Let's Talk Dog Business

DESCRIPTION Dog trainers constantly ask: “How do I get clients fast?” But this isn’t the best question to ask. In this episode, Jo &Vicky unpack what “I need more clients fast” really means (“I need more money”), how panic pushes dog trainers into discounting, cold outreach and spammy “I’ve got 3 spaces left” posts, and why focusing on existing relationships, client retention and simple, repeatabl...

DESCRIPTION Running a dog business is about so much more than training dogs - it’s about working with people who are busy, overwhelmed, and often unsure of where to start. Today, Jo & Vicky are joined by clinical animal behaviourist Lisa Sinnott, who specialises in reactivity, aggression, and, crucially, helping humans change alongside their dogs.  Lisa shares how to move beyond 15-page reports, c...

DESCRIPTION Are you stuck on the pricing hamster wheel in your dog business – running classes, squeezing in 1:1s, but still not paying yourself properly? Today, Jo & Vicky take a more in-depth look at how much a dog trainer should charge. They unpack why asking “What are other trainers charging?” is the wrong starting point, how to work out what you need to take home, and what it really means when...

DESCRIPTION Are you struggling to turn your loyal followers into actual paying clients, or wondering if all that time on social media is really worth it for your dog business? Today, Jo and Vicky are joined by Tori Mistik, founder of Wear Wag Repeat, canine enrichment expert, and long-time petpreneur. Tori shares how she grew a niche dog brand over 13 years, why a small but loyal audience beats vi...

DESCRIPTION Are you collecting courses, certificates, and dog training books like a CPD junkie? Taking course after course without any real purpose behind what you are learning? In this episode, Jo & Vicky unpack the vital role CPD (Continuous Professional Development) plays in the dog training world. They explore how easy it is to slide into learning for learning’s sake, fuel imposter syndrome, a...

DESCRIPTION Are you working flat out in your dog business but still not paying yourself what you "need" – never mind what you "want"? In this episode, Jo & Vicky dive into the messy subject of pricing your dog services. They unpack the difference between your "need number" and your "want number", how to sense-check your current prices against your goals, and why simply “charging more” won´t work i...

DESCRIPTION Building a business that people trust, recognise, and seek out isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being authentic and doing your absolute best. This week, Jo & Vicky are joined by Charlotte Nichols the founder of dog industry centred PR agency Harvey and Hugo. Charlotte shares how using authentic PR techniques combined with your own story sets you apart and helps you to attract  cli...

DESCRIPTION Running a dog business is hard—balancing clients, new trends, and that constant search for success can be exhausting. In this episode, we are joined by Andre Yeu, founder of When Hounds Fly Dog Training. Today, we’re talking about starting scrappy, building a thriving business, and the power of choosing your clients wisely. Andre shares how to move beyond “doing it all,” adapt to a cha...

In this episode, Jo & Vicky tackle what they call the "curse of knowledge" something they see a lot within the dog training industry. There is a strong tendency for trainers to use expert jargon and too much technical detail to the point where clients struggle to connect with and understand their dog trainer - a frustrating experience for both parties. Through personal stories and industry insight...

DESCRIPTION This year has been one of the hardest we’ve ever had in business. Making the decision to go all in and state publicly that we only work with force-free dog professionals wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing for us, and for the values Canine Business Academy was built on. In this episode, we’re being completely open about what that journey has really looked like. We talk about the un...

DESCRIPTION Running a dog business can sometimes feel like you’re giving everything; your time, your energy, your weekends and still wondering when life’s meant to happen and it's all just suddenly going to feel like you've made it and got it right. In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Mask, firstly, an incredible human being, he's a coach, mentor, and someone who’s become a hugely important pers...

Description: It’s not your prices that are the problem, it’s what you believe about them. Dog professionals tell us all the time: “People won’t pay that.” But the truth is people aren't saying that. You are. In this episode, we talk about the mindset, money stories and hidden fears that stop brilliant dog professionals charging what they’re worth. You’ll hear: The iceberg of selling and what’s hid...

Description: Most trainers try to sell by posting "So many spaces left to class on XXX", "Want help with your dog, get in touch", essentially “buy my thing"… then wonder why it doesn’t work and convince ourselves that selling is icky. This Selling Season episode shows you how to sell every day without being salesy: build trust, show your face and name, mix value with clear asks, and stop keeping y...

DESCRIPTION: We’re diving deep into what ethical sales really look like when you care about dogs, people, and doing business the right way. We break down: Why cash is the lifeblood of your business (and not a dirty word) How to be the bouncer of your own nightclub i.e. who gets in, who doesn’t Why cramming your packages with PDFs and “extras” isn’t value, results are We also talk money mindset, co...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky sit down to talk about – using systems in your business. On the surface this sounds like a boring subject, an episode you might be tempted to skip. But, when you invest in the right business systems and learn to use them well you end up saving a huge amount of time and money, which also greatly reduces your stress levels. Listen in to learn how to choose the...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky are joined by Jason Light, Director at PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers). They provide ABTC recognised courses and a support network for dog trainers who want to build ethical, resilient practices that grow fast and stand the test of time. PACT is known for its welfare-first, science-led approach to assessing  and training dog professionals....

DESCRIPTION Are you struggling to find the perfect work-life balance? In this episode, Jo & Vicky challenge the very idea of work-life balance and explain why for them keeping both their personal and work lives ticking along in harmony is more of a dance than a balancing act. They explore what it really means to thrive as an entrepreneur, parent, and individual.  Jo & Vicky share several honest st...

DESCRIPTION What does it really take to build a successful business partnership—and how do you navigate the bumps along the way? In this candid episode, Jo & Vicky discuss the real-life journey of their business partnership. They share the highs, lows, and the lessons learned.  Jo & Vicky cover understanding personality differences, improving communication, and not killing each other in the first...

DESCRIPTION Are you holding back from putting yourself out there and sharing your achievements because you fear being judged? Today, Jo & Vicky look at the real reasons behind self-doubt, imposter syndrome and a reluctance to self-promote, that holds so many business owners back. They explain how embracing your unique story and confidently sharing your wins inspires others while also accelerating...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky tell you more about what you can expect and achieve by attending their first Canine Business Academy Conference on 11-12 September at Village Hotel, Solihull. They explain who the conference is for, how it will help you with personal development, mindset, business strategies and growth, networking and working collaboratively so that you can grow faster. If y...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky shatter the "saturated market" myth. They explain how to turn your fear that there is too much competition in your area into a strategic advantage. It pushes you to take a fresh look at your business and identify your unique offering and gaps that need filling. You become more effective at making would-be customers more aware of why you are worth hiring inst...

DESCRIPTION Are annoying clients really the problem, or could you be the source of some of their frustration? In this episode, Jo & Vicky reveal the surprising truth about why clients seem "annoying" and the role not managing customer expectations often plays when that happens. They explain how to master the art of clear communication, set realistic outcomes, and create services that truly serve b...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky announce the details of the very first Canine Business Academy Live event aka CBA Live. They share why they decided to do an in-person event and what you can expect when you attend. If you are a part of the dog world, someone who's working with dogs in some way, shape or form, someone who wants more for their business, more for their life, and more for thems...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at something that a lot of entrepreneurs get wrong – following up with would-be or existing clients. Those dog business owners that fail to follow up in the right way are leaving a lot of cash on the table, so this episode is important.  Using the tried and tested strategies Jo & Vicky share will help you to stay in touch with existing customers so that...

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at the negativity bias that all humans have – the tendency to fixate on what is wrong and get unnecessarily worked up about it. Beating yourself up for past mistakes you made years ago, constantly comparing yourself unfavourably with others and being overly critical are all examples of our negativity bias taking over, which leaves you feeling stressed a...