The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

What happens to your business when the economy shifts, jobs disappear, and your clients start feeling the pressure before you do?

How resilient is your pricing, your positioning, and your client base if AI starts replacing roles your customers rely on?

And what really changes when you experience Dom's coaching in person — not through a screen, not in theory, but live and unfiltered?

In this episode, Dom pulls back the curtain on why Teija Heikkilä was the only choice for keynote speaker at IMPACT 2026 — and why her message lands harder now than ever before. Teija isn't talking hypotheticals. She's built, scaled, and sold multiple pet care businesses, and now helps owners do the same through PetVetMa. Her lens is simple, uncomfortable, and powerful: every business owner exits — the only question is how well.

You'll hear Dom and Teija in conversation discussing premium pricing, asset value, exit planning, and a topic most people are skirting around: AI and the knock-on effect it will have on jobs, income, and consumer behaviour. Not from a "tech bro" angle — but from a practical, business-owner perspective. If your clients lose income, change jobs, or feel uncertain… what does that mean for your business? And how do you insulate yourself from that now?

Alongside that, Dom shares behind-the-scenes insight from a recent in-person consultation day with Adam Elderfield, PBIC Marketer of the Year. In a single day, they fixed leaks, uncovered hidden money, ruled out entire business directions Adam didn't want — and mapped a clearer, more profitable future. Dom explains why this kind of clarity simply doesn't happen by accident… and why events like IMPACT compress years of trial and error into days.

You'll also hear a teaser about the 2026 PBIC Marketer of the Year, what's coming next, and why the people who win in this industry are always the ones willing to get in the room, challenge their thinking, and build businesses designed to last — not just survive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Teija's Perspective Is Different – Built it. Sold it. Repeated it. And now teaches owners how to do the same.
• AI, Jobs & the Economy – How shifts outside your business can quietly wreck unprepared ones — and how to stay ahead.
• Build It to Sell (Even If You Never Do) – Why exit thinking makes your business stronger today, not later.
• What In-Person Coaching Really Unlocks – Why one focused day beats months of calls and content.
• Why IMPACT Isn't Just Another Event – Strategy, pressure, perspective, and momentum — live, not theoretical.

If you want to understand where the industry is heading — and how to build a business that thrives no matter what changes next — then IMPACT 2026 is where those conversations are happening.

If you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… this is the event you've been waiting for.

And if you want one of the first 50 tickets — and the $500 savings that comes with them — go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026

To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now

Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

What if you could transform your daycare into the Disney of your town, the place affluent owners brag about, pay more for, and refuse to leave?

What would happen to your business if you mastered experience, enrichment, pricing, systems, and upsells in just two days?

And what could next year look like if you finally stopped running a wacky warehouse… and started running a wonderland for dogs?

In this week's episode, I come in hot with the announcement I've been dying to make: The Disnify Your Dog Daycare LIVE Impact Success Summit is coming to ORLANDO in 2026. And it's going to be the biggest, boldest, most transformational event I have ever delivered.

Before diving into the details, I recap an emotional and breakthrough-filled week inside the UK Elite Mastermind – complete with hotseats, tears, major wins, as well as behavioural psychology insights from guest speaker Mike Samuels, and a stack of 90-day action plans that will fuel major business growth well into the new year.

Then, I unveil the full vision behind the 2026 Impact Summit, and how those smart enough to attend will walk away having become experts on premium pricing, systemisation, ascension, upsells, staff culture, enrichment, and showmanship… this is the ultimate masterclass for dog daycare and pet resort owners who want to rise above the competition.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The Magic of Experience – How to use Disney's "Everything Speaks" principle to make every square foot of your facility sell for you. • The Business of Enchantment – Why the next generation of premium pet care is EXPERIENCE-led, not operationally led. • How to Imagineer Your Empire – The exit-ready operations map that makes your business scalable, sellable, and self-running. • Ascension Secrets – Disney's client journey playbook and how to turn one service into multiple revenue streams. • Showmanship & Sales Choreography – How to turn your staff into cast members who sell confidently and consistently.

If you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… this is the event you've been waiting for.

And if you want one of the first 50 tickets — and the $500 savings that comes with them — go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026

To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now

Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

What would happen if you stopped for a moment and actually looked at how far you've come in your business? How much easier would things feel if you recognised the wins, the lessons, the mistakes, and the mentors who helped you get here? And what breakthroughs might you unlock if you took stock of everything you should be thankful for as a pet business owner? In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, I take a breather from the post-Hershey whirlwind to reflect on the major moments, decisions, and people that have shaped my business journey. From leaving Imperial Tobacco, to finding the right clients, to building a team I trust, I lay out the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to create a business that grows, evolves, and keeps moving forward even when an unstable economy, government changes, or other people make it feel harder than it needs to be. You'll hear my gratitude list (with a few surprises on it), the pitfalls I've learned from, and why I credit much of my success to the mentors and masterminds who helped me skip years of pain and fast-track real progress. I also dive into the importance of pricing courage, innovation, better boundaries, and attracting the right clients – the ones who make the work feel like fun rather than friction. In this episode, you'll discover:

• The Power of Being a Business Owner – Why choosing this path (and sticking with it) is something to be proud of.
• Clients Worth Protecting – How the right customers make your business lighter, happier, and far easier to grow.
• Mentors & Masterminds – Why fast progress happens when you stop guessing and start listening to people who've done it.
• Learning From Mistakes – How failures like the online store became fuel for better systems, smarter pricing, and stronger positioning.
• Courage, Growth & Innovation – Why pushing out of your comfort zone is the key to bigger breakthroughs in 2026.

If you've been head-down, grinding through the chaos of Christmas bookings, staffing headaches, or end-of-year admin, this episode is your reminder to zoom out, breathe, and acknowledge the progress you've already made, and the opportunities waiting for you.I To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

Ever wondered what actually goes into launching a book that could reshape the way dog daycares think about enrichment? What happens when you return from a whirlwind U.S. expo, jump straight into coaching calls, and then dive headfirst into recording your next audiobook? And what is it about enrichment that has daycare owners buzzing, levelling up, and leaving rave reviews within days? In this episode, I check in from a frosty, Christmas-tinged Town Farm to share the story behind the launch of Mission Enrich, my newest (and most unusual) pet business book. Fresh off the plane from Hershey, still buzzing from back-to-back presentations and an avalanche of Enrich U sign-ups, I break down why this book is different — and why it's already making waves with daycares across the UK, US, and the rest of the world. You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the launch week at the Hershey expo, the early feedback flooding in from readers, why writing remains my most important business tool, and why now is the perfect time for daycare owners to rethink what enrichment really means. I also share the opening chapter of the audiobook, plus a special offer for podcast listeners who want early access to the full audio version. In this episode, you'll discover: The Spirit of Canis – The ancient idea at the heart of Mission Enrich and why it matters for modern dog daycares.

Why This Book Is Different – How a parable can teach deeper lessons than any how- to manual.

Real Reviews – What early readers are saying about how the story is already reshaping their teams, dogs, and daycares. The Power of Writing – Why learning to communicate through story is one of the most profitable skills a pet business owner can develop. A Special Launch Bonus – How to get the audiobook version for free — before it's available anywhere else. If you've been thinking about implementing enrichment, this episode is a window into the next evolution of the industry — and the mindset shift that will define the best-run facilities in 2026 and beyond. To grab a copy of Mission Enrich, click here now Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

What really happens when you take your business across the pond and into one of the biggest pet care expos in the world? How do you turn an event stand into a sales machine, attract 20+ new members, and launch a brand-new book in the middle of it all? And what does it take to keep your energy (and sanity) when you're juggling clients, speaking gigs, and international travel all in one week? In this episode, Me and Tim Jackson check in from Heathrow Airport after an unforgettable week at the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Hershey. Between two days in New York, the Mission ENRICH book launch, and a record-breaking run on the Enrich U stand, we unpack the biggest wins, lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments from our U.S. trip. You'll hear how the expo became a living showcase for experiential marketing, why Enrich U continues to grow faster than ever, and how consistency (plus the right prep) turns potential chaos into predictable success. Me and Tim also reflect on the importance of downtime, balancing business and life, and how structured storytelling can help any pet pro sell more — without relying on social media guesswork. Plus, Tim shares live interviews from the expo floor with new Enrich U members Alyssa and Ross, who reveal why the program's time-saving structure and ready-to-use marketing materials were a no-brainer for their daycare. Tune in to discover:

• Inside the Expo – How the Enrich U stand drew record crowds and signed up 20 new members in two days.
• From Stage to Stand – The real story behind Dom's premium pricing and enrichment presentations that wowed Hershey attendees.
• Book Launch Wins – How Mission ENRICH came to life (and why it's just the beginning of something bigger).
• Marketing That Sells Itself – How the Pet Business Promotional Calendar saves time and turns regular emails into real revenue.
• Partnership Power – How the collaboration between Enrich U, PetBizSuite, and the wider community is fuelling industry growth.

Grab your 2026 Pet Business Promotional Calendar NOW by clicking here

A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here. Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now

Ever wondered what breakthroughs are possible when you step away from the business and into a room full of people who "get it"?

And what did a room full of those ambitious pet pros learn that helped them raise prices, specialise, and start leading their clients (instead of being led by them)?

Did you see we missed last week's episode and wonder if I had finally taken a day off?, Well, fear ye not because in this episode, I return after a non-stop US trip to share what went down at my latest business bootcamp. After a marathon week in Maryland and Washington — including masterminding with Vance Morris, a tailgate party, a rare Baltimore Ravens win, a packed two-day event, and a mastermind of my own — I break down the biggest lessons and the biggest owner breakthroughs captured after just the first day.

You'll hear insights from the owners, managers, and action-takers who attended the doggy daycare business bootcamp and discovered why raising prices is non-negotiable, why the best clients want to be guided, and how pre-pay models, memberships, retainers, and niche positioning can create instant clarity and better cashflow in their businesses. Basically, if you weren't there – first of all, take a long look in the mirror – but second of all… here's what you missed out on.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Leadership Matters — The fastest-growing businesses are run by owners who direct the journey, not react to it.
• Premium Pricing Power — Bootcamp attendees share how increasing rates unlocked new investment and higher-quality clients.
• Know Your Best Clients — How identifying your highest-value customers gives you clarity on who to serve and what to sell.
• Memberships & Retainers — Why predictable income beats panic-filled month-ends every time.
• Work On Your Business — The breakthrough that happens when owners step back from the day-to-day and build systems instead.

A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here.

Grab your 2026 Pet Business Promotional Calendar NOW by clicking here

Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now

Still running your business with sticky notes, spreadsheets, and late-night messages?

What if you could turn that chaos into a seamless system that saves you hours, grows your profits, and upsells clients automatically?

And what happens when a dog daycare grows 200x in size—and creates the tech to make it all work?

In this week's episode, I sit down with long-time Elite members Sarah and Pete Stevens of K9 Adventures and Pawpal UK to reveal how they went from a disorganised dog van full of cash and confusion… to running one of the UK's most advanced, organised, and profitable pet care facilities. They tell the story of how what started for them as a simple dog walking business evolved into a full-service daycare, boarding, grooming, and enrichment centre—powered by their own custom-built app.

Sarah and Pete share how Pawpal, the all-in-one pet business platform, was born out of necessity, tested in their own facility, and is now helping daycares across the UK save time, automate admin, and unlock hidden profit through smart upsells. You'll hear the real story behind its creation, the systems that took them from stressed to scalable, and how automation can finally free you up to focus on what you actually enjoy—working with dogs.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• From Van Chaos to A Clear Vision – How a single "cash in the sun visor" moment sparked a complete business transformation.
• Growth Without Overload – The systems and pricing mindset that helped K9 Adventures scale 200x without losing control.
• Upsells That Sell Themselves – How their "McDonald's-style" add-ons generate 13.8% of revenue on autopilot.
• Automation That Pays – Why the right app can save 40+ hours a month and make your admin team obsolete.
• Tech Meets Trust – How branded apps build client confidence, streamline staff communication, and keep everything running smoothly.

If your facility's growth feels like it's outpacing your systems, this is the episode you've been waiting for. The secret isn't more hustle—it's smarter structure.

Learn more about Pawpal at www.pawpal.uk and start turning your chaos into clarity today.

A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here.

Don't forget I'm hosting my own dog daycare business bootcamp in October in Annapolis, you can grab your ticket now at: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/bootcamp

Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now

Are you still trying to fix your business problems alone because you're afraid of outside influence?

What could change if you let a fresh pair of eyes look under the hood and point out what you're missing?

And how much faster would you grow if you stopped winging it and started working with people who've already been where you want to go?

In this week's episode, I share a field report from Elite member and Enrich U co-founder Tim Jackson, who spent 24 hours on site with fellow Elite members, and Enrich U scholars Sarah and Pete Stevens at K9 Adventures London. Tim reveals how their team is levelling up their daycare with new facilities, a killer scent space, and staff-led enrichment—but also what most daycares get wrong about enrichment (and how to fix it).

Then I dive deeper into one of the most important business lessons I've learned—why getting outside help isn't a weakness, it's the ultimate growth shortcut. From my early days as a dog walker learning from mentors like Dave Davies, to my recent investment in a new high-level coaching programmes, I explain why every big leap in my career started the same way: by asking for help… and why YOURS should too.

In this episode, you'll discover:

What Fresh Eyes Reveal – Why an outsider can spot opportunities and blind spots you'll never see alone. The Power of Enrichment in Action – How Pete and Sarah turned Enrich U ideas into real-world results (and calmer dogs). Staff Buy-In That Sticks – What Tim learned about training teams who want to do enrichment, not just tick boxes. Coaching Over Guessing – How paying for expert help saves years of trial and error. Growth Mindset vs. Ego – The simple shift that separates those who scale from those who stall.

If you've been thinking, "I can figure this out on my own," this episode should your wake-up call...

To enroll in Enrich University - and get access to a full pet care enrichment curriculum AND done-for-you marketing materials each month, click here now To get the recordings from the 2025 Pet Care Enrichment Summit click here now. A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here.

Don't forget I'm hosting my own dog daycare business bootcamp in October in Annapolis, you can grab your ticket now at: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/bootcamp

Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now

Are you still treating enrichment like an optional extra instead of the core of your daycare experience?

What would change in your business if you stopped cramming more dogs into the yard — and started charging more for a deeper, more meaningful day?

And how much easier would life be if your staff, clients, and dogs were all on board with the same enrichment-first philosophy?

In this episode, I sit down with enrichment expert and long-time collaborator Tim Jackson to recap the biggest breakthroughs from the 2025 Pet Care Enrichment Summit. Together we share how the industry is shifting away from chaos and crowd control — and towards personalised canine curriculums that boost behaviour, profitability, and client loyalty.

You'll hear how facilities across the globe are rethinking enrichment from the ground up, why staff engagement is the missing ingredient in most programmes, and how ideas like "scent spaces" and comfort-based enrichment are creating calmer, happier dogs (and much happier teams, not to mention the owners). Me and Tim also tackle the biggest objections — from staff resistance to space constraints — and explain why enrichment is the lever that makes every other part of your business easier to run.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Beyond Snuffle Mats – Why most daycares are barely scratching the surface of what enrichment can be. • Lessons from the Zoos – How top facilities design activities with purpose, calmness, and natural behaviours in mind. • Staff Buy-In Made Simple – How the Employee Accelerator model turns enrichment sceptics into champions. • Innovation in Action – Real-world examples of scent walls, comfort zones, and sensory spaces transforming small facilities. • The Missing Link – Why you're not "just" providing exercise — you're offering fulfilment, structure, and behavioural balance.

If enrichment still feels like "something extra," this episode will flip that script. It's not the future — it's the standard your clients and dogs already expect. And the sooner you embrace it, the sooner your daycare becomes the one dogs thrive in, not just survive.

To get the recordings from the 2025 Pet Care Enrichment Summit click here now. A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here.

Don't forget I'm hosting my own dog daycare business bootcamp in October in Annapolis, you can grab your ticket now at: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/bootcamp

Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now

Are you still treating enrichment like an optional extra instead of the foundation of your service?

Do your clients really understand the experience you're selling—or are you still stuck flogging time blocks?

And if enrichment is mandatory in zoos, why are so many daycares still offering the bare minimum?

Great questions, which all get answered on this weeks show, where I also share a behind-the-scenes update from my busy final quarter of the year—planning events, wrapping up the final touches on my new book, and preparing for the 2025 Pet Care Enrichment Summit. You'll hear why enrichment is the golden key to happier dogs, more engaged staff, and premium-paying clients—and why the smartest operators are doubling down on it right now.

I also bring in snippets from Adam Delderfield and zookeeper Callan Edwards, who reveal how behaviour-focused enrichment and fresh zoo-inspired ideas are transforming the way daycares think about play, training, and client education (all of which you'll hear more about at the Summit). Plus, I preview my brand-new presentation—Selling the Invisible—showing you how to communicate the transformation enrichment provides so clients line up to pay for it.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Enrichment is the Future of Pet Care – And why owners are demanding more than a "tired dog at pickup."
• The Behaviour-First Model – How zoo-based methods are raising the bar for enrichment worldwide.
• Selling the Invisible – My new framework for packaging and pricing enrichment as an experience.
• The Power of Personalisation – Why no two dogs should get the same enrichment plan.
• The Golden Key – How enrichment unlocks profit, staff engagement, and client loyalty.

Early-bird tickets for the Pet Care Enrichment Summit are now LIVE click here now to secure yours! A huge thanks to our new show sponsors, the fantastic PawPal who are providing pet businesses with an effortless, bespoke booking system that is simple and seamless for owners. Find out more about PawPal here.

Don't forget I'm hosting my own dog daycare business bootcamp in October in Annapolis, you can grab your ticket now at: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/bootcamp

Need help fixing your business? To join the worlds leading pet business development program go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

If you're ready to attract better clients, increase your profits, and grow with confidence, then you should apply to join Dom's Diamond Coaching Program click here to start now