Mind Your Own Dog Business

*The following episode contains discussions on topics such as alcohol abuse and trauma that may be triggering some listeners. Please exercise caution and consider your personal experiences and sensitivities before listening. We approach these subjects respectfully and aim to provide insight and support, but we acknowledge that everyone's journey is unique*On this episode of Mind Your Own Dog Business, Kristen Lee and Maggie Christina have a very open and vulnerable discussion of what has been happening behind the scenes at Dog Biz School on a personal level.Kristen and Maggie share their breaking points, their low points in complete burnout, and how their unhealthy relationship with alcohol started to spiral out of control, and they almost left the industry due to their bullshit. Kristen and Maggie explore their very early journeys towards sobriety, the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on personal and professional life, and the importance of self-care and mental health, especially in the dog training industry. It's a real, raw, and honest conversation that we invite all dog trainers to listen to. 

Great dog-owning clients aren't found. They are created. In this badass episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Biz, Kristen and Ashley discuss dog trainers' issues with getting their dog owners "compliant" in their training programs. Because one struggle that's across the board with any dog trainer? Getting owners to "do the work". Kristen and Ashley cover the steps to creating, yes, creating, awesome fucking dog training clients that want to do the work and actually do it.They outline the simple steps you can start taking today to get better with clients in their dog training programs AND foster better relationships with dog owners. Join our free class on 3/21 @ 11 am - click here to save your spot.Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Don't postpone your peace because chaos is familiar. In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee talks to the dog trainers of the industry who find themselves employed by toxic AF employers, whether that is employees of training facilities that do group classes, board and trains, day trains, or even dog training businesses without a facility. Kristen explains the toxic dynamics that send truly great, experienced dog trainers out of employee roles into business ownership roles. This trend is attributed to various factors, including a focus on profit over quality, micromanagement, trauma bonding among staff, and unhealthy dynamics between leadership and staff. Kristen Lee also outlines red flags signaling a toxic work environment. She encourages dog trainers to recognize these signs and consider leaving toxic environments an opportunity for personal and professional growth.Join our free class on 3/21 @ 11 am - click here to save your spot.Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

"You will be paid in direct proportion to the value you deliver..."This episode of Mind Your Own Dog Business, a podcast for dog trainers and dog business owners, delves into the crucial aspect of delivering value in dog training businesses. This episode is a must-listen for dog trainers and dog business owners aiming to optimize their profitability while enhancing their services.Kristen and Ashley stress the importance of redirecting efforts toward providing high-quality training programs rather than solely focusing on money. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize how the key to long-term success lies in the quality of service offered. By prioritizing value delivery, trainers foster better relationships with clients and build community, ultimately leading to increased revenue.The significance of prioritizing quality over quantity in dog training services.Strategies for enhancing the value of training programs to attract and retain clients for a lifetime without burning the fuck out. Leveraging customer feedback to improve and adapt services to meet evolving client needs continually.The correlation between value delivery and financial success in the dog training industry.It's raw, and it's real. And it's what you need to know as a dog trainer and dog business owner.Message Ashley: ashley@dogbizschool.comEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business podcast, Kristen Lee covers the toxic AF Hustle Crisis Cycle that many dog trainers and dog businesses unexpectedly find themselves cycling in and out of, leaving them in financial crisis mode and completely burned out.She covers what exactly the cycle and toxic dynamics are in your dog training business and how throwing more money and effort into marketing your dog training business can throw you further into the cycle. She also covers how to break out of it and the areas of your dog training business to focus on to get out of the cycle. It's raw, and it's real. And it's what you need to know as a dog trainer and dog business owner.Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business podcast, the Grassroots Dog Biz School team sits down and talks about finances for dog trainers and dog business owners. Now, in true Dog Biz School style, this isn't just the basic bitch advice of "knowing your numbers" or what accounting software to use. Kristen, Maggie, and Ashely deep dive into the mindset of money with dog trainers, how to financially plan for the lifestyle and business you want as a dog business owner, WHY charging a higher priced dog training program is in demand for dog owners (and how dog owners are spending their money is none of your business) along with breaking out of the planning to be broke cycle and using your money as a reinvestment back to your future dog owner clients. Along with the emotional choke-hold, most dog biz owners get into when it comes to their financial situations and decision making.  It's raw, and it's real. And it's what you need to know as a dog trainer and dog business owner. Join our Finances Fucking Matter Live Class Thursday, 6/1, at 2 pm EST. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4QeAVh_hTaqT3CyAaAslxAIf you'd like your numbers run for the session, email the office at clientsuccess@dogbizschool.comEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz SchoolThe information on this podcast and the resources available through this podcast are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, financial advice. I am not an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor, nor are we holding ourselves out to be, and the information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for financial advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee & Ashley Emig sit down and have the must-have conversation about dog training models. You know, the traditional dog training program styles of board and trains, private sessions, group classes.They dive deep into how they keep dog trainers stuck, bored, burnout, and consistently need a rotating door of new dog training clients to make it work. They also cover dog training fusion programs, what they are, and how they're MORE effective for the learning experience for the dog owner and the dog.REGISTER for our live, Get Your Shit Together Webinar on Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm EST.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LdoVz4rcSDSNpvoRr0SZ5AEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteAshely Emig Instagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee & Emily Nolan sit down and have a brutally honest conversation about getting your shit together when it comes to hiring in your dog training business because getting your shit together when it comes to bringing in employees isn't as easy as posting a job, hiring, and throwing someone into an onboarding process.  It's nuanced as fuck and can wreak HAVOC on any dog business when you don't have the systems in place for hiring in your dog training business and managing employees as a dog trainer. We cover:Hiring Managing and leading employeesFiringHow being an employer can be triggering AF in your personal development REGISTER for our live, Get Your Shit Together Webinar on Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm EST.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LdoVz4rcSDSNpvoRr0SZ5AEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee covers getting your shit together when it comes to money and finances as a dog trainer and dog business owner. Everyone wants to make 6 or 7 figures, but what does making all that money actually mean? Because if you’re shit with making 5k a month, imagine the fuckery with having a massive influx of cash Making more money as a dog trainer won’t solve all your problems, especially if you’ve had/have money-related issues. It might make shit worse if you don’t have the systems, processes, and boundaries to protect that cash. She breaks down the simple steps of getting cozy with your numbers as a dog business owner, understanding your dog training business numbers, and planning NOT to be broke. REGISTER for our live, Get Your Shit Together Webinar on Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm EST.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LdoVz4rcSDSNpvoRr0SZ5AEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteAshely Emig Instagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of The Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee and Ashely Emig, a Dog Biz School student coach, talk about getting your shit together when it comes to sustainability as a dog trainer and business owner. Because, at the end of the day, we, as the dog training industry and dog training business owners, need to focus on sustainability when it comes to running a dog training business without wanting to burn everything down in a few years. We also cover money mindset as dog business owners and how to start getting in a better mental and business space when it comes to money. So sit back, take some notes, and get your shit together when it comes to running a sustainable and profitable dog training business, dog business. REGISTER for our live, Get Your Shit Together Webinar on Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm EST.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LdoVz4rcSDSNpvoRr0SZ5AEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteAshely Emig Instagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Guess who is back, back again. Mind Your Own Dog Biz is back again.Hello to all of our amazing, patient listeners. The team is back in the air with some fresh, hot, steaming piles of the best dog business information out there. But first. Tea. We mean updates on what's new, what's been going on behind the scenes, and what's to come. The Get Your Shit Together Webinar --- a live session with the Dog Biz School Team, Tuesday, May 24th @ 5 pm EST.  REGISTER USING THIS LINK.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LdoVz4rcSDSNpvoRr0SZ5AEpisode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Attracted to creating a subscription-based dog training membership model for your dog training business? Then, we need to talk. Like, now. In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee and Maggie Christina discuss in-depth the most popular dog training concept that's making its rounds to dog training business owners: Membership based dog training and subscription-based dog training model. And what's not to love about these newfound, low-input, max passive-income dog training programs for established dog trainers and dog business owners? Honestly... not much once you break down the numbers, the effort, and the investment (time and money) required to break even. Kristen and Maggie break down the truth about starting a membership-based dog training model from soup to nuts, to the "secrets" that the gurus selling you this idea are not talking about, to running the ACTUAL numbers. The dog biz school calculator gets busted out to show you exactly what it looks like having a profitable program model vs. a subscription-based dog training program. As always, we keep it raw, real with numbers, and transparent as fuck, so you don't waste your time trying to work on ideas that don't work as a dog training business.  

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen and Maggie have a conversation about the business of board and trains and how more force-free dog trainers should be offering board and trains to their services to leverage and grow their business. Let's get this clear and not twist the episode's title; it's NOT a conversation on methodology or training camps, but an honest conversation on why many force-free, R+ trainers shy away from a board and train option when they can be using and leveraging them for growth, reinvestment back into the community and continuing education... ALONG with the judgment they might face when offering a board and train and subsequently making more money. During this conversation, Kristen and Maggie discuss:How can LIMA, force-free positive dog trainers, optimize a board and train program for future growth.Pricing your force-free board and train.Reinvest your continuing education using the cash flow from your board and train programs.How the standard model of group classes is going the way of the dodo.Why you SHOULDN'T offer a membership-style dog training program, because it'll keep you broke.Dealing with the financial judgment of making more money as an ff positive dog trainer. Starting your first force-free board and train.This conversation is spicy; it's transparent, raw, and for everyone, that has thought about offering a board and train. Episode Links:The Business of Board & Trains Masterclass Sign Up Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School Website 

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business, Kristen sits down with the badass Ashely Emig of Lil Rascal's Dog Training, based in Asheville, NC & Southeastern PA. Over the last year, Ashley has seen some shit and gone through some heavy shit in her personal life and business life after a series of events. Events that would bring most dog business owners to their knees and make them throw in the towel.Ashely shares her story and journey of this transitional part of her life as she learned to give up control, trust in herself and her mentors, and how she landed on her feet in a new location with her dog training business.It's a story of when life gut punches you, but you come back up swinging harder than ever when the odds are stacked. Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Be the most expensive dog trainer in your area.Why you Should be the most Expensive Dog TrainerDog trainers chronically undercharge, yet they overdeliver. Unless you are in it for charity, you have to get real with your money. In general, price and quality are inversely related. You either get a great price or great quality. Not both. And clients know this! In today's episode, Kristen is joined by Emily for an insightful discussion on pricing for dog training, what to charge, and how you can charge more. If you are in need of savvy tips on pricing for dog training and would love to clear all the cobwebs in your head around your opposition to other people spending money on your dog training services, this episode is definitely for you! Tune in as Kristen and Emily talk about:Pricing for dog training sustainably [3:39]How to charge more for dog training and the long-term value it creates with clients [8:00]Understanding and clearly defining what financial stability is to you and gearing it towards a long-term view of retirement [17:30]What you should charge and the ethics behind it [24:53]Holding your ground during negotiation on what to charge [21:52]… and so much more! What's next:Did the episode spark any questions or comments on pricing for dog training? Or do you wish to work with us on growing your Dog Biz or get a direct link to Kristen's calendar: https://www.dogbizschool.com/work-with-usFollow Kristen:   Instagram: @badassdogbizFavorite Quote:Pricing for dog training sustainably is not just about covering your basic needs but more about looking at your business's long-term growth and ensuring that the value of your time is given back to you.

5 Outdated Marketing Practices You Should DitchWhen it comes to marketing, times are changing. Keeping up with these changing marketing trends is especially important for pet business owners or dog trainers. Marketing ain't easy and isn't an instant gratification project. In today's episode, Kristen sheds light on outdated marketing practices you should ditch asap. She dives into marketing strategies that when scraped off will save you time, energy, and money, and provides you with pragmatic practices that will instantly catapult your dog business to the next level.Tune in as Kristen talks about:Free Facebook groups for dog owners hosted by youRe-sharing your content over and over on all social media platformsNot knowing your dog owner's audience and demonstrating that publiclyShaming dog owners… and so much more!What's next:To work with us on growing your Dog Biz or get a direct link to Kristen's calendar: https://www.dogbizschool.com/workwithusFollow us:   Website:https://www.dogbizschool.com Instagram: @badassdogbiz

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee talks about recessions and how to prepare your dog business for a recession. All we've been hearing lately from the news is inflation and recession. It's anxiety-inducing and dreadful, and we're all living it now. Here's the thing: the more knowledge and prep you can do, the better off you'll be as a pet business owner.Because economic recessions are part of life, we'll all face one (or two or three) at some point in our lifetimes. It's NOT about freaking the fuck out as a dog business owner; it's about how to understand it, prep for it, and make adjustments. Kristen covers the key areas to focus on for prep as a dog training business owner, along with a bit of tough love on how the pet industry isn't recession-proof. Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business podcast, Kristen Lee talks about the signs that it's time to fire that toxic dog owner client.  Yep. Even if you've been putting it off. For a moment, dog peeps, it would be an ideal world that every dog-owning client that comes to your dog training and pet business is the motherfucking ideal, perfect, dream client. Oh, the dog trainer business land of perfect clients that do everything you prescribe them in your dog training program, that commits 100% to training their dogs with your guidance, who respect all your boundaries as a dog trainer, don't blow up your email, text, after that bottle of wine on a Sunday evening projecting their bullshit through their dog that rolls down to you. But here we are. What to do? Recognize the signs of a bad dog owner client in your pet dog business, objectively and non-emotionally decide if you want to continue working with them, and then yeet them the fuck out of your dog business if needed. Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Dog Biz School is open for enrollment starting March 27th! Apply today.In this fucking badass episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business Podcast, Kristen Lee sits down with Hannah Richey, dog trainer and owner of Western K9 CA, an elite dog training company on the West Coast. Hannah (a Dog Biz School student) shares HOW she closed over 45k in dog training sales in Feb. A month, notoriously "slow" for the dog training industry. What's even better than closing 45k in sales? She reignited her love and passion for dog training again after battling mental health issues and burnout.Kristen and Hannah cover:How she closed 45k + in dog training sales as a one-woman show, without overextending and over committing herself How she grew her business 900%, yes, 900% in a year with Dog Biz School. REAL GROWTH. Her challenges and struggles as a successful woman in the dog training industryAs always, it's real; it's raw. And it's what our industry needs. Episode Links:Work with Dog Biz SchoolDog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School

Dog Biz School is Open for enrollment starting March 28th!6 + Figures As A New Dog Trainer, Healing Trauma, & Catastrophic Injuries - Ruth's StoryIn this episode, Kristen Lee sits down with Ruth Smith Hayter of AZ-Dogs and Dog Biz School's students. Ruth is a complete badass, and it's an honor to share her story with our listeners of the Mind Your Dog Business podcast.Ruth shares her story of starting, yes, starting a dog training business at the beginning of the pandemic, experiencing rapid growth in her first two years (2021 closing in at 189k!).Kristen and Ruth talk about:What it's like hitting six figures so fast as a baby business ownerHow past trauma bubbles up and peaks its ugly head as you grow as a business ownerHow a career-ending injury for most dog trainers didn't make her skip a beat nor affect her business at all Her Grassroots Dog Biz School experience Episode Links:Dog Biz School WebsiteInstagram - Kristen LeeInstagram - Dog Biz School