Questions from Future Dog Trainers

(This article has been re-posted from a couple of years ago.)


Here is a series of questions  e-mailed to me a couple of years ago by someone starting out in the business:

1) How did you start your business?

I volunteered for three years in shelters while working as a controller, without any thought of getting into this business. Then it occurred to me, that I hated what I was doing then, and needed a new direction that had more meaning and made more sense to me. I volunteered as an apprentice at Doberman Rescue for a year. Then I put up fliers offering training at dirt cheap prices, and let people know I was beginning. As I got more confident, the business grew and the prices went up modestly. We lived in a city at that point (it's important to note that city training and country training are very different and both should probably always be done), and later moved to York Maine after finding a property that fit both me and my husband's needs. I hit it off with a pet sitter in the area, who started me off on referrals. I knew how to use the Internet to capture my business if searches went on. In the first year, I was already doing what I did in Worcester MA after two years. So basically, I jumped in when the water felt fine LOL. Not to say, there is still sooo much to learn, and I am not where I want to ultimately be yet, but each year I have a different goal for business marketing and personal professional development.

2) How do I go about finding shelters to volunteer at, and do they have any prerequisites needed?

Shelters usually require very little of their volunteers (hard enough to find consistent ones). Here is what I would look for in a shelter, 1) a safety protocol for volunteers, 2) a training plan for volunteers, 3) cleanliness of facility and healthiness of dogs... The biggest problem is there is usually no real "master trainer" on staff at most shelters. You have to understand that most shelter staff are paid at minimum wage or are volunteers. Risking their safety with behaviorally challenged dogs is not normally in a shelters best interest for the safety of adopters or shelter workers, and hard sad decisions need to be made. If you can find a place that has a master trainer with some proven track record in obedience and behavior modification that would be great. Now the other news, is that purely positive politics have overtaken most shelters. I am not against positive training, I am just unconvinced that cookies and a high voice can behaviorally modify most dogs. Certainly avoiding life does not behaviorally modify most dogs. So if you can find a shelter that is not afraid to use tools like metal choke chains or prong collars when necessary, then you are probably better off. If they use clickers and treats too, that's fine. You want a shelter that is open to the idea of results and the saving of dogs lives if possible.

A lot of it is about behaviorally modifying the owner as well , which is something the shelter dog does not have yet. That's actually the most frustrating part. The part about the shelters that is disheartening, is that (and this has happened to me) you can work on a dog, then they go to a home to someone that won't upkeep all the work you have done. Then the dog does something and is put to sleep:( Usually, they have been unsupervised or put into a situation they should not have been. You need to at least be aware that this can happen. It's not something you can prepare yourself for fully. This is something that can burn you out, and does burn a lot of shelter workers out, understandably.

3) I have worked with daycare, but feel I am more managing play than providing any real direction for the dogs.

That's why every dog that comes to daycare must be a training client at Mannerly Mutts, or accept that their dog will be trained before being accepted into the program. Obedience training, for me, has been the key to behaviorally modifying most dogs. This is beyond a position but includes distractions and the realization that I don't need protection help from my or my guests' dogs. Becoming involved dog obedience competition and competing, will help you hone your skills to be more precise and the best communication for you and your dog team. I didn't think this was very important at first, but it has proven to be a really great eye help in this.

4) What is the difference between conformation and obedience?

Conformation is for breeders or owners who enjoy getting out and doing something with their dog. It tests how well the dog meets up to standards of the breed (measurements, coats, temperament and such) in order for there to be a guideline and way to research dogs for future dog owners or dog sports enthusiasts.

Obedience in the competition setting is the proofing that your dog is able to perform commands on first command, and while surrounded by a distracting environment. Obedience is the working partnership between you and your dog OR the handler/trainer and a dog.

5) Why did you pick Doberman Rescue as the shelter that you apprenticed at (note there are all sorts of ways to apprentice, this is just one that I got lucky on, normally you have to pay)?

My very first dog came from DRU. When I was apprenticing there, they were one hour and forty minutes away one way! So no, they were not the closest. I knew about the training program there, as I had met the director before. I had sent her some questions, similar to your asking me, and she said "hey why don't you come up and apprentice with me". They are the only shelter that I know that has any kind of training program whatsoever, and due to the lack of funding that I have described before. DRU has somehow attracted very wealthy donors who have given them things like land, money to build the shelter (it used to be out of Claire's basement when I got my first dog there). I was also very impressed by the work they did. When I used to volunteer at Worcester Animal Rescue League, which does great work within their means, I was frequently put in danger by both staff and volunteers not having any training ability. Once they let an elderly man walk a Rotti, and he did not have a good grasp on the leash when the dog went after the dog I was holding. IN other words that dog got off leash, and probably shouldn't have been handled by an elderly volunteer in the first place. It resulted in the putting down of a dog, that I felt was completely unnecessary (the dog put down never had any chance at a training program, and wasn't a bad guy. I understand the shelter's position, it was sad all the same). DRU had a better handle on procedures and volunteer education. They are the only ones that I have found that do, except that I have heard good things about Kennebunk rescue. I haven't checked them out for myself yet.


6) How can I find out about seminars?

Here's the bad news, there are almost no seminars in the New England area worth seeing IMO. We aren't exactly the dog training hub of the world, as far as effective and reliable training goes. There is a board that I look at from time to time on yahoo called http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogSeminars, which posts any seminar that goes on there without prejudice and very rarely has a review on them. However, you can scan if see if anything is coming in your area. Most of the "aggression" seminars (practically all) that come to this area have NOTHING to do with aggressive dogs LOL. Not that this is the only behavioral problem that is worked with, but it is one that requires confident and safe handling. So keep that in mind if you pick any in this area. You could probably find some decent clicker training and motivational training seminars here. There are a couple I have been meaning to see if they come back, with the economy money is tight. I splurged for a Margot Woods seminar that was a once in a lifetime around here, and was not disappointed in the way my money was spent. Any proven obedience trainers that are putting on seminars around here, while not geared specifically towards behavioral problems, would really be worth seeing. See the more the dog is concentrating on his partnership with you, the less he is worried about defending himself or you, because he/she knows you have it under control. It requires socialization combined with obedience and follow up on the trainer/handler's part to get that going. Obedience is the starting part of allowing that to happen. I know, I questioned it too when I started, all the "pretty" walking. But working at it, I noticed it did start to modify my dogs behavior the more exacting that I was on the hows and whys of obedience.

7) Why did you choose the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) to get your certification? Have you heard of any good dog training schools?

Actually, I am not certified yet from IACP. I just became a professional status member last year. This only means you have so many years of experience, and have met other professional requirements (years in business ET). IACP has great certified exams, and one that I should have filled out by now LOL. They are at work on a guild system as well right now, in other words a master trainer program. I have heard that Triple Crown (and have seen an amazing student from there) is one of the best to go to. If you have the time and money to take some time off, that one is supposed to be good. I have heard living conditions are a bit iffy. I can't take that time off, or pay the tuition fee. So I have gone the direction of apprenticing with another trainer at DRU (Doberman Rescue). There are draw backs to that as well, if you just think about some of the strange characters in dog training . Very talented people, but a bit bizarre and socially challenged amongst the humans. There are free apprentice positions that you may find, or paid apprentice positions. I don't really feel experienced enough yet to have an apprentice. I chose IACP as they are one of maybe two professional organizations (NADOI---National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors-- is the other) that has a more open mind on training, and has not been completely overtaken by PP (supposed Purely Positive Politics). APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), for instance, is heavily influenced by the PP influence. There is not much to learn there (APDT) IMO. IACP, while it does have conflicts within the ranks, has really good senior members available. Margot Woods, Martin Deeley, are among some of my favorites, and I have taken seminars with both of them. I really love that their exams are not multiple choice, but records of your work that are reviewed. Also that there is emphasis on your achievements within the dog world. I was pointed there by the people that I had met early on, and it has been a good reference point for me. I was also a member of the APDT for a time, but dropped the membership a few years ago. It really did nothing for me.

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How To Learn About Dog Training and Behavior Modification

(this is a reposting of an article from years ago as well)

A couple of years ago, I received a request regarding how to find the knowledge to become a dog trainer or someone specializing in behavior modification. Part of the answer can be found in a post that I wrote last year of some very specific questions that were sent to me.

NOTE: On a side note, the young lady, addressed in the linked blog, came here for a time to observe me working dogs, and also to help with her own dogs fear issues. I am happy to say that she is now helping dogs in rescue using these techniques. She was able to foster and place a rescue this year. I am very proud of her, and she has become a friend.


Training can become a specialty or niche. You could do puppy training, obedience competition training, hunting dog training, agility training, clicker training, e-collar training, and so on. You could even choose sizes, temperaments, or breeds that you will specialize in. Training is about teaching dogs communication between the owner and the dog. So in just training, if you wished, you can limit yourself to tools, methods, and types of dogs. You could do this, and do a very good job of it, assuming you know how to weed out different dog personalities.

Behavior modification is about changing the dogs responses to different stimulus. You could specialize a bit in this by saying that you don't work with aggressive dogs or dogs over a certain size. However, in order to IMHO be successful in behavior modification, you need to be able to and seek to work with a wide variety of dogs. It's very important to know as many individual personalities of dogs, and to be able to read those dogs. You also want to soak up as much information as possible on the different methods and tools out there.

How do you expose yourself to that knowledge? I am actually trying to work on a website (with other canine professionals) that will later be a guide to both dog owners and up and coming trainers to make those resources available. I hope to do that in their geographical region. In the meantime, here is some advice based on my personal experiences and research.

In looking for places or people that may mentor you, please keep in mind the following lessons that I learned the hard way:

1. False advertising. There is no regulation in the dog training industry. Just because someone says they are the "finest dog trainer in New England" or "#1 Mass Dog Trainer" does not make it so.  I would ask anyone that boasted such a thing to show me the facts, figures, and public articles to justify their boast. Realize that nothing prevents them from making such a boast. It's easy to look impressive to a beginner or a novice trainer (and the trainers sited may have impressive qualities but being number one or the finest in the geographical areas listed isn't one of them). Many times trainers won't disclose that other trainers (other than themselves) have actually helped their students full fill their goals IN ADDITION to their services. They also won't make it known how many YEARS (not weeks or months) their student may have spent with them to make the most minimal progress. Just keep in mind that these type of people are, at best, untrustworthy. Anyone who feels the need to mislead others regarding their skills rather than being objective and honest, is not the best in the area (and probably will not tell you who the others are that may help you). You might still learn from them, but you should take their boasting with a grain of salt.
2. Dog World Nepotism-The dog world can sometimes be very reliant on friendships and personal relationships. Dog trainers may recommend each other, even if they are doubtful of another's skills due to business relationships alone. Many times trainers will recommend clients that are far from them to another trainer, and both want to continue that relationship due to the fact that it builds both of their businesses. However, keep in mind, it may have to do with a personal relationship AND HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH steering you in the right direction.
3. Paid Apprenticeship Should Not Be Slave Labor-If you are paying thousands of dollars for an education, and you find yourself doing things that seem not related (or needed) for dog training, probably someone has found a way to take advantage of another paying for their apprenticeship training services. I pick up poop everyday for my own business, and if someone was paying me for an apprenticeship, I would not expect them to do things that really did not further their training knowledge. Sometimes you may be able to trade labor for knowledge, and that is different.
4. Apprenticeship Should Not Limit Your Ability to Have a Full Education-Individual dog trainers can be a bit draconian at times. This is especially true of those that may not have had a well rounded education themselves. They may have learned from someone who wanted to be THEIR only authority, and this may be how they decide to handle others that are invited to learn from them. Beware that some mentors will not want you to handle your own education. However, you should feel free to read, talk to, and learn about whatever methods you want to add to your tool belt. Just like when you go to college, you can choose your own curriculum and teachers. While you need to learn and listen to that teacher, when class is out your ideas and values are your own.
5. Shelters Tend Toward P+ Only-Every trainer uses positive reinforcement (+R) training in order to be successful. However, there are other ways to make dog training successful as well. With the push for one movement of trainers, veterinarians, and behaviorists came what I consider a marketing scheme to successfully own the brunt of the dog training industry. The only problem was, that not all dogs (while perhaps a larger portion of dogs do) don't fit the "cookie cutter" mold of training OR behavior modification. Many dog professionals not aware of what was going on, have fallen for this marketing plan. Also it's important to realize that shelters really don't, usually, have the resources to acquire a dog trainer on staff. Also the liability for a behaviorally challenged dog that could be set loose on an unknowing and unprepared public creates quite a liability. So while you will become familiar with dog personalities and handling many different dogs, that will only be a small part of your full dog training education. It can be a very rewarding and informative part of an education however. Also, there is nothing wrong with picking up luring, food/toy motivation, and those sort of methods anywhere. To do it well, you may be well advised to find a trainer that specializes AND IS successful training dogs to a standard.
6. Dog Training Schools-There are A FEW well known dog training schools that IMHO can give a good base knowledge. The cons? They are expensive, they are far away if you don't live in the geographical area, and some of their living accommodations have been reported to be gross (however, you could stay in a hotel or apartment while there). Triple Crown and National K9 are very highly talked of. Remember though, this also won't be all of your dog training education. Generally schools like this not only allow you to work and train your own dog, but also provide different dogs for you to work with! Online schools like ABC, CAS Institute, and Karen Pryor Academy are of one particular mindset of dog training. Therefore the information that you get online will not corrections, tools that are generally used, and methods beyond what that sect of dog training has approved. Whether you choose to use all tools in dog training or not, IMHO, you should learn about everything so that you can intelligently and knowledgably communicate your methods to your students.
7. Professional Organizations and How They Can Help-Professional organizations are a wondeful because they put you in contact with other professionals via online groups. There you will see a wealth of information on tools, methods, health issues, and the political issues in the dog world (or at least the ones that are not moderated and involved in blocking comments that they do not like. My professional organization is the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). I love this organization because it is largely trainer populated, but they have many other professionals in there. Therefore there is an exchange of ideas between dog walkers, groomers, veterinarians, et al. In my opinion this is the finest or one of the finest professional canine organizations. You can become an endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) once you have at least five years experience in dog obedience training (2 years as an instructor). Both of these organizations have tests that include written and demonstrated proficiency in your craft. I have lost all respect for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). They also test their certified instructors on a strictly multiple choice test. For the same reasons that I don't care for some well known behaviorists and trainers, the organization speaks out of both sides of it's mouth instead of marrying the convictions that it obviously already has. If they would just genuinely decide on a side, I would rejoin. Profits are too much of a drive for this organization instead of the service to it's members.
   
   
   
8. Behaviorists-I know of a few well known behaviorists, and I don't think much of them. That being said, this does not mean that there are not talented and knowledgeable behaviorists out there. Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Ian Dunbar have peppered the industry with some of the more damaging marketing gimics and information that I know of. Dr Dodman made Prozac the miracle drug to behaviorally challenged dogs everywhere, and completely ignored that irresponsible dog owners or lack of training can make dogs crazy. Ian Dunbar should have kept to his theories about puppy school and socialization, but instead he has completely ignored the personalities of dogs that come from far different circumstances or pretends they don't exist. He created quite a rift within the Association of Dog Training Professionals with his influence. Interestingly enough, both were not born in the USA, but in countries where there are very extreme opinions on dog training and care. If you can find a behaviorist that has proven and verifiable skill in training dogs as well, I believe you would find someone worthy to study with or under.
   
   
   
9. Trainers-There are the good, the bad, and the ugly out there. Actually, there are the excellent out there. They are not on television shows. Most often they are old and curmugeonly:) Not very marketable in a world that likes to see physically fit and attractive people talking about any kind of skill. There are the Julia Childs of the dog training industry out there. I don't know them all. In fact I had the devil of a time finding the ones that were worth it, and I went through some of the ugly. Ones that I have found of note are (and I have not met them all, some of these are on reputation alone) Margot Woods, Vivian Bregman, Martin Deeley, George Hobson, Behesha Doan, Carolyn Scott, Joann Lawson, and Janice Gunn. It is not easy to find the trainers who really excel at their craft, but here is a place to start. Combine that with the right professional organizations, and you will start to find yourself pointed in the right directions. ***Please note most if not all of these trainers are quite experienced in behavior modification techniques.

What things should you cover in your training/behavior modification education?

• As much information as you can possibly learn about off leash training a regular old easy to train dog to a veifiable standard (AKC competition or some kind of measurable standard that is dependent upon an outside parties judgement). I am not talking about Rally or CGC but Novice, Open, and Utility training. At the minimum, you should be able to get a Companion Dog Title on a few dogs.
• Learn about as many methods of training as you can, and that will also begin to give you a clue as to how to modify and change behavior in a dog that is not displaying acceptable behavior.
• Dealing with behavioral issues sometimes goes outside the scope of traditional training. It's not often that you need to train a dog to accept brushing, or collar changes, or being petted from the front. Researching and learning from people that may have needed to step outside of the box, will give you ideas for the future. They may not have all the answers, but it will give you a sense of how to step outside the box for yourself in ways that make sense.
• Behaviors that are natural to a dog and acceptable in the dog world. This does not mean that we need to live with or accept them, but it gives you as a trainer an understanding of what is truly unusual and what is not.
• Body language and facial expressions in dogs. (you don't want to major in the minors with this, but you do want to be aware)
• Breed charateristics and differences. (you don't want to major in the minors with this, but you do want to be aware)
• Medical and physical issues that affect the tolerance or patience levels of dogs.
• What questions to ask to get an accurate case history on a dog.
• Things to consider and think about before taking on a case (including contracts et that need to be drafted).
• Ways to measure progress, and determine if you are going in the right direction.
• How the different ages in dogs and puppies affects them physically and mentally.
• And anything else I didn't think of LOL. There is a lot. Basically, be sure that you touch on anything related to dogs and the dog business.

What are the best ways to go about designing your educational experience?

• Identify ways to get the most hands on experience possible (safely).
  
  
  

• Shelters and rescues (transport, socializing, training program if they have one)
• Compete with your own dogs (if you don't have your own dog, consider that this is the best way to know day to day what it's like to live with a dog)
• Have neighbor dogs that need training?
• Advertsie that you are a beginning dog trainer that needs beginning clients. Charge accordingly and be sure to not take on anything too difficult.
• Apprenticeship or mentorship situation with experienced trainer or qualified behaviorist (see my notes on behaviorists).
  
  
  
• What can you afford in time, travel, and expense? There is a lot of knowledge out there, but if you go broke before you have even begun, it will do you no good in the long run. On the other hand, if you can afford time, travel, and expense there is a wealth of opportunity open to you that will jump start your experience. Research schools and opportunities well and thoroughly before writing out a check or spending time on the investment. There are some opportuntities that are well worth it (Triple Crown so I hear, some paid apprenticeships, and opportunties to go to in depth camps or informal schools).
  
  
  
• For those that do not have unlimited time and money, there are seminars that are very reasonably priced (ie pretty cheap considering what you get). You can do a day, a weekend or a week. If you live in the North East, I suggest that you don't wait for those seminars to come here. You may need to travel, but it may just be four or five hours to NJ or MD. Rarely do we get any seminars of any real worth IMO. I travelled to Missouri once to see a trainer that I wanted to see (Martin Deeley and George Hobson). I am hoping for a fall travel to Maryland this year to see Margot Woods again.
  
  
  
• Network and gather any available information from all professionals related with dogs (veterinarians, groomers, dog walkers, rescue organizations, individuals that rescue, animal control, vet technicians, professional organizations related to canine care, and your average dog owner).
  
  
  
• Read and watch. Books and DVDs, no matter how good, won't give you the whole story, but they will give you a lot. Professional organizations, like the IACP and APDT (couldn't find it anymore, or I would have shared the link), often have reading lists.

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How did I get into the dog training business?

Boris, Me, Tommy, and Leon (10/8/2004-9/20/2012) on Long
Sands in York Maine.

I'm often asked how I got into dog training and doing this for a living.  Here are some things that you may not know.

I've always loved animals, and thought I had to be a veterinarian to work with them. No one ever talked to me about animal or dog training as an actual career. My career ended up in finance for about 15 successful years. The last three years I truly hated what I was doing for a living and feeling unfulfilled.




My first attempt at having a dog and my third dog indirectly led me to this career after many years. The first dog I failed as an inexperienced owner with a Rottweiler puppy of 6 months displaying aggressive tendencies towards humans. When I realized we had been working with the wrong trainer, I managed to get him back into the rescue, which had placed him with us. My third dog, Neptune, displayed aggressive tendencies towards dogs. He came from Doberman Rescue Unlimited, who helped us in choosing a way to deal with it successfully. Many years later, I apprenticed at Doberman Rescue Unlimited in the training program for behaviourally challenged Dobermans, while I was at a fork in the road regarding what I wanted to do for a living. I also keep my education current by attending seminars, purchasing DVDs from trainers I am interested in to study from, and reading dog related books that interest me. I've also put three companion dog titles on three dogs, and completed to CGCs on my own dogs. One companion dog was my own, and two companion dogs were my clients. I did the companion dog titling for free in order to further my education in this.



In 2003, I began training dogs by offering free services or really cheap services to anyone who would have me. In 2005, I moved my home and business from Worcester Mass to York Maine (from .10 acres to 4 acres). We changed from an on the road travelling business to being able to use our home and land. Our dog training business has flourished here. We grow an average of 10% a year. Customers who had trained with us in the past refer about half of our business, and half of our new business is from people who find us on Internet searches.



We do specialize in dogs with behavioural problems, and problems with multiple dogs living in the same home. Our business comes from private lessons and residency programs. Out of our previous training clients, a boarding and day-care business has also been developed. This provides lots of real life distractions for training clients when on our property in a safe and predictable way for set ups.  We also do a lot of training on beaches, in the city, and on the back roads here.   Mannerly Mutts is unusual in this approach to training our humans to train their dogs:)

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Questions from a potential future dog trainer

Question received: I am thinking of entering a second career as a dog trainer. I would like to ask you some questions about the career field, so I have some information to make an educated decision before I start spending a lot of money on education and equipment. I want to make sure this career field would be a good fit for me. I grew up in a rural setting and had dogs as pets through most of my life, from Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Labs, to Basset hounds and Dachshunds. I love dogs and have done some research into their psychology and history. I think that trainers not only train dogs, but also their owners in ways that help build the relationship between the two species. This is something that interests me, to help build a stronger relationship between owner and pet.

If you could give me some insight to the profession, such as what characteristics and skills one needs to be a successful dog trainer; what kinds of challenges you face as a dog trainer; what’s the most favorite part and least favorite part of the profession for you; and what a typical day is like. If you want, could you also tell me how you got started in the profession, or what motivated you to become a dog trainer?

I appreciate your time and thank you in advance for any information you wish to share.


My Responses (I should note that at different points in time my answers may have been different):
 

• What characteristics and skills one needs to be a successful dog trainer?  I do think this varies from person to person, and varies from exactly what you will focus on in the dog training field. Generally, however, desire to learn and immerse ones self in learning and researching, accepting that practice is going to be necessary and the key, and that the ability to format accessible goals for yourself, the owner, and the dog are extremely important. I believe the ability to be open minded and learn from others who can demonstrate their knowledge (and the ability to read whether a trainer has that knowledge or not) is a very important place to begin. There is more to say here, but it would take a book LOL.

• What kinds of challenges you face as a dog trainer?  Keeping yourself feeling healthy and ready to train is always a challenge. Managing time and life so you can do this best, is a challenge.

• What is the most favorite part of the profession for you? Providing the service that creates the communication and relationship between the dog and owner to be the best and most enjoyable that it can be for those individuals.  It's great if you can do that so it never enters an owner's head to re-home their dog in the first place.  That depends on owners contacting right in the beginning for training.   When that does not happen, it's great when you can improve the situation to the extent that the owner is no longer thinking about this at all!
• What is the least favorite part of the profession for you?  We are very accessible to our clients, meaning I don't often have days off during the year (and especially not when I would like them).  I also don't like when I meet up with people who really do not want to work with their dogs.   Sometimes people are just looking for permission to give up.  It is stressful to know a dog is in a situation like that and/or that the dog is dangerous in a situation like that.   I also hate all the computer work and marketing that comes along with driving this business forward LOL, but it is worth it.
• What is a typical day like?  A typical day begins for me getting my dogs and boarding dogs fed, pooped, peed, and played or attention before the business day begins.   Then at about seven am, daycare and day training dogs begin to come in.  So one of us (husband or me) is typically taking the dogs in and chatting with the clients about the day or any problems they are having, while the other is on the other side training our dogs on commands under this distraction or making sure any "behaviorally challenged" client dogs are being appropriate during this distracting time.   Daycare usually plays and gets run with after the drop off times.   Then I am updating training blogs and doing marketing things online.  Then I begin training the dogs either around daycare as distractions OR if I need to start a green dog in non distracting situations then my husband watches daycare as we go off and do our thing.   Then their is another round of free time, as I go through the dogs here for daytrain.   And most of my lessons are typically in the evening at this time of year.   So at about 5 pm or so, I start with the private lessons.  My day goes through about 6 am to 6 pm easily, and many times later than that. 
• Could you also tell me how you got started in the profession, or what motivated you to become a dog trainer?
  Let me first say, the only reason that I never just started off doing this as it was never presented to me as a real profession (you know by guidance counselors and certainly not my parents). I have always had an interest in animals and their well being. I thought the only way to do that when I was young was to be a veterinarian. I had never been exposed to the various dog training professions and that they are truly professions (and I am horrible at science so vet was out). When I got my first house at about 29, we got our first dog as well (Jazz a female Doberman). We acquired her at age 3 from a breeder who did not want to breed her anymore, so she came with manners and training. I did need to get involved a little bit with training and her for her prey drive (and we had cats, we did not want her to eat them). Then came our second dog, Neptune (he was a male Doberman 100#s and aged two). He was dog aggressive, and so I was determined not to fail him and provide him with many experiences so I went to a trainer with him. I remember thinking it was too bad that more people did not know they could make this kind of difference with their dog. My profession at the time was changing, and I did not want to be involved with unethical practices and the stress that came with it. I was volunteering at shelters as this was coming to a head, training dogs there to destress myself LOL. Then I thought, why am I not doing this for a living when I enjoy it so much, and I feel like I am accomplishing something. That is where the idea began. Truthfully, if I had not been exposed to a dog aggressive dog, I might be where more people are today thinking most dogs just need manners training. But Neptune was my education into the idea that training can be work, rewarding, and make your relationship with your dog deeper and more meaningful.

Previously, I also addressed information to impart to those thinking of going into this profession on this blog post http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/2008/10/questions-from-future-dog-trainers.html and also this blog post http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-learn-about-dog-training-and.html.

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