience his exclusive, impactful pet business consulting services you can apply now by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Find out more about Annie Grossman and her amazing new book by clicking here now

Find out more about Eve Molzhon by clicking here now

Remember, the next pet boarding and daycare expo is happening in Vegas in May. You can – and you should – click here to add your contact details now, so you are the first to learn when registration opens!

You can subscribe to the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine by going to PetBoardingandDaycare.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and teases his Hershey review and chat with Annie Grossman.[02:46] – Dog News! A sad article about the passing of Las Vegas star Mr. Piffles, and how the Flamingo honoured him.[07:33] – Hear the Hershey Expo highlights, including Eve Molzhon’s tips for first-timers and the wildest vendor moments.[09:50] – How expo networking can lead to creative partnerships (and a cocktail or two).[14:45] – Annie tunes in and explains her journey into science-backed training and how it led to her book.[19:50] – Why daycares are the ultimate “labs” for understanding dog behavior and perfecting training methods.[24:12] – Annie’s “Day School” model: charging premium rates for hands-on, behavior-based programs.[25:32] – Enrichment lessons from zoos and how they inspire daycare transformations.29:55] – Breaking down the essentials of reading dog body languag...