It started with a dog. Her name was Aussie. Adopted from a Farm in Massachusetts and from then dog training went from a Passion to Business.
Dog Background where the Passion was rooted
I worked at a Doggy Daycare for 4 years from 18-22 years old. This was my college and summer job. My job was to be a supervisor of packs of 30-50 dogs, playing for 4-8 hours a day. When I started this job with no dog behavior background and simply learned on my feet at this job. This job taught me so much about dogs, responsibility, and myself.
Graduation & Jobs
After graduating college I was not able to afford to stay at the dog place so I began working for corporate. My passion for dogs took a back seat as I occasionally dabbled in a dog blog post here and there.
Aussie Became my Passion
Adopting Aussie at 9 weeks old was an impulse purchase if I am being honest. Unsure of the ACD breed I still adopted her in hopes I could learn as we go.
The first few months she was like any other puppy: rambunctious, destructive, annoying and at times I wanted to return her. Crate training was a mess the first night but after that, she got better. Potty training was easy as she had two older brothers to teach her the ways of the backyard. We had her on a schedule where I went to work and my wonderful mom babysat her until my return. She had nap times so my mom could get a break from her high energy.
When Aussie hit 8 months old she became a terror. When I say Terror I mean a baby shark with her teeth, constantly drawing blood with those razor-sharp teeth. One day, while I was working my mom, went o grab something out of Aussie’s mouth, and when she did Aussie bit her. We have never dealt with behavior like this from a dog before.
Petco to Professional Trainer
My mom firmly told me “Aussie is to go through training or be returned.” I panicked I knew nothing about dog training and began googling places for dog training and landed on Petco. I signed up for a 7-week Puppy class. Our trainer was Rich who was also an active military dog handler. The second class in Rich wanted to try Aussie on a Prong collar, I was hesitant but wanted to try as he hadn’t led me astray yet in training. The moment we tried to secure it around her neck she was out for blood. I grabbed her neck, pinned her to the ground, and said “No”. When I released her she shook it off, we never tried the prong again but that day she learned mom will not be taking any crap from her anymore. Remind you she was only 8 months old at this point.
After class Rich pulled me aside and asked where I learned to handle a dog like that, I simple replied I didn’t I just don’t take crap from dogs, especially not my own. He stated I should look into becoming a dog trainer as I had the skills and personality to do it. We finished the class.
Going from a Passion to a Business
Dog Training School & Relocation
I attended Animal Behavioral College for a year and a half earning a professional dog trainer certificate. This program taught me the basics of dog training, behavior, and dog psychology. Part of the program was to do an internship at a local dog training facility under a mentor. I matched with Fran the owner of MasterPeace Dog Training. I learned so much during my time at Masterpeace from many great trainers and clients. After my internship ended, I was asked to assist in teaching classes, which I did for a few months. Then I relocated to CT. I worked at a kennel for 3 years then decided to open my own business. Working for someone else only fuels me to go from a passion to a business.
Canine Curiosity was Born
The name came from my personal curiosity regarding dog behavior. I was not born with an entrepreneurial goal. My parents worked for other people their whole lives, As I worked for more businesses I just realized being my own boss was more my lane. Since August 2020 when my company became a registered CT business, I have seen a steady flow of clients come through. Some I train for months to years, while others I see once or twice a month or less. I train because I love helping owners and dogs live their best lives, not for the money. Money is important to keep my business going but not my top priority.
This past year has been an amazing learning experience and a journey of not only business discovery but self-discovery as well. I try to take each day at a time and enjoy the time I have with people who support and love me. I am so thankful I was able to make my passion into a business.
Thank you readers for your support on each and every adventure I embark on I take you with me each step of the way. Stay tuned for next week’s Thanksgiving post on what I have learned through my clients and why I am so thankful to be doing what I love.
If you want to learn more about Aussie or I’s journey make sure to check out our About Page.
If you need help with Training make sure to contact me as well on any platform and I will try to answer as soon as I see it.
