Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Stanley, founder, and president of Dogma Training, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dogma Training makes your best friend even better. We know your dog deserves the best. What makes us different is knowing you do too. We're in the business of giving you an even better best friend. So the time you spend together can be quality time uncompromised by a lack of training. We provide expert and personalized dog training through day school, group classes, private training, and online programs.
Unfortunately, there are no regulations within the dog training and care industry, so Dogma is committed to setting the standard. While practicing reward-based training solely, each business area is designed to ensure the dogs' safety and physical and emotional well-being. On top of that, the education and experience of the team ensure we are improving the dogs' behaviour. We are the only facility where everyone who works hands-on with the dogs is a certified dog trainer. Even our support team is all provided the Dogma Canine Professional course and certificate.
We aim to make training easy and accessible. We welcome dogs of any age, breed, and/or behaviour. Our training programs are designed to fit any schedule and/or budget. Our clients consist of discerning dog owners who only want what is best for their dogs and won't compromise care for quick-fix solutions that would put their dog(s) at greater risk.
Tell us about yourself
Like so many other dog trainers, my journey started with a dog. I had always wanted to work with animals, and it wasn’t until I got my first dog that I began the journey to becoming a professional dog trainer. Guinniss came into my life as a sweet and goofy boy who was terrified of the world. He showed this fear through reactive responses and struggled with new people, situations, and dogs. He was complex, but I knew he only needed the right support to feel safe in our busy human world.
At the time, there were limited training options for dogs like Guinniss, and the ones available relied on punishment which I knew would only worsen his behaviour. On top of that, these facilities were run by well-intentioned dog lovers, with no education in canine training or behaviour. I recognized the need for standards in the care and training of dogs. The industry needed improvement, and my work with Guinniss gave me the inspiration and drove me to start Dogma.
Although there has been great progress in the field since Guinniss was in my life, there is still a lot of work to do. This is what drives me every day. I’ve built my business through purpose over profit. I have been lucky enough to assemble a team of committed and compassionate individuals who share these same goals and visions for our industry.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My team. I’ve mentored hundreds of trainers over the years, and I am so proud of how they’ve all grown. Some joined Dogma and are still with us, and some have moved on to create successful businesses of their own. I am grateful for my team and provide the only full-time salaried dog training with a wide range of unique perks and personal and professional development opportunities. I truly believe that you should love what you do. I take the responsibility of providing a positive workplace with the opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference very seriously.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be lonely at the top. Yes, you can build a great team and create a network of support, but there is always a great deal of responsibility that lies on your shoulders. Most days, this motivates me and drives me to continue to improve. However, this weight of responsibility can also be crushing at times. You always need to be ready to solve difficult problems, make hard decisions and continue to lead by example. It’s sometimes the best part of being an entrepreneur but can also be the hardest.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take Care of Yourself: Surround yourself with like-minded people and fellow entrepreneurs. It can be lonely, so this support is critical. Practice self-care and protect your physical and mental health. Working in certain industries can put you at a higher risk for compassion fatigue, so be sure to know the signs and have a plan to prevent this.
- Hire the Right People: Your employees represent your business. Know your core values and ensure they match them. You can teach any skills but cannot teach values. When staff and values match, you will be able to accomplish great things as a team.
- Know Your Numbers – Do good, focus on your why, and invest in your people. However, you still need to have a financially healthy business to do this. Track your numbers and ensure you are still making a profit. You can’t grow or drive change if your business can’t continue due to a lack of money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dogmatraining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogmatraining/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogmatraining/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogmatraining
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogma-training-pet-services/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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