Maggie found herself at a crossroads. A retired schoolteacher whose life took an unexpected yet remarkable turn in her first year of retirement. With her children grown and the classroom days behind her, Maggie found herself yearning for something (anything, really) that could spark a new sense of purpose in her life. Little did she know, her lifelong affection for dogs was about to lead her down an extraordinary path.
Finding Purpose in Paws
The initial days of Maggie’s retirement there was an unmistakable undercurrent of restlessness. A feeling of being untethered from the anchors of routine and purpose had crept in. So she decided to bring a puppy into her home.
It wasn’t long until she brought home a sprightly Labrador retriever, Bella. Bella brought a joie de vivre that only a puppy can. And the training thrilled Maggie, after all, she was a teacher.
Now, about 6 months after bringing Bella home, they were at the dog park for a play date. Maggie noticed there was a young couple there, with a puppy not much older than Bella. They were having a bit of a problem though, the puppy wasn’t responding to any commands.
The couple were frustrated, so Maggie stepped in with a few words of sage advice. On the way home, a thought struck her. How many other dog owners out there need help?
Fuelled by this newfound curiosity, Maggie dove headfirst into learning what it takes to become a dog trainer. And she was quite surprised.
There are only two things you need to become a dog trainer; a love for dogs and a foundational knowledge of training. Check, and check.
Unleashing Potential: The Learning Curve
Maggie is a determined, serious, and ethical woman. So, she took a short online course using Bella as her pupil. Maggie learned about canine psychology, positive reinforcement techniques, and how to handle a myriad of behavioral issues. Each class left her more enchanted with the profession, armed with clickers, treats, and growing confidence.
Taking the Leash: Launching the Business
With solid training in hand and a heart full of determination, Maggie set out to turn her passion into a thriving business. After her research on training & dog owners, she realized she had the best shot in the walking business, which she could boost with her training skills.
Maggie’s business began. Armed with a simple flyer pinned to the local grocery store bulletin board, her walking business quickly blossomed into something much more. She offered something special—a personal touch, patience honed from years of teaching, and an unwavering dedication to her furry clients.
Navigating the business side was a learning curve all its own. Setting rates, marketing her services, and creating a brand identity were tasks that seemed daunting at first. But Maggie tackled each challenge with the same tenacity she had brought to the classroom. She set her rate at $20 per thirty-minute walk to start (and she could walk 4-5 dogs at a time, easily!).
And not long after, she was offering specific training sessions at $100/hour for some of her clients.
A Bark Above: Growing the Business
Word of Maggie’s magic spread like wildfire in the community. Her days were soon filled with back-to-back sessions, from one-on-one training to group socialization classes.
But it wasn’t just her services that garnered attention; it was the genuine love and respect she showed to each dog and their owner. She had a knack for understanding not just the pet’s needs but also the owner’s, creating a harmonious relationship that often extended beyond the training sessions.
Challenges and Rewards: The Journey Continues
Of course, the path wasn’t always lined with paw prints and success stories. There were tough cases, difficult clients, and the ever-present challenge of balancing her growing business with personal time. Yet, each obstacle was met with the same perseverance and problem-solving skills that had defined Maggie’s teaching career.
The rewards, however, were immeasurable. Seeing a once anxious dog greet the world with tail wags or a previously unruly pup master a new command brought a joy that was both profound and infectious. The financial success was a bonus too. She only ran the business part-time and was making more than she did as a teacher.
Lessons Learned: Insights and Advice
Reflecting on her journey, Maggie shared some pearls of wisdom for anyone contemplating a similar leap of faith. “Embrace the challenges,” she’d say, with a twinkle in her eye, “for they are merely stepping stones to growth.” She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and above all, patience—both with oneself and with the dogs.
Her advice to aspiring dog trainers and entrepreneurs was simple yet profound: “Follow your passion. And never underestimate the power of a good treat!”.
And so, to those standing at their own crossroads, wondering if it’s too late to embark on a new adventure, let Maggie’s story be your guide. After all, in the world of dogs and dreams, it’s never too late to teach an old (or young) dog new tricks.
To learn more about training dogs, check out Brain Training 4 Dogs.
To learn more about how to start your own dog walking or training business, email us and we can provide you with a FREE and helpful guide. [email protected]
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