The Business Side of Dog Training with Sara Brueske [Episode 269]

In this candid and practical conclusion to their two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge and Sara Brueske shift from the training field to the front office to discuss the business of animal training. Sara shares an "in the trenches" look at her journey into facility ownership and the evolution of her business, Happy Dog Lodge.

The conversation centers on a service model often debated within the positive reinforcement community: Board and Train. Sara offers a transparent look at the ethics, logistics, and communication strategies required to offer this service in a way that prioritises client education, successful skill transfer, and the wellbeing of the dog.

Beyond the specific service, Ryan and Sara discuss the broader challenges of entrepreneurship, from the weight of managing a team to the art of marketing to both clients and professional peers. Sara's insights provide a valuable roadmap for any trainer navigating the complexities of making their passion a sustainable profession.

Throughout this episode, we explore:

✅ The shift from solo sport trainer to facility owner and team leader ✅ A deep dive into the Board and Train model from a positive reinforcement perspective ✅ Strategies for ensuring successful training transfer from trainer to client ✅ The vital difference between marketing to your clients and marketing to your peers ✅ The real-world challenges and ethical considerations of running a training business ✅ How to build a service that meets market demand while upholding your training philosophy

Part two is a must-listen for any training professional, offering an honest look at the sometimes uncomfortable but crucial business side of what we do and how to do it with integrity and foresight.

Links

Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara