Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vanessa Jaramillo, owner of The Balanced Canine, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi there, my name is Vanessa, and I am the head dog trainer with The Balanced Canine! We offer science-based training, behaviour modification, and wellness for the modern canine. We service Toronto and the GTA. Are you looking to start your puppy off on the right paw? Are you finding yourself frustrated with problem behaviours your dog is exhibiting? You are in the right place! By using fear-free, positive reinforcement and redirection techniques, you will learn how to communicate effectively with your dog to ensure they understand what is expected of them. By providing our dogs with what they as canines need, we ensure that their life is enriched, fulfilled, and balanced.
Tell us about yourself
Animals have always been my passion ever since I was little. I ruined my Black Beauty VHS from watching it too many times (remember those?!).
I have been working in the veterinary industry for over 12 years. I am currently a practicing veterinary technician and dog trainer. Working closely with dogs and cats sparked an interest in learning as much as I could about animal behaviour.
After working a short time at my first clinic, I realized that working with animals was my calling. I went to school and received my Animal Care diploma at Sheridan College with honours. I have continued building my knowledge by completing the Small Animal Behaviour certification through the University of Guelph and have also earned my Fear Free certification, which allows me to help my patients have a better experience in clinic.
My real inspiration came into my life a couple of years ago in the form of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Michelle. Not only has she been the reason for all of the exercises I've been getting, but she continues to teach me patience, sensitivity, and how to listen to a dog's body language. She motivated me to pursue dog training certification, which I completed with the Animal Behaviour College, formalizing knowledge acquired in over a decade of practice in the veterinary field.
Using positive reinforcement, redirection, enrichment, and exercise, you too will learn to be the human your dog needs! Our understanding of dog behaviour is always evolving. I strive to ensure that my knowledge is current and science-based. I am committed to continuing to grow my education in behaviour modification with a particular interest in problem behaviours such as anxiety, high energy, and reactivity.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to help dog parents strengthen their bond and build healthy relationships is so rewarding! Helping dogs overcome their fears, phobias and anxieties really make all of the hard work worth it! It is so rewarding to see this transformation of a scared and anxious dog to a happy, calm, and balanced one.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner comes with a lot of background paperwork! But by, structuring these tasks and keeping on a good schedule is helpful to stay on top of it all. Creating lists is really helpful for me to keep on track of all of the background work that needs to get done. It is also important to schedule some YOU time! Being a business owner means being on the clock every hour of the day. But is important to be able to disconnect and focus on something that fulfills you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Jump in headfirst and go for the gold! You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.
- Get all the qualifications, certificates, and CE you need to continue to improve yourself. Things change, grow, and evolve, and it is important for you to be up to date as a business owner.
- Keep up with new posts on social media pages and your website. The more new info you have up, the more clicks you get and the more engagement you get from new potential clients/customers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebalancedcanine.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.balanced.canine.T.O
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.balanced.canine/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.