Navigating the Wild West of Dog Training: Insights from the Canine Business Academy

Clayton interviews Vicky Davis and Jo Moorcroft, the founders of the Canine Business Academy and co-authors of "Let's Talk Dog Business." The conversation delves into their unique journeys into dog training, highlighting Vicky's background in animal welfare and Jo's transition from corporate marketing to dog training. They discuss the challenges faced by dog trainers in a competitive and often chaotic industry, emphasising the importance of specialisation, proper pricing strategies, and understanding one's value. Vicky and Jo share their mission to empower dog trainers through community support and business education, aiming to elevate the standards of the profession and improve the overall experience for both trainers and clients.

KEY POINTS

• Understanding Your Value: Many dog trainers struggle with pricing their services appropriately, often undercharging or overpricing without a clear strategy. 
• Specialisation is Key: In a crowded market, specializing in a specific area can help trainers stand out and attract clients who resonate with their expertise.
• Community and Support: Building a supportive community for dog trainers can help combat the toxic environment often found in the industry. 
• Focus on Business Skills: Dog trainers need to recognize that they are in the business of people, not just dogs.

 

BEST MOMENTS  

"Dog trainers are not earning anywhere near enough money, not even a living wage in a lot of cases." - Vicky 

"We want to help the industry because it's a bit of a shit show." - Jo 

"If you're not true to yourself, you will go down the wrong path easily." - Vicky 

"We're in the business of people, not just dogs." - Jo 

HOST BIO

Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. 

Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica).

As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals.
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