The legendary Laurie C. Williams, our one and only Canine Diva, joins me for a chat on what it really takes to be in the business of training dogs. Laurie and I are kindred spirits and started dog training way back when compulsion was standard for any dog training class. We have forged paths to bring positive reinforcement to the forefront and inspire up-and-coming dog trainers to make a career in helping dog owners have the best relationship possible with the dogs in their life. Enjoy this extract from our livestream celebrating 200 episodes of Shaped by Dog.
00:00 Launching your dog training career with Laurie C. Williams. 01:31 Laurie’s dog training evolution. 04:00 Advice for aspiring dog trainers. 05:02 Dog training is a people business first. 06:41 Respect as a dog trainer should be earned and not about ego. 07:46 Why first-time dog owners can make the best students. 09:02 Training dog sport handlers vs. family pet owners. 10:42 Being an educator is the key to longevity. 11:49 Tips for dog training on social media. 14:08 How you treat others is probably how you train dogs. 14:37 Talk less and train more in classes and online. 15:15 Business side of a successful dog training school. 20:10 Qualifying who makes a good fit for your training. 21:41 Expect more of yourself than your dog.
In the episode you'll hear: • Advice for aspiring dog trainers on the positive reinforcement path. • How dog training communities evolved from kennel clubs to social media. • Why a good professional dog trainer needs to be a “people person” first. • Why respect must be earned from your audience authentically. • Why first-time dog owners often make the best students. • About dog training on social media and advice for longevity. • Why to hone dog training skills first so you can show and not simply tell. • Why Laurie’s top tip for dog trainers is to talk less, train more. • That the average dog training student will only take a class for 8 weeks. • How Laurie structured her class offerings with levels so students could make the most progress. • About pushing through fear in your dog training business. • The importance of qualifying the right students for you vs. anyone off the street.
Catch the 200 Episodes Celebration Replay and After Party Opportunities - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-celebrate-episode-200/ Click Here for the Livestream Replay, PDF Downloads and Special Online Program Opportunities
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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn. - - - - - - -
