Visit us at shapedbydog.com 

 

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.

 

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
Click Here for the Livestream Replay, PDF Downloads and Special Online Program Opportunities - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-celebrate-episode-200/

 

Resources:

 

1. Pup N’ Iron Canine Enrichment Center: Laurie’s Training School Website - https://www.pupniron.com/
2. Laurie Williams on Pet Life Radio - https://www.petliferadio.com/laurie_williams.html
3. The Canine Diva on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thecaninediva
4. The Canine Diva on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecaninediva/
5. Podcast Episode 37: Dog Training as a Career - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/37/
6. Podcast Episode 80: Does Your Dog Love You? Let’s Talk Relationships - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/80/
7. Podcast Episode 7: You, Your Dog, Maslow and Lizard Brain - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/7/
8. Podcast Episode 102: Transitioning Your Dog Training: From All That Is Wrong To That Which Is Right - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/102/
9. YouTube Playlist: The Heart / Mind Connection Side of Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1ruLW0CujlHgzCiTLK2Rfh
10. Links for The Canine Diva - https://linktr.ee/thecaninediva
11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/-kQZPUP1KFw