The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

Ever wondered why the top business owners in any industry attend a mastermind every quarter? How can stepping into a hot seat in front of fellow owners change your business perspective? And what surprising lessons do you learn when you stop working in the business and start working on it? In this episode, I'm bringing you along for a unique peek behind the scenes of not one, but two mastermind meetings. In the beautiful city of Annapolis, I hosted my first ever USA Elite mastermind meeting where you'll get to hear from members like Kim from Fetch Dog Resort, Kim and Bob from Butter's House and Laina from Barkerville Pet Resort. They reflect on big mindset shifts around hiring, enrichment, and accountability. There's also a bonus chat with my good buddy, and veteran mastermind member Brian Durkin, where we discuss why these meetings have beco me a non-negotiable calendar cornerstone for ambitious entrepreneurs, like us... All of these insightful snippets have one thing in common: they highlight the sense of community, clarity, and commitment that a mastermind gives you, so if you're still not sold on the power of masterminds, this episode may change your mind… Key Takeaways • Step Away to Step Up – Why unplugging from your biz is essential for breakthrough thinking. • Mastermind Magic – How structured peer support builds confidence, clarity, and action. • Outside-In Hiring – The best candidates for pet biz roles might come from outside the industry. • The 90-Day Sprint – Setting quarterly goals gives your team purpose and keeps you accountable. • Stronger Together – As Brian puts it, "A rising tide lifts all boats"—especially when you're in the right room. It's time to stop riding solo and get in the room where it happens, and by "it" I mean sustained business growth, advice from people who've been exactly where you are, and a support network that never goes missing no matter the problem. The insights provided in this podcast will help you attract the right people, avoid burnout, and build a pet business you're proud to lead.

The Elite mastermind is full, but 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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

Are you hiring with confidence or just simply hoping for the best?

Do you ever worry what would happen if your whole morning crew called in sick?

Can you use automation to attract better staff and save your sanity?

In this episode, I'm sharing highlights from the first ever Pet Care Staffing Summit - a game-changing event for dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and pet retail businesses that need to build better teams. We hear first from Eve Molzhon who opens up about the chaos that led her to finally bring on a virtual assistant. Next up is Allison Jacobs, who delivers a hard truth about "cool boss" culture. Her advice? If you want to put dogs first, you need to hold people accountable.

After that, Joe Latona walks us through the systems behind smart recruiting, revealing how pet care businesses can stand out in a competitive hiring landscape (even when the talent pool is shrinking). I also share a segment from my own Staffing Summit session, where I cover the importance of premium pricing and how your perceived value impacts who wants to work for you. Finally, Josh Hightower rounds out the episode with a sneak peak into his automated hiring funnel masterclass!

Key Takeaways:

• Offload to Elevate – Eve's journey shows how bringing in admin support can restore your time and your sanity. • Accountability is Kindness – Allison proves that putting dogs first means holding your team to higher standards. • Recruit Like You Market – Joe explains how to apply your marketing chops to attract top talent. • Price for Impact – Dom makes the case for charging more so you can afford to build a stronger team. • Hiring is a System – Josh's hiring funnel playbook is a must for anyone tired of ghosting and poor-fit applicants. Want to hear the entire Pet Care Staffing Summit recordings? Click here to get immediate access now

The insights provided in this podcast will help you attract the right people, avoid burnout, and build a pet business you're proud to lead.

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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

Something different in this weeks special episode, where I'm the guest - not the host! Amazing dog trainer Jamie Gerald invited me to join her international dog trainer book club to talk about my very first book, How to Be Your Dog's Superhero. What followed was a fantastic discussion about why real connection beats control, and how playing with your dog (yes, on your hands and knees!) can radically transform behaviour and bond.

I share the story behind writing the book, the early mistakes I made as a dog walker, and why building a superhero-level relationship with your dog starts by being the most fun thing in their world.

Tune in to discover:

• Back to Basics – Why even advanced trainers benefit from revisiting playful foundations. • Your Dog Only Needs One Friend – Forget the dog park drama—be the relationship that matters most. • Motivation Matters – From Yorkshire puddings to toilet paper tubes, find what really drives your dog. • Ditch the Drill Sergeant – A loving connection trumps strict commands every time. • Play is the Game Changer – How hands-on interaction at home builds trust and transforms training. If you ever find yourself biting your tongue when someone brings up pack theory, dominance, or the whole alpha dog thing, then you'll enjoy this expert chat about the joy and benefits of simply having fun with dogs...

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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

Could your staffing costs be draining your profits?

How do you scale pet care services without multiplying mistakes? What's the easiest way to increase profitability without adding more clients?

In this episode, I sit down with Sean Felty from Greenlin Pet Resorts - owner of six busy facilities and founder of Next Tree Strategies - to talk about how he's helping pet care businesses plug their biggest profit leak: labour inefficiency. Sean shares how one payroll misstep at his own company sparked the creation of a labour benchmarking system that's now saving operators thousands per pay period.

We talk about the most common issues dog daycares face with over-hiring, reactive scheduling, and manager blind spots - and how Sean's system helps businesses get control fast, without sacrificing care quality. We also explore why growth often amplifies inefficiencies, and how Sean's healthcare background taught him to fix processes with data - not guesswork.

Tune in to discover…

• The Labour Cost Leak – Why most pet care businesses lose thousands on overstaffing without realising. • Benchmarking That Works – How Sean's system tracks labour hours per pet to keep costs under control. • Seasonality Pitfalls – The sneaky way staffing habits grow out of control and what to do about it. • From Healthcare to Pet Care – What Sean learned in hospitals that now helps daycares save big. • Fixing with Data – Why Sean says labour management isn't guesswork—it's a process anyone can master.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start saving, this episode is your blueprint for smarter staffing and stronger profits. Don't miss out! Seans put together an awesome free guide - The Pet Boarding and Dog Daycare Owners Guide to Labor Management, to download a FREE copy click here now

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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

Do you want a pet business that makes money without running you into the ground? What's the difference between a business that grows efficiently—and one that just gets busier? And how can better systems set you free while boosting your bottom line? In this episode, I'm joined by Josh Hightower, who shares how pet business owners can create a scalable, automated hiring funnel that attracts, qualifies, and converts great staff. Josh explains how to treat hiring like a sales process—complete with lead magnets, automation, and pre-qualification steps that save you hours and help you avoid bad hires. But before all that, Eve Molzhon shares how she manages five virtual assistants across multiple businesses, including the key roles they play and how she structures her internal support system. We also hear from Brian Hahn, who reveals how the CliftonStrengths framework can help you build a stronger, more cohesive team. Brian explains how identifying and working with your staff's strengths can boost motivation, reduce conflict, and improve overall performance - starting with understanding your own. In this episode, you'll discover:

• Turn Your Hiring into a Funnel – Josh explains how to build a hiring process that mirrors a marketing funnel, using automation, filtering steps, and smart follow-up to attract and retain quality applicants.
• Stop Wasting Time on Unqualified Candidates – By pre-qualifying applicants early with video submissions and assessments, you can avoid interviews with the wrong people and only focus on the best fits.
• Use VAs to Strengthen Your Team – Eve shares how she effectively uses virtual assistants to take admin off her plate and allow her to lead more strategically.
• Understand and Use Your Strengths – Brian Hahn shows how understanding your own leadership style and your team's individual strengths can lead to better communication and stronger culture.
• Staffing Success Starts with You – Across all three interviews, the message is clear: if you want a great team, it starts with clear systems, intentional leadership, and a willingness to step back from the day-to-day chaos.

If you're tired of hiring headaches and staffing struggles and you want real solutions, this episode (and this Summit) is for you. Click here to get your early bird ticket now

Hiring doesn't have to be a constant battle. There IS a better way - and you'll find out exactly what that best way is, at the Pet Care Staffing Summit Click here to grab your 'early-bird' Pet Care Staffing Summit ticket now

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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

Are your staff stuck at a dead end with no room to grow? Could a simple enrichment tweak transform your team's motivation and retention? What if the key to attracting A+ hires was hiding in plain sight on your website?

In this special Pet Care Staffing Summit preview episode, I'm joined by two fantastic guests -Tim Jackson and Joe Latona - who share the strategies they're using to fix common hiring headaches in the pet industry.

First up is Joe Latona from WalkerScout, who outlines the five crucial pieces every pet business owner needs in place to build a high-performing team. From enriching your workplace culture to improving wages and SEO, Joe breaks down how to make your business irresistible to top-tier talent—and how AI can help you do it faster.

Then I chat to Tim Jackson, who reveals how his own staff crisis led him to create an "Employee Passport" system that gave his team structure, training, and a way to move forward. He explains how layering in enrichment opportunities has boosted team engagement, improved retention, and aligned staff with his vision for the business. Whether you're growing your daycare or simply trying to stop the staffing revolving door, this episode gives you practical, proven steps to build a stronger, more stable team.

Tune in to discover; Tim's Employee Passport: A structured system that helps staff track training and career progression, preventing burnout and boredom.

Why Enrichment Isn't Just for Dogs: Tim explains how incorporating enrichment for staff can dramatically increase motivation and morale.

The Five Pillars of Recruitment: Joe shares how enrichment, culture, pay, reputation, and SEO form the foundation of effective hiring.

Hiring Funnel = Gamechanger: Creating a hiring funnel is just as important as a client funnel—and can save you from bad hires.

Speed is Key: Joe stresses the importance of fast, professional follow-up to avoid losing high-quality candidates to competitors.

If you're tired of hiring headaches and ready for real solutions, this episode (and this Summit) is for you. Click here to get your early bird ticket now

Hiring doesn't have to be a constant battle. There IS a better way - and you'll find out exactly what that best way is, at the Pet Care Staffing Summit Click here to grab your 'early-bird' Pet Care Staffing Summit ticket now

Are you tired of posting job ads only to hear crickets… or worse, getting flooded with unqualified applicants who disappear after two shifts?

Why does it seem like every other business is poaching the best employees while you're stuck with a revolving door of unreliable hires?

And most importantly—what can you do to fix it?

The hiring crisis in pet care is real. Business owners are stretched thin, juggling marketing, operations, and an endless cycle of recruiting and retraining. But what if hiring didn't have to be this hard?

That's why I'm hosting the first-ever Pet Care Staffing Summit (April 7–11) - a virtual event designed to give pet business owners the hiring, retention, and team-building strategies they desperately need. This is NOT just another generic leadership seminar. We're diving deep into real, actionable solutions that will help you build a team that supports your growth instead of holding you back.

In this episode, I break down: ✔ Why hiring is harder than ever—and the biggest mistakes owners are making. ✔ How to build a hiring funnel that attracts top-tier candidates on autopilot. ✔ The surprising reason your job ads aren't pulling in the right people. ✔ What labor cost leaks could be quietly draining your business. ✔ How enrichment plays a bigger role in staff retention than you think.

And, of course, I'll give you a behind-the-scenes preview of the Pet Care Staffing Summit - who's speaking, what's covered, and how this event will help you finally fix your hiring problems for good.

If you're tired of hiring headaches and ready for real solutions, this episode (and this Summit) is for you.

Hiring doesn't have to be a constant battle. There IS a better way - and you'll find out exactly what that best way is, at the Pet Care Staffing Summit Click here to grab your 'early-bird' Pet Care Staffing Summit ticket now

Are you relying too much on social media to attract clients?

What's the secret to getting the best customers to refer you to their friends?

And how can you ensure your business evolves in a way that keeps YOU profitable and happy?

In this episode, I share the next five pet biz rules that will help you build a more profitable, stress-free, and future-proofed business. I recently attended a mastermind, where I mapped out the next steps for my own business - focusing on what I enjoy, what actually works, and what needs to change. I also dive into why in this digital age we live in, offline marketing is more powerful than ever, and how one simple switch helped a coaching client double his daycare bookings without spending a penny on ads.

You'll also learn why a referrals are the easiest way to clone your best clients, but only if you build a system that makes it effortless for happy clients to send high-quality leads your way. Then I dive into my favourite topic… how to attract affluent clients who are happy to pay premium prices - and why most pet business owners are marketing in the wrong places.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Offline Marketing is Underrated – Social media isn't enough. Direct mail, networking, and referrals bring in better clients.
• Referrals Shouldn't Be Left to Chance – A structured referral system makes it easy for happy clients to bring in new business.
• Not All Clients Are Created Equal – Stop chasing bargain hunters. Attract premium clients who value and pay for top service.
• Taking Action Beats Consuming Information – Learning is useless without action. Implement strategies instead of just collecting ideas.
• Build a Business You Enjoy – Avoid burnout by focusing on profitable, enjoyable services that fit your long-term goals.

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

If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

To apply to join Dom's next level Diamond private coaching program click here now

How do successful entrepreneurs make BIG breakthroughs in their pet business? More to the point, are you getting the help you need to elevate your thinking (and your vision, for where your business will go next?)

See, for Dom this week has been all about helping others to move forward, AND I've been getting some help with my business challenges too. Many pet business owners are too stubborn or stupid to invest in the help they need. I regularly invest in coaching, consulting and masterminds, and this week after hosting my own mastermind I spent the day in Southampton with a copywriter working out a strategy for the next phase of my business growth. Someone else who isn't afraid to take advice and invest in his future is one of my Elite U.K mastermind members, Adam Delderfield. Adam shares some of the big business breakthroughs that have contributed to the success at Delders Dogs. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: • The Growth Blueprint – The simple but powerful framework I'm using to scale my business this year. • The Secret to Long-Term Clients – How Adam keeps puppy clients engaged and paying long after their first class. • The Power of Pre-Selling – Why you should never assume clients will buy and how to make sure they do. • The Membership Model That Works – How to create a recurring revenue stream that grows month after month. • Why Selling More is About Service, Not Pressure – How to make sure your clients want to buy from you. • Elite Business Moves – The behind-the-scenes strategy shifts I'm making to take things to the next level. Thanks to Adam for sharing his success secrets. Find out more about Delders Dogs by clicking here now If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

To apply to join Dom's next level Diamond private coaching program click here now

Are you struggling to keep up as your pet business grows? Worried that hiring more staff will lead to more headaches, not more profit? Curious about the strategies top pet business owners use to scale with confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Eve Molzhon from Dog Handler Academy to break down the game-changing strategies pet business owners can use to scale their operations while keeping control, profitability, and sanity intact. We uncover what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to growing a sustainable, high-profit pet business such as expanding to multiple locations, hiring a manager, and introducing memberships. We also talk about the biggest scaling mistakes business owners make, like failing to delegate, pricing incorrectly, and struggling with staff management. Eve shares how hiring five virtual assistants freed up her time while improving efficiency, and why structured staff training is key to growth. Make sure you tune in for insightful, actionable advice from one of the industry's best. In this episode, you'll discover: • The Key to Sustainable Growth – Why scaling isn't just about getting bigger, but getting better at running your business. • Hiring Without the Headaches – The secret to bringing in the right people and avoiding the common staffing pitfalls that drain your time and profits. • Why Memberships Are a Game-Changer – How subscription-based services can stabilize cash flow, boost client loyalty, and make your business more valuable. • Pricing Strategies for Scale - How to charge what you're worth and avoid profit-draining mistakes as you grow. • Systems, Not Stress - The simple operational tweaks that make multi-location expansion smoother and easier. If you're serious about taking your pet business to the next level - without burning out - this episode is for you. Thanks to Eve for sharing her wisdom. To register for Dog Handler Academy's 2025 Leadership Summit click here now If you want more help and advice from me then you should grab a copy of my brand new book, How to Disnify Your Pet Business, click here to get your copy now

To apply to join Dom's next level Diamond private coaching program click here now