Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet training but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elissa Weimer, Founder and Owner of Paw & Order Dog Training, located in Bulger, PA, USA.

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

Paw & Order Dog Training is for anyone who wants to improve the relationship they have with their dog. Whether they have a puppy who needs to learn the basics, a fun-loving pup who needs to learn manners or even a dog with aggressive tendencies, we're here to help!

Tell us about yourself

I served as a Combat Military Police Officer from 2007 to 2014. After graduating at the top of my class from California University of Pennsylvania, I completed a highly selective Professional Dog Training Program as an outstanding graduate in 2012. I've also attended many seminars and training classes throughout the years. To this day, I look for opportunities to expand my knowledge. I tell all my trainers when you think you know everything; you know nothing. I want to help as many dogs and their owners as I can to live their best lives together. If you restrict your dog training (and human training) methods, you limit that opportunity, which is why I'm always hungry to learn new methods.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our mission is to spread Paw & Order nationwide, and in the past two years, we've opened 8 franchised locations across the country. I'm very particular about who I allow operating a Paw & Order franchise. This brand is my baby, and I want to be sure that the right people are representing it. I'm very proud of the trainers that are heading up each location. They are great trainers and great people!

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

Hands down, dealing with employees, but not necessarily employees who aren't doing the work. You have to realize that the success of your business relies on the performance of your employees, and your employees rely on the success of your business. You want your employees to be happy, but you also need them to perform at a high level. It's a balancing act that I will continue to tackle!

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

  1. Make sure the industry you are going into is one that you are passionate about. If you are simply doing it for the money, you're doing it for the wrong reason.
  2. Go at your own pace. When I started, it was just me training dogs. I took my time, perfected my craft, and grew at a rate I was comfortable with.
  3. Never stop learning and adapting. To this day, I look for opportunities to adjust our training methods, services offered, and marketing strategies.
  4. Your customers will ultimately lead you to success or failure, so treat them right. If your customers overwhelmingly love you and refer you, you will succeed. But if they don't, you will likely struggle.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pawandorder.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawandorderpgh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paw_and_order_dog_training/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paw_n_order
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paw-order/

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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