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Interview with a DogPro
Interview with a DogPro
Name:
Jennifer
What is your profession?
Dog Trainer (part-time) & Barn Manager
Business name:
Paws-A-Tive Dog Training
Years in business:
3
What services do you provide?
I provide in-home private training, behavior consults, puppy/basic training, adolescent dog programs, day training and next month I will be launching a board and train program.
What is your service area?
Burlingame to Menlo Park
How did you end up working in the dog industry? What led you to your current job? What were you doing before you started working in your current job?
I have loved training dogs since I was a young but I got very serious about it and decided it was a career I wanted to pursue about 7 years ago when I got my yellow Lab Cassie. She is a joy and a challenge to train and has helped me through this journey. I am only doing training part-time so I currently also work as a barn manager for an equestrian center in.
Why did you end up implementing reward based handling methods when working with dogs?
I have trained dogs different ways in the past because I did not know any better and yes you got results but I was never comfortable with that way of training. When I got my dog Rosie (over 16 years ago, she passed away 4 year ago) I knew I didn't want to continue training that way. She was a very sensitive dog and also very treat motivated, so I started looking for a better way to train.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?
I can't really pick just one...the obvious ones are Jean Donaldson, & Ken Ramirez. Recently I have been deeply influenced by Sarah Stremming and her 4 steps to behavioral wellness.
What motivates you to do your job?
Watching dogs and their owners bond & learn
What do you love most about your job?
I love it when the lightbulb goes on for both the dog & owner
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What challenges have you met in your job?
I would say my biggest challenge, and I know all trainers have this as an issue, compliance. Owners not doing the homework but expecting results.
Anything else you would like to share with us?
Not that I can think of....
Business: https://smpawsativedogtraining.wordpress.com/