Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Melanie Uhde, Founder and Head Dog Trainer of Canine Decoded, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

When it comes to “training” our dogs, we either become too mechanical, where we try to follow a specific protocol regardless of the dog’s personality, or too one-sided, where we fall into bribery or harsh corrections. Neither will develop a “thinking” dog that enjoys solving problems and loves working with the owner. Instead, I make sure that dog owners hone their dog’s strengths to create a lifestyle that will empower both humans and dogs to overcome any challenging behavior. I get excited when dog owners tell me that they tried something new with their dogs that both enjoyed.

While completing my Ph.D. in Biology, parts of my studies were focused on animal neurology, and I still continue to study everything there is to learn about canine psychology and behavior. I understand what’s truly going on in our dog’s brain and know how to leverage the science of motivation to see true, long-lasting improvements with dogs that no other trainer wanted to take on. I often say that we need to start “dating” instead of “owning” our dogs, which is reflected in what I teach. The toolkit I provide encompasses manners, calmness, novelty, activity, and engagement, helping anyone and any dog, from puppy to senior, and it’s never just about teaching a command like “leave it” or applying conventional behavior protocols like Constructional Aggression Training. It’s about doing things that are right for both the dog and the owner, which makes each of our training plans unique and personalized. No two dogs and no two humans are the same, which is particularly important when working with challenging dog behaviors. That also means taking risks because 90% of our clients have tried professional dog training before with no lasting results or have been told that they can’t be helped. We see success because we provide much more than just dog training or behavior modification. We give dog owners the peace of mind that it is possible to live a happy life together and the confidence

Tell us about yourself

Dogs are our best friends, reliable helpers when we don’t feel well, protectors when we’re in danger, and really everything we humans look for in a companion. The relationship we build with dogs is exceptional, unique, and unseen in nature, given that we are completely different species. I feel incredibly lucky that I have an amazing bond with my GSD but unfortunately, millions of dog owners don’t get to experience this bond because of the challenging behaviors of their dogs. In fact, 1 million dogs are surrendered to shelters by their owners due to anxiety, aggression, or reactivity, and 4.5 million severe dog bites are registered every year in the US. These are staggering numbers and even more shocking given that we live in a world with thousands of dog trainers and access to endless information on YouTube or Google. So what are we missing here? Why are we unable to crack the code with our dogs? I went on the journey to decode what’s really going on. I founded Canine Decoded along the way to fill the gap between the ideal life we picture ourselves having with our dogs and the reality where two out of five owners rehome their dogs because they couldn’t find the right help. Today, the method my team and I developed, coined “Better Together”, is being used by volunteers and fosters of rescue organizations where I also serve on the board, to help rehabilitate rescue dogs and find them forever homes successfully, breaking the cycle of rehoming.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I never give up on people or dogs. I come with a unique set of skills, and I always do everything in my power to help dog owners coming to me. The dogs I work with are often extreme cases of fear and aggression. Seeing small but steady improvements and changes is often a huge milestone for the dog owner. The sparkle in their eyes and the smile on their face when they tell me that their dog did something he or she never did before - it never gets old.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being the owner of a dog training and behavior school comes with its own set of challenges, but one of the hardest things is dealing with the emotional weight of the work. As a behaviorist, you are not just teaching commands and tricks; you are helping dogs and their owners overcome behavioral issues and, in some cases, helping to provide a second chance for dogs that have been rescued from shelters. This can be emotionally taxing, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Utilize digital tools and platforms: In today's digital age, there are many tools and platforms that can help you run and grow your business, including a dog training school. From social media to course builders to cloud-based software, these tools can help you streamline operations. I'm working with dog owners in Australia, Europe, Canada, and across the US. This wouldn't be possible without using digital tools effectively.
  2. Be adaptable and open to change: The business landscape is constantly changing, and it's important to be adaptable and open to new ideas and ways of doing things. As a canine educator who emerged in the research community at top universities, I see advancements and changes being made almost daily. Adapting and improving when necessary can be the difference between success and failure, not just for my business but also for my students. Education never stops, and I'm extremely grateful that I can contribute to the evolution of dog training and behavior modification.
  3. Prioritize the relationship with your students, customers, or clients: In my case, every dog and owner is unique. If you work with me, I want to learn more about you and your dog. The relationship I build with my students is important to me because I want to be able to give personalized feedback and recommendations.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.caninedecoded.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caninedecoded/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecoded/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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