Never Walk Alone Dog Training Service

04/06/2020

It's been a while. I started this site for dog owners in need of a perspective to handle problems, see what's possible etc. I also have tapped into a number of trainers looking to make a business out of helping people with their dogs. This is for you, dog training hero!
Dog training is a unique problem solving equation involving the dog, trainer and owner. As a 3 legged stool, if one of the legs doesn't hold up it's end, things get out of balance. Lots of examples of that in my training experience. Owners need to show up to complete any ground gained between dog and trainer.
As a business, dog training is exactly like any other business. You need to gain a client, deliver a service and get paid for the effort. The value the client thinks of the experience is how you begin your brand. The cost it takes you to deliver that service and the price you charge is where you find (or don't find) profit. You need profit to run a business.
My focus for dog business people is to help with basic business concepts that apply with any small business. How to look at the value you provide, the price you charge and the costs of doing business. In those three legs of your business 3 legged stool, you find brand, profit, commodity vs. blue ocean and an exploration of what works and what doesn't. I'd be happy to go over any of that with you.
When I started my consulting company 9 years ago, I got a great lesson of how much work it was and how nothing of how I thought it would go originally made it past the first year.
Your dog training business needs to find the value out there so that you can make a living at this. Be a business person, not just a great trainer. Look at cash flow as the oxygen you need to breath (i.e. you can't hold your breath too long) and costs as arterial blood that can cause you to bleed out with accidents and injuries (think bad investments and lack of clients).
Look, right now is probably a challenge for anybody on how you service clients and survival may be your only goal. Be creative and feel free to dialog with me on an issues regarding your business, survival and doing whatever it takes. There's a way to survive and thrive in this new environment.
Be safe and focused. I'll post some concepts on surviving difficult times and looking for that pumpkin vine that will grow the biggest pumpkin your state fair has ever seen.
Eric

08/17/2019

For small business owners (dog trainers especially) Marcus Lemonis is a great binge watching tune up to refocus on business basics. His focus on profitability rather than revenue is a great lesson in this speaking event featuring him. Enjoy...

Watch Marcus Lemonis live from the T-Mobile Times Square Store tackling some of the toughest business questions on this special episode of Whiteboard Wednesd...

03/30/2019

Oh boy. Two GSP’s that we’re rescued from a mill. Tune up, get them to check in and bonus for some manners. Wish me luck.

08/04/2018

Good start to a structured walk with this newly adopted 6 year old GSD. Typical 3 weeks in and behaviors started popping up. All insecurities and hopefully straighten out with structure (aka- walk your dog ! ). Good job Travis!

12/10/2017

Bratty husky with an overwhelmed Mom and two other dogs at home. Walks were high stress and very physical. Just an intro to what’s possible and plans for phased in training. Beth caught on quickly and some quick basics. Great to work with someone motivated to change.

09/19/2017

Now that's a good idea! what else do you do with the peel... ?

04/28/2017

Seems like forever since the T3 seminar in LA last February. Here is Tori Smith trying to teach an old dog (me) new tricks. Place command with Deb's rescue shepard. Tori is great at breaking down the little things that can help trainers be better. I just used thisa few nights ago to help an owner working with a 6 mo. old lab headed to be a service dog. Fun stuff.

04/09/2017

Interacting with your dog on a walk is a cool thing to do. My version is to do challenges like the drunken heel, walk on top of a short wall, do things out of the ordinary. Walks for me are a mix of structure, sniff/potty breaks, and a bit of the unexpected. Yesterday we did a short off leash heel. Anything to break up the "same thing" of a typical walk. Annie is 10 and retired from hunting and running so this is fun for her.

04/07/2017

This is Bridget. She is a sweet long dog that had a great life before her owners brought the baby home. She recently nipped the two year old and drew blood. She has the next few weeks to learn why that isn't a good idea and prevent being re-homed at 9 years old. Wish us luck.

04/05/2017

This is a repost for those that don't have a couch potato and who's arms are in slings from trying to throw the ball long enough to wear the live wire out. Chilling is a learned thing and is underrated as far as training goes. It's a really long post but worth it for those that are struggling with hyperness. Enjoy.

"Wait did you just say don't walk my dog? Are you crazy?!" . . . actually, I'm pretty sane (on most days, don't ask my kids or husband they...