Sharing the wealth
I am fortunate, even though I am in a (now) trainer dense area that I have my own niche. My dog training focus for clients is on behavior problems and basic pet manners. I do this by providing private sessions in the clients home. The other trainers in my area do group classes, agility, competitive obedience, puppy classes and board and trains. This means I have other trainers to refer people to if I do not provide what those potential clients are looking for. It is also nice that I have personally met and know all of those other trainers. This helps me be able to know who to specifically refer a client to. I also only refer to other trainers I trust. Trust is a very important component in dog training. The ones I most commonly refer others to in and around my area are: Sumac Grant-Johnson at http://www.wagitcamp.com/ (Lincolnville)
Mary Majchrowski at http://www.mybravodog.com/ (Rockport)
Mary Majchrowski at http://www.mybravodog.com/ (Rockport)
Lane Fisher at http://www.waggletailsobedience.com/ (Belfast)
Marcia Lindsey Welch at http://www.positivelybestfriends.com/ (Edgecomb)
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My list of trainers I like and refer to is actually longer than the above, these are just the ones in my own area. (If you are outside my area and looking for a reputable trainer check out the trainer search at http://www.apdt.com/ )
*Of course dog training for me is about helping people and their dogs. Maybe I should be more competitive but I feel there are plenty of dogs for all of us to train. And I honestly think some trainers are better at certain skills than others. I would hope they refer to me in return but I don't expect it. I know not everyone wants to give up any business they might be looking at and I can understand that. I have been told I am to nice when it comes to business matters. My lack of "competitive spirit" annoys my husband. Of course he is our families banker so he likes to see profits whenever possible. I see it as more about playing well with others.
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Another thing I like to know about is other dog businesses in the area. There is more to dogs then just training after all. Vet care and supplies, bathing and boarding are also constants. For supplies my favorite local store is The Loyal Biscuit. They have the best selection of quality food and treats in my opinion. Check them out for the addition of a self serve dog wash in the future.
*For boarding I personally use Perry Greene Kennel in Waldoboro. I know the owners and used to work there part time long long ago. (1994-97ish) I do not take the trust in the care of my dogs lightly!
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For grooming I use Yankee Clipper in Rockport. Jack had an appointment just last week. He loves it there and I have known the owner since 1992 when I got my first akita. She used to show and breed akitas herself which is a nice bonus. She has also been very generous to rescues over the years as well.
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Another business I love and refer people to is Boneheads dog walking and pet sitting service. Candace has attended dog behavior seminars and really knows her stuff.
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Recently our area welcomed an addition of a doggy daycare: Harbor Hounds LLC I met the owner Clara a couple weeks ago and was very relieved to learn she is a real dog person who knows what she is doing and has lots of experience. I feel very comfortable referring clients to her if they need a doggy daycare service. There are way to many people who think they can simply throw a group of dogs together to play and make money at it. Doggy Daycare is MUCH more complicated than that.
*Everyone becomes a trainer for different reasons beyond loving dogs. Maybe they lived with a problem dog and had to get good at dealing with behavior issues. Maybe they fell in love with a dog sport. Or maybe they just wanted to help dogs and their people learn how to communicate with each other better. Few trainers with longevity in this business jumped in to make lots of money. It is usually a labor of love.
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I do lack the drive that some trainers have to build a big business. Being self employed is tough. It is one reason I have stayed small. Of course being small also means I can control every aspect of my business. A good thing for my control freak issues. Having other trainers to share the wealth with also keeps me from burning out. A burnt out trainer is no good to anyone, especially the dogs they work with. And having a second job takes the weight of earning off my shoulders. I can do what I love simply because I can, not because I have to.
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The super cute Boston Terrier above is Poppy. She belongs to my boss at the vet clinic. While he was away at a vet conference recently I taught her how to ring a bell on cue. She was a super quick study. I wasn't sure she would do it for him when he took her home (with only a weeks worth of once daily short sessions under her belt) but he reported that she had no problems with it once he got her home. Good Girl!
