Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

Are you posting constantly on social media but not seeing enough actual enquiries or bookings?

Do your posts get likes, comments, and the occasional “cute dog!” yet somehow your calendar still isn’t as full as you want it to be?

And what if the real problem isn’t your content quality but the fact you don’t have a strategy behind it?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom records live from the buzzing Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix before sitting down with content marketing strategist Steven Inala-Reedy from A Content Space for a brilliant deep dive into what actually makes content convert cold leads into clients.

Steven breaks down the simple but powerful framework he’s used for years to help businesses turn content into clients — and why most pet businesses are unknowingly missing huge opportunities by only posting offers, random cute dog videos, or chasing vanity metrics like followers and likes.

Along the way, Dom also shares a fascinating enrichment story from Zoo Atlanta involving interactive enrichment walls for elephants… and explains why it’s another reminder that enrichment should never stand still.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Likes Don’t Pay The Bills – The danger of confusing engagement from existing clients with actual business growth.

The Alignment, Awareness & Engagement Framework – Steven explains the simple structure businesses can use to guide prospects from “just browsing” to becoming paying clients.

How To Stop Posting Random Content – Why strategy matters more than volume when it comes to social media.

The Power of Documenting, Not Just Showing – Why “here’s how we acclimatise a new dog” is far more valuable than another generic cute dog video.

Why Testimonials Are Criminally Underused – How simple client stories and case studies can dramatically improve trust and conversions.

What Zoo Elephants Can Teach You About Enrichment – How Zoo Atlanta’s new enrichment wall is another reminder that animals need stimulation, challenge, and innovation.

Thanks to this weeks awesome guest Steven Inala-Reedy! Find out more about Steven by clicking here nowRemember, the next PB & D Expo is taking place this week in Phoenix, Arizona on May 25th-28th. And you still have time to come on down and attend some seminars and check out the trade show. Grab a ticket and secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Cleanwise and Kuranda!CleanWise helps pet care facilities clean smarter with automated wet/dry cleaning systems built for the real world, check them out hereBuilt for dogs who destroy everything else, Kuranda beds are chew-proof, raised, and ridiculously durable.They keep dogs cool, comfortable, and off the hard floor — which is why kennels swear by them. Check out Kuranda here

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking here

Episode Highlights

[00:52] – Eve Molzhon previews her Pet Boarding Expo sessions on virtual assistants and gate control.[02:12] – Duane Carey discusses lead generation, AI, and why competition in pet care is increasing.[03:43] – Dom introduces the show, recording direct from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix.[05:04] – Introduction to Steven Inala Reedy and the problem with “likes without conversions.”[07:13] – Dog News: Zoo Atlanta’s interactive enrichment wall for elephants and how daycare owners can use enrichment stories as powerful marketing.[12:20] – Steven joins the show and shares his background in digital marketing, agencies, and content strategy.[23:14] – The Alignment, Awareness & Engagement content framework explained.[25:40] – Practical daycare examples: documenting dog acclimatisation and client journeys.[34:57] – The mistake most businesses make: asking prospects to “marry them” too soon.[38:58] – How structure and planning reduce marketing burnout… and where to go to find out more about Stephen.

Are you constantly “doing stuff” in your business but still not moving forward the way you hoped?

Have you ever spent hours tweaking social media, software, websites, or marketing only to realise nothing fundamentally changed?

And what if the real problem isn’t that you need more tactics but that you don’t have a clear strategy guiding them?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom breaks down one of the biggest problems holding pet business owners back: the confusion between strategy and tactics. Broadcasting ahead of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix, Dom explains why so many owners get trapped in “busy work” — endlessly chasing new tools, platforms, and marketing hacks — without ever stepping back to decide what they actually want their business and life to look like.

Alongside this, Dom sits down with Alex Varney from Pinnacle Pets to talk leadership, staff development, positive reinforcement for teams, and the operational systems helping their facility thrive in a tougher economic climate.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Strategy vs Tactics (And Why It Matters So Much) – Why random marketing actions without a bigger vision often lead to burnout, frustration, and businesses owners don’t actually enjoy running.

The “Map Room” Mentality – What Winston Churchill’s war rooms can teach daycare owners about zooming out and thinking strategically.

Why Gurus Often Keep Owners Stuck – The danger of obsessing over TikTok, SEO, websites, and software without first deciding where your business is actually going.

Quiet Hours & Calm Daycare Environments – How Pinnacle Pets dramatically reduced stress and noise levels with a simple operational change.

Leadership Without Micromanagement – Alex explains how empowering staff to make decisions creates smoother operations and stronger retention.

Positive Reinforcement for Humans – Why rewarding staff and clients the same way we reward dogs can completely transform culture and behaviour.

Thanks to this weeks awesome guest Alex Varney! Find out more about Alex by clicking here nowRemember, the next PB & D Expo is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona on May 25th-28th. That is just two weeks away. To grab a ticket and secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Cleanwise, Kuranda and Run Loyal!Big thanks to our sponsors CleanWise,— helping pet care facilities clean smarter with automated wet/dry cleaning systems built for the real world, check them out hereBuilt for dogs who destroy everything else, Kuranda beds are chew-proof, raised, and ridiculously durable.They keep dogs cool, comfortable, and off the hard floor — which is why kennels swear by them. Check out KurandahereWant better a better scheduling and booking app customized to your branding? Check out runloyal.com

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking here

Episode Highlights

[04:04] – Dom previews the upcoming Phoenix Expo and the mix of strategy and tactical learning available there.[07:30] – The Churchill War Rooms analogy and why every business owner needs a “map room” mindset.[10:06] – Why tactical marketing alone won’t fix a business lacking direction.[11:20] – Questions every owner should ask themselves about the future of their business.[15:27] – Alex Varney joins the show and shares updates from Pinnacle Pets.[17:37] – Quiet Hours: how turning down stimulation improved life for dogs and staff.[26:21] – The hard lessons learned from leadership mistakes and staff communication failures.[34:28] – Positive reinforcement for staff: how to encourage better behaviours in teams.[36:12] – Real-world examples of rewarding loyal clients and creating stronger advocacy.[40:29] – Why conferences reduce burnout, spark motivation, and fast-track business growth.

Are you still running your daycare like a giant dog mosh pit while clients are demanding something more personalised?

Have you noticed more dogs struggling in traditional group play more stress, more overstimulation, more behavioural issues?

And what if the future of daycare isn’t “more dogs” but better experiences for the right dogs?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom sits down with Mandy Ekins from Manners Matter Training & Dog Daycare to unpack one of the biggest shifts happening in the pet care industry right now: the move away from chaotic, warehouse-style daycare and toward structured enrichment experiences that actually improve dogs’ lives.

Mandy shares her fascinating journey from posting dog training ads on Craigslist to building one of the few remaining independently owned daycare businesses in her area, complete with enrichment programmes, day training, trick training, scent work, and customised canine experiences.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Traditional Daycare Is Breaking Down – The hidden problems with “warehouse-style” daycare and why more owners are looking for something different.

The Trick Training Upsell That Changed Everything – How a simple “Trick of the Month” idea became the gateway to a full enrichment-based business model.

How to Transition Clients into Enrichment – Mandy explains how she repositioned her services without losing her entire client base.

The Psychology Behind Better Buy-In – Why framing enrichment as an “exclusive beta programme” dramatically increased client adoption.

Why Smaller Groups Often Work Better – How reducing dog numbers actually improved the experience for dogs, staff, and owners.

The Emotional Impact of Great Daycare – Real stories of senior dogs, health discoveries, and how daycare can genuinely improve quality of life.

Thanks to this weeks awesome guest Mandy Eakins! Check out Mandy’s facility and services here Remember, the next PB & D Expo is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona on May 25th-28th. That is just two weeks away. To grab a ticket and secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Kuranda and Run Loyal!Built for dogs who destroy everything else, Kuranda beds are chew-proof, raised, and ridiculously durable.They keep dogs cool, comfortable, and off the hard floor — which is why kennels swear by them. Check out KurandahereWant better a better scheduling and booking app customized to your branding? Check out runloyal.com

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[01:52] – Dom previews the upcoming Phoenix Expo and why events like this can accelerate business growth.[06:00] – Dog News: the husky who escaped the vet… to make a run for daycare instead.[07:15] – Why daycare should be positioned as enrichment, not just “dog babysitting.”[08:20] – Disney’s Animal Kingdom enrichment ideas and how daycares can steal them.[11:37] – Mandy joins the show and shares how she went from Craigslist trainer to daycare owner.[14:12] – Working alongside a veterinary behaviourist and building a different kind of daycare.[17:47] – Why Mandy intentionally reduced dog numbers inside the facility in order to offer a better service for both her and the dogs.[18:22] – The early origins of enrichment: Mandy’s “Trick of the Month.”[22:19] – Why some clients resisted change… and why its important to accept that you can’t please everybody all the time.[24:27] – The “exclusive beta programme” strategy that helped clients embrace enrichment.[36:15] – Competing against nearby franchises without becoming “cheap daycare.”[37:36] – Mandy opens up about the future of the business and the possibility of selling.

Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind of your daycare with no time to actually think about growing it?

Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but missing new ideas, opportunities, or shortcuts that others are using?

And what if simply getting out of your facility for a few days could completely change the trajectory of your business?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom brings you a packed show focused on one of the fastest ways to accelerate your growth… getting in the room with other ambitious pet business owners. With the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Phoenix just around the corner, Dom shares real conversations with owners who’ve used events like this to transform their confidence, pricing, services, and entire business direction.

You’ll also hear from Eve Molzhon from Dog Handler Academy, who breaks down two of the most practical and impactful areas most daycare owners are struggling with right now — delegation through virtual assistants… and improving safety and control inside your facility. Eve is a bona fide expert when it comes to these unique elements of pet care, and she goes in depth on how you can implement and improve them in your business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why You’re Stuck in the Day-to-Day – How being trapped “in” your business stops you from seeing the bigger opportunities right in front of you.

The Real ROI of Attending Events – Why the biggest wins from expos aren’t always the sessions… but the conversations, connections, and ideas you take home.

How Smart Owners Stay Ahead – Why top daycare operators continuously invest in learning, networking, and staying on the cutting edge.

Virtual Assistants = More Time, More Growth – How outsourcing the right tasks can free up your headspace, improve operations, and help you scale faster.

Why Most Owners Don’t Take Action (And How to Change That) – The difference between attending events… and actually using what you learn to grow your business.

Thanks to this weeks guest Eve Molzhon! Check out Dog Handler Academy hereYou can hear more from Eve and all the other amazing speakers at PB & D Expo West, which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Natura Turf, Odercide and Turf Product Solutions.Keep your grass. Lose the mud. Save your sanity with Natura Turf. To find out more click here nowWant better a better scheduling and booking app customized to your branding? Check out runloyal.comGet the hair out, the stink gone, and your facility back under control, check out Turf Product Solutions here

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[01:33] – Dom sets the scene: a packed episode and the countdown to the Phoenix expo.[02:36] – What’s happening at the expo: sessions, speakers, and why it’s a “reset moment” for your business.[04:27] – Real owner insights: why experienced operators keep coming back year after year.[06:28] – The power of stepping away from your business to gain a fresh perspective.[08:17] – Case study: turning ideas from an expo into new services, memberships, and revenue streams.[10:30] – Why competition in our industry is increasing so rapidly… and how to stay ahead.[13:06] – The importance of networking, idea sharing, and industry connections.[17:52] – Eve Molzhon joins the show to preview her upcoming sessions.[19:22] – Virtual assistants explained: how to reclaim your time and reduce overwhelm.[38:08] – How to get the most out of an expo (and avoid wasting the opportunity).

Are you still running your dog daycare like it’s 2006 while your clients have already moved on?

Have you noticed dog owners spending more than ever but your margins still feel tight?

And what if the biggest opportunity in your business right now is hiding in plain sight… in how your clients actually see their dogs?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom dives into a powerful shift happening right now in the pet care industry — one that could dramatically change how you price, position, and grow your business. Sparked by a fascinating article about “dinkwads” (dual income, no kids… with a dog), Dom explores why dogs are increasingly being treated like children — and why that means more money, more demand, and higher expectations from your clients.

Alongside this, Dom catches up with Allison Jacobs to talk about leadership, team development, and the systems needed to grow a business that doesn’t rely on you being there 24/7… plus a powerful real-world story from an expo attendee whose confidence (and pricing model) completely transformed after just one conversation with Dom.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Affluent Client Shift – How dual-income, no-kids households are creating a new class of high-value customers for your daycare.

Why Most Daycares Are Stuck in the Past – The danger of “warehouse-style” daycare models in a market that’s demanding more personalised, premium experiences.

Confidence and Pricing – How one simple mindset shift helped a daycare owner raise prices, increase revenue, and change the trajectory of their business.

Leadership That Scales – Alison Jacobs shares the lessons, mistakes, and systems behind building a team that can grow your business without burning you out.

Why Expos Accelerate Growth – The hidden value of events: confidence, connections, and the kind of ideas that can transform your business overnight.

Thanks to this weeks guest Allison Jacobs! You can hear more from Allison and all the other amazing speakers at PB & D Expo West, which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Natura Turf, Odercide and Turf Product Solutions.Keep your grass. Lose the mud. Save your sanity with Natura Turf. To find out more click here nowFor your complete odour management solutions click here to check out Odercide at Odercide.comGet the hair out, the stink gone, and your facility back under control, check out Turf Product Solutions here

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[01:21] – Dom sets up a packed episode featuring industry trends, leadership insights, and real-world success stories.[02:30] – Why Phoenix is the perfect setting for growth, opportunity, and a fresh mindset.[05:22] – Real attendee story: how one conversation changed pricing confidence forever.[08:43] – A powerful follow-up story of resilience, growth, and business transformation.[11:30] – Dog News: “Dogs are the new babies” — and what that means for your business.[12:43] – The rise of “dinkwads” (dual income, no kids with a dog) and why they spend big.[14:52] – Why premium services, experiences, and enrichment are becoming the new standard.[17:01] – The growing gap between what clients want… and what many daycares still offer.[18:34] – How to position your business to capture this high-value market.[20:48] – Allison Jacobs joins to talk leadership, growth, and building scalable systems.[24:34] – The early leadership mistakes that nearly held Allison’s business back.[26:35] – A turning point: when poor systems collide with real-life challenges.[29:30] – How strong leadership allowed the business to grow… even during Allison’s health crisis.[31:00] – The DOGCARE leadership framework and how it helps owners regain control.[35:00] – Why better leadership = less stress, more settled staff, and more scalable growth.

Are you working harder than ever in your dog daycare but your income just isn’t moving up the way it should?

Have you ever felt like you hit a profit ceiling in your business no matter what strategies you try?

And what if the real thing holding you back isn’t your marketing, your pricing… or your team… but what’s going on in your own head?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom delivers a powerful and honest deep dive into one of the most overlooked drivers of business success… your money mindset. Broadcasting ahead of the upcoming Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Phoenix, Dom breaks down the hidden beliefs that quietly cap your income, limit your growth, and keep you stuck operating at the same level year after year.

Alongside this, you’ll hear from Sean Felty (Greenlin Pet Resorts & Next Tree Strategies), who shares practical, real-world insights on controlling labour costs — one of the biggest profit leaks in any daycare. Plus, there’s real stories from past expo attendees who’ve transformed their businesses after taking action.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The “Financial Thermostat” That’s Holding You Back – Why your income often settles at a level you subconsciously believe you deserve… and how that keeps you stuck.

Why Making More Money Feels Hard (And What to Do About It) – How growing up, past experiences, and beliefs about work can limit your ability to scale.

More Money = More Problems? – The hidden fear that stops owners from pushing for growth… and how to reframe it.

Labour Costs Under Control – Sean Felty explains how to tie staffing levels to demand, build better schedules, and stop payroll eating your profit.

Why Events Change Everything – Real stories from daycare owners who increased prices, boosted revenue, and gained confidence almost instantly after attending an industry expo.

Thanks to this weeks guest Sean Felty. Check out Sean’s Labor Lens clicking here nowRemember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Natura Turf, Odercide and Turf Product Solutions.Keep your grass. Lose the mud. Save your sanity with Natura Turf. To find out more click here nowFor your complete odour management solutions click here to check out Odercide at Odercide.comGet the hair out, the stink gone, and your facility back under control, check out Turf Product Solutions here

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[01:30] – Dom introduces a packed episode featuring lessons on mindset, labour strategy, and real-world success stories.[04:30] – Why money mindset is one of the biggest hidden bottlenecks in business growth.[05:30] – The “financial thermostat” concept and how owners subconsciously cap their income.[08:30] – Belief #1: “Making money should be hard” — and how this limits your ability to scale.[12:30] – How systems, teams, and pricing create leverage (not more hours).[13:30] – Belief #2: “More money means more problems” — and the fear that keeps owners playing small.[15:30] – Why many owners cap their income at the level of their previous job.[16:30] – Belief #3: “I’m not worth it” — and how this shows up in your pricing.[18:30] – Why affluent clients think differently… and how this changes your entire business model.[19:00] – Jim Rohn’s principle: why who you spend time with shapes your results.[20:00] – Sean Felty joins to break down labour costs and why scheduling is the real lever.[25:00] – Labour hours per pet: the key metric most owners aren’t using.[29:00] – The balance between caring for your team and controlling costs.[34:00] – Case study: reducing labour from 60%+ to 45% and saving thousands per pay period.[39:00] – Real attendee stories: raising prices, selling more add-ons, and gaining instant confidence.

Are you doing everything right in your daycare with various cleaning protocols, vaccinations, safety checks, but still dealing with illness outbreaks, stressed dogs, and frustrated clients?

Have you ever stopped to consider that the real problem might be something you can’t even see?

And what if improving your air quality could protect your dogs, your staff and save your business tens of thousands in lost revenue?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom tunes in from Boston while coaching his Dog Daycare Success Academy members, before sitting down with Annette Uda from Aerapy Animal Health for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about something most pet business owners never think about… the air inside their building.

Annette shares the deeply personal story behind her company, how a frustrating and ultimately heartbreaking experience with her own dog led her down the path of researching indoor air quality… and how that journey has since helped thousands of facilities create safer, healthier environments. 

But before all that, Dom also dives into some thought-provoking dog news around early dog domestication, and what it really tells us about how dogs are wired… and why enrichment isn’t a luxury, but a necessity.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Invisible Risk in Your Facility – Why viruses, bacteria, and airborne contaminants spread faster than you think… and why cleaning surfaces alone isn’t enough.

Air Quality vs Illness Outbreaks – How poor air circulation and airborne particles can quietly fuel kennel cough, influenza, and other costly issues.

From Personal Tragedy to Industry Solution – The emotional origin story behind Aerapy Animal Health and how one dog’s legacy is now protecting thousands more.

What the Research Actually Shows – The results of a three-year shelter study that reduced respiratory infections by up to 87%.

Why “Safe and Clean” Isn’t the Same Thing – The critical difference between moving air… and actually disinfecting it.

Thanks to this weeks guest Anette Uda. Check out Aerapy Animal Health by clicking here now Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Huge thanks to this weeks amazing show sponsor, Odercide. For your complete odour management solutions go to Odercide.com

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom opens the show from Boston and shares what he’s been coaching clients on around growth, profit, and scaling.[01:30] – Introduction to Annette Uda and the focus on indoor air quality in pet care facilities.[04:00] – Dog News: new research on dog domestication and the idea that dogs may have chosen humans.[06:32] – What early dog behaviour teaches us about enrichment, purpose, and modern daycare mistakes.[09:22] – Why boredom and lack of stimulation are behind many behavioural issues in daycare dogs.[11:20] – Annette shares her personal story and how her dog’s health struggles led to a breakthrough.[16:23] – What’s actually in the air: viruses, bacteria, and microscopic particles affecting dogs and humans.[21:06] – The shelter study results: reducing respiratory infections by up to 87%.[24:10] – Why modern buildings trap harmful airborne particles instead of removing them.[27:00] – Droplets vs airborne transmission: what most people misunderstand about how illness spreads.[30:14] – The difference between filtration, ionisation, and UV air disinfection.[34:00] – Real-world case studies: outbreaks, shutdowns, and how facilities recovered.[37:18] – Why attending industry events like the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo can transform your business.

Are you running a dog daycare that feels busy all the time… but still not making the kind of money you know you should be?

Have you ever looked at another pet business in your town and wondered why they seem to attract better clients, charge higher prices, and make it all look easier?

And what if the real key to making more money in your business wasn’t doing more… but positioning what you already do in a much smarter way?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom goes back to his business coaching roots and lays out five simple but powerful ways to make your dog daycare or pet resort appear more premium, more exclusive, and more desirable to the kind of clients you actually want.

Broadcasting from Town Farm before heading off to Boston, Dom also shares a handful of timely promotional ideas around National Hug Your Dog Day, unpacks a couple of useful dog news stories, and explains why “new” remains one of the most powerful forces in marketing — especially when it comes to keeping your existing clients excited and spending.

Along the way, he breaks down why premium pricing is often easier to sell than mid-market services, why niching and expertise matter more than ever in a crowded market, and why scarcity and exclusivity can transform the way your business is perceived almost overnight.

Tune in to discover:

Premium Pricing That Pulls People In – Why charging more can actually make your business easier to sell, not harder.

The Power of Being Specialised – How niching down makes you more memorable, more desirable, and easier to market.

Why Expertise Changes Everything – How becoming the obvious expert in your town helps you command higher prices.

Personality, Polarisation, and Trust – Why putting more of yourself into your marketing attracts better-fit clients.

Scarcity and Exclusivity – How making your business feel harder to access can instantly make it more attractive.

Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[00:52] – Dom opens the show, sets up the premium positioning theme, and explains why this matters if you want to make more money without adding more dogs.[01:30] – National Hug Your Dog Day: two ways to use it in your marketing, from staff photos to dog safety education.[03:59] – Why “common sense” content builds trust, cuts through the noise, and positions you as the sensible expert in town.[04:55] – Why clients always want something new — and how fresh promotions and experiences keep them engaged and spending.[06:00] – Dog News: a Wall Street Journal story on inflation, rising daycare prices, and why higher prices often don’t reduce demand.[09:03] – A luxury dog hotel goes viral with a recruitment ad — and why hiring should be treated like a marketing event.[17:07] – Dom introduces five premium positioning strategies that can help your business appear more affluent, desirable, and profitable.[19:23] – Why premium pricing works: the Rolls-Royce vs Ford analogy and what it means for your daycare.[24:57] – The power of being specialised: how niching down makes your business easier to market and easier to grow.[31:10] – Expertise, personality, and exclusivity: how to become the obvious premium choice in your town.

Are you making the kind of mistakes in your business that feel harmless now… but could quietly cost you a fortune later?

Have you ever looked back at a decision you made and thought, “What the hell was I thinking?”

And what if some of the biggest wins in business only come after you’ve made — and learned from — a few expensive mistakes first?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom marks April Fools’ Day with a slightly different kind of show — a brutally honest look at the mistakes that pet business owners make over and over again, and how to avoid them before they cost you time, money, profit, and peace of mind.

Recording with Derek snoring in the background, Dom shares a mix of cautionary tales from the wider business world — from Coca-Cola and Blockbuster to Disney and Dyson — before bringing it all back to the pet care industry and the very real errors he sees dog daycare owners making every single day.

Along the way, he also confesses to some of his own more painful business mistakes, explains why Q1 is a good time to get your head back into “business owner mode,” and shares a handful of creative April promotional angles you can use to generate more revenue this month.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Pricing Mistake That Breaks Everything – Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt profit… it damages the whole business model.

Positioning Problems – How trying to serve everyone leaves you blending in, competing on price, and attracting the wrong clients.

Why Pretty Websites Don’t Sell – The big difference between a brochure website and a website that actually converts.

The Cost of Going It Alone – Why some of the most expensive mistakes happen when owners try to figure everything out themselves.

Systems, Strategy, and Smart Decisions – How to stop repeating the same painful errors and start building a stronger business.

Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[00:52] – Dom opens the show, sets up the April Fools theme, and asks the big question: how did Q1 really go for your business?[03:57] – April promotional ideas: Easter, National Pet Month, Songkran, Honesty Day, and how to use them to generate fresh sales.[10:10] – Why selling more to existing clients is easier, faster, and far more profitable than chasing new ones.[14:15] – April Fools in the wider world: from spaghetti trees to the left-handed Whopper.[15:29] – Big business mistakes: Coca-Cola, Nokia, and Blockbuster — and what pet business owners can learn from them.[19:30] – Why stepping outside your business helps you spot opportunities and avoid expensive blind spots.[21:26] – Mistake #1: pricing your business too low and slowly strangling profit, growth, and freedom.[27:00] – Mistake #2 and #3: poor positioning and brochure-style websites that fail to convert browsers into buyers.[31:30] – Mistake #4 and #5: trying to do everything yourself and throwing money at the wrong problem.[35:00] – Mistake #6 to #10: weak copy, playing it too safe, lack of systems, bad partnerships, and building the wrong kind of business.

Ever feel like something’s off in your business…but you can’t quite put your finger on it?

You’re busy. Dogs everywhere. Calendar full.

And yet… the money doesn’t match the effort.

Maybe your pet business isn’t actually sick… or are you just treating the wrong symptoms?

Well, before you spend a ton of money on ads, SEO, a new website, or another shiny new fix…is it worth identifying what’s really broken?

See, the fastest way to grow your dog daycare, isn’t trying to improve everything at once… but diagnosing the right problems first!

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom records from the beach in the North East of England and dives into one of the most important questions any pet business owner can ask:What is actually holding my business back right now?

Using insights from a recent conversation with Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A, Dom breaks down the value of doing a proper top-to-bottom 360 business evaluation — not just to find out what your business might be worth one day, but to understand what needs fixing today.

There’s important lesson on profit and pricing, as well as how to tune up your wider marketing engine.This episode walks through the five key areas every daycare owner should be auditing before they spend another penny trying to “fix” the wrong thing. Along the way, Dom also shares why time away from the business sharpens your thinking, why busy does not equal profitable, and how the wrong kind of help can sometimes send you even further in the wrong direction.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Dog Daycare Diagnosis – Why you should never prescribe a fix before you know what’s actually wrong.

Profit Before Panic – How to assess whether your services are really making money or just keeping you busy.

Pricing, People, and Pipeline – The three big areas where hidden growth opportunities often sit.

Playbook Power – Why a business that only lives in your head will always be harder to grow and sell.

Marketing Assets That Matter – How systems like memberships, lead magnets, onboarding, and automations multiply business value.

Huge thanks to Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A for sharing her wisdom. Click here to find out more about Pet Vet M & A.Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom records from the beach and explains why this episode is one worth listening to right until the end.[03:08] – Fresh off the plane from Spain: why time away from the business helps you think better and lead better.[07:51] – The vet analogy: why diagnosing a problem properly matters before you spend money trying to fix it.[11:00] – Why throwing money at SEO, social media, or ads can backfire if you haven’t identified the real bottleneck.[13:21] – Teija Heikkilä explains Pet Vet M&A’s 360 Business Evaluation and how it reveals what’s really driving value.[18:34] – Why most owners are surprised by how interconnected labour, pricing, and revenue really are.[24:30] – The first area to audit: profit — and why being busy tells you almost nothing useful.[28:48] – Pricing as a growth lever: why most owners ask the wrong question when it comes to what they should charge.[31:30] – People, pipeline, and playbook: the systems and structure your business needs to stop depending entirely on you.[38:34] – The forgotten marketing system: how memberships, lead magnets, newsletters, and automations make your business far more valuable.