Polite Dog. Happy Family - Clever Canine Behavior & Training

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teresa Loya, CEO of Clever Canine Behavior & Training, located in Bailey, CO, USA.

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

Clever Canine Behavior & Training is passionate about helping dog guardians solve their dog’s challenging behaviors by delivering positive and effective dog training instruction. We provide solutions and support for the frustrated person who is struggling with an unruly, fearful, or reactive dog. Our goal is to help our clients discover the freedom and joy of having a well-behaved dog. Our motto is Polite Dog. Happy Family.

Tell us about yourself

My journey to becoming a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant & Trainer began with a fearful, biting puppy named Kayana. Kayana was an Alaskan Malamute and my first dog as an adult. Kayana was biting my young children and was fearful of adults. I sought out the advice of my Veterinarian and recommended dog trainers. Unfortunately, the advice I was given, using punishment-based training techniques, made her behaviors worse. She became more fearful, and her biting intensified. I was devastated that she was mistrustful of me, my family, and other people. My Veterinarian even recommended I re-home or euthanize her. That was the pivotal moment in which I sought out the help of a Behavior Consultant. The first lesson was an eye-opening experience. I was shown how to change my pup's behaviors using positive methods. Within two weeks, the biting stopped, and she was coming to me instead of running away. My relationship with Kayana continued to transform into a deep connection, a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Kayana and I entered the AKC obedience competition and earned Obedience and Canine Good Citizen titles. It wasn't until Kayana was three years old that a hidden illness was revealed, and she quickly ended her life at four years of age. It was then I realized the biting and other problem behaviors stemmed from pain and a physical illness.

My motivation for Clever Canine Behavior & Training is simple: I love working with people and helping animals. I strive to relieve a person's stress and frustration by providing them with positive solutions to solve their dog's challenging behaviors that enhance a greater appreciation of who their dog is. More importantly, it is the glint of excitement in the eyes of both the guardian and dog, the joy of the connection that comes from bridging the communication gap in which the dog and their person discover a special bond. The result is a dog who is attentive and cooperative and a family who discovered the polite "inner genius" of their dog. A polite dog and a happy family is my ultimate motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is finding the excitement and passion in what I have done for nearly 30 years. I started out having no experience or education in my field, let alone knowing how to run a business. Furthermore, I never imagined that I could put myself through school earning a 2-year degree in Business Administration, a 4-year degree in Wildlife Biology/Animal Behavior, and a Master's degree in Anthrozoology and Animal Behavior.

It is the connection to people in the community that is such a rewarding experience and furthers my personal and professional growth. I have learned that businesses have a cycle of ups and downs, not to sweat the downs and stay focused on the next step. I evaluate what is working and change what isn't. Likewise, I appreciate the team of people that help and support the company mission.

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

I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is not having a crystal ball to tell you if you are making a good decision. Business owners wear many hats and have a great deal of responsibility beyond just running the business. We make tough decisions all the time and often need to respond to circumstances beyond our control. Each decision we make can impact many people and needs to be made with careful consideration.

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

1. Be passionate about what you do. Understand your "Why." Why did you get into the business in the first place? When business gets tough, remember your "Why," even if it is just to provide for yourself or your family. Keeping this in mind will help you face your challenges and keep you moving forward.
2. You do not have to do it alone. Embrace the support of family and friends. Join a forum or community within your niche for support and connection. Often business owners feel alone and having a community of people who can provide insight, tips, and strategies can be very uplifting. Most importantly, take care of your own mental, physical and spiritual well-being. If you are not feeling your best, you are less likely to be able to make good business decisions and be there for your family and your employees.
3. Come from a place of serving your clients or customers, not from a place of making money. Yes, making money and providing for yourself is a goal, but not the center. People can feel a disconnect if you are not truly consumed with helping them and addressing their needs/problems.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ccbtdog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccbtdog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevercanine.academy/

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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