Train, Stay, Play - Kathy Santo Dog Training

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathy Santo, owner and CEO of Kathy Santo Dog Training, located in Waldwick, NJ, USA.

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

I’m a dog trainer! My team and I spend each and every day giving puppies and dogs “the best day ever” through our PlayCare and training programs. Our customers are everyone with a dog!

Tell us about yourself

My love of dogs started at a very early age. I began competing in dog sports at 20 and realized very quickly that there were a lot of dog owners who needed simple solutions to basic dog challenges. That’s the moment I started teaching, and I haven’t looked back. My motivation comes from wanting to create better relationships between dogs and their owners. Training a dog creates the bond that owners want! A well-behaved dog can have more freedom (and fun!) because they’re a dog that everyone loves to have around.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a trainer, my biggest accomplishment has been the tens of thousands of dogs and their families whose lives have been transformed for the better by being a part of our school (in-person and digital) programs.

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment has been hiring the best possible people to be on the team and allowing them to grow into roles that I didn’t even know we needed.

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

The hardest thing is giving myself permission not to be ‘on’ 24/7. Because I started out with just me, I tend to try and do/be a part of everything that goes on in the business. My team is the absolute best, and one of the ways I can show my gratitude for all they do is to stay in my lane - and that’s training dogs!

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

1. Do what you’re passionate about.
2. Move forward with what you want even when all the pieces aren’t in place.
3. Always trust your gut.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kathysantodogtraining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathysantodogtraining
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathysantodogtraining/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kathy-santo-dog-training/

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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