02/03/2026
Oy, it's been awhile since I have posted anything. I've been working other jobs to bring in some money since dog training in the metroplex has taken a hit due to the economy. Then, I run across this article. It has made me think again, what is my goal? How can I compete in a saturated market in this economy. What's wrong with being, "just a solid dog trainer"? Do I really need to be some kind of superstar to get recognition? This article has me thinking, find my priorities, work my continuing ed for that plan, make some basic updates to my literature. I love working with dogs, I am not a "reactivity expert" or some such. I am a solid dog trainer. I work the basics well. I know people I can refer to for those that need more help. There are too many out there that want to be "experts" in everything. There are experts, and I know a number of them, we can, and should refer, if that is what is best for our client. I may not be flashy, but I am solid. Yes, I keep up with the latest in good reward based methods, work to keep my knowledge fresh, apply that to my customer's needs. Time to get back to basics and not worry about being "that influencer". Time to do some good solid review of the science in this slow market. Get my dogs back into that training room and field. Get back to what I got into this business for and most of all, enjoy what I do!
Somewhere between the viral influencer and the PhD researcher lives the vast majority of dog trainers: the ones quietly doing steady, excellent work.
