Let's Talk Dog Business

DESCRIPTION Are you collecting courses, certificates, and dog training books like a CPD junkie? Taking course after course without any real purpose behind what you are learning? In this episode, Jo & Vicky unpack the vital role CPD (Continuous Professional Development) plays in the dog training world. They explore how easy it is to slide into learning for learning’s sake, fuel imposter syndrome, and drift away from your original purpose – and how to flip CPD into something intentional and aligned with your niche, your clients and the business you actually want to run. KEY TAKEAWAYS CPD should support your strategy, not constantly rewrite it – choose learning that moves you toward the business you actually want to run.  Ask yourself why am I studying this, what am I going to do with this knowledge. Don´t do a course, then shoehorn that service into your business to justify the course. Purposeful, well-chosen CPD deepens your impact; endless courses without a plan just fuel overwhelm and self-doubt. Both formal education and firsthand experience matter – it’s how you blend and apply them that grows your confidence and your business. Your niche and offers are allowed to evolve; testing, pivoting, and dropping what doesn’t fit is part of building a sustainable dog business. Loving learning for its own sake is valid, as long as you’re honest with yourself and don’t force every new idea you pick up into your services. BEST MOMENTS “Knowledge is definitely power, but knowledge can be a curse as well .” “I am a massive CPD junkie. I f**ing love doing all of the dog knowledge courses.” “The skill is having the ability to do both - be aware of what you want your education skill level to be and knowing how you want to utilise that in your business.” “Don't overwhelm yourself by doing too much for the sake of doing it and getting FOMO around, not going to these events.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email: [email protected] Quiz: https://quiz.caninebusinessacademy.com/health-check ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists, and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

DESCRIPTION Are you working flat out in your dog business but still not paying yourself what you "need" – never mind what you "want"? In this episode, Jo & Vicky dive into the messy subject of pricing your dog services. They unpack the difference between your "need number" and your "want number", how to sense-check your current prices against your goals, and why simply “charging more” won´t work if the service itself doesn’t deliver a premium experience.  You’ll come away with a straightforward way to assess your current pricing, your offers, and how to attract the right clients - people who want what you offer and are able to pay what you are worth. You´ll be able to build a dog business that actually supports the life you want, without your having to run yourself into the ground. KEY TAKEAWAYS Copying other people’s prices or inherited packages rarely works– it’s a quick fix that often keeps you undercharging for your time and expertise.  Bear in mind that a “one-hour” service rarely takes only an hour to deliver. Travel, prep, follow-up and admin all eat into your day and must be reflected in your pricing alongside overheads like running your business vehicle and rent.  Your “need number” is what you must earn each month to cover living costs. Your “want number” is the higher income that lets you fund your bigger goals and “dream life” extras.  Your "need number" combined with your "want number" will give you a clear income target and see whether your current offers and fees will realistically support your lifestyle and goals.  Doing the maths on how many clients or class places you sell each month helps you spot whether you have a lead-generation issue, a sales issue, or a pricing issue.  Premium pricing only works when the service delivers – structure, support and outcomes must create a genuine win–win for you and your clients. If it doesn´t you won´t attract and retain the type of clients, you need. Building a good reputation is critical to being able to charge what you want and keep attracting enough clients. BEST MOMENTS “It never put people off - the price. It was the value behind getting your dog walked on its own.” “Look at your numbers. Know how many inquiries you're bringing in each month. Know how many of the service you have to sell in order to hit your need number.” “Then you start to look at is it actually feasible to sell that many.” “Because it's a premium service now, whereas before, it was a scratchy service - it now warranted that higher price tag.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email: [email protected] Quiz: https://quiz.caninebusinessacademy.com/health-check ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists, and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

DESCRIPTION Building a business that people trust, recognise, and seek out isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being authentic and doing your absolute best. This week, Jo & Vicky are joined by Charlotte Nichols the founder of dog industry centred PR agency Harvey and Hugo. Charlotte shares how using authentic PR techniques combined with your own story sets you apart and helps you to attract  clients that are a perfect fit for you and what you are trying to achieve. Tune in for honest advice on overcoming self-doubt, simple PR strategies, and why showing up as yourself is your strongest brand move. KEY TAKEAWAYS PR is not just sending out a press release, writing a book or entering some awards. It literally is the way you decide to dress, the way you decide to speak, the way you decide to greet your customers Your quirks and real-life experiences are your brand’s hidden superpower. Let what sets you apart define your business. Knowing your values makes every brand decision simpler. In a world of AI people are actively looking out for fakes and avoiding them, which is helping to make authenticity more powerful. People can trust you. Clients enjoy learning from your experiences, not perfection. Happy clients and authentic testimonials do more for you than slick marketing. Use stories and emotion in your PR, they’re what people connect with and remember. Take creative risks. Standing out beats playing it safe every time. You don’t need big budgets for PR, starting small and following up works wonders. There is a lot you can do yourself. Use the phone, not just social. Actually tale to people. As you grow, keep reminding the world exactly what makes you valuable. Redefine success on your terms. A lifestyle business can be powerful, profitable, and deeply fulfilling. BEST MOMENTS “You need to keep reinforcing why you create value for your customers and how you do it, and your customers telling that story is the best way.” “Don´t give up you´ve got to be relentless with PR.” “People do business with people, human to human. Forget B to B, B to C - It's human to human.” “Try and take a photograph that tells a story.” “Start small, start local.” “I'm gonna be as bold as to say, for a lot of us, certainly in the Force Free community, we are effectively marketing ourselves to our peers, our competitors, than we are to our ideal audience.” “People are employing other dog trainers… and then they're ending up like not making any profit. They're ending up having loads more stress. They're not actually happy. ” EPISODE RESOURCES https://harveyandhugo.com https://www.instagram.com/harveyandhugopr https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvey-and-hugo The Pocket Sized PR Plan -  PRsonal Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/prsonal/id1671838944 The Pocket-Sized PR podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pocket-size-pr-podcast/id1790644301 SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

DESCRIPTION Running a dog business is hard—balancing clients, new trends, and that constant search for success can be exhausting. In this episode, we are joined by Andre Yeu, founder of When Hounds Fly Dog Training. Today, we’re talking about starting scrappy, building a thriving business, and the power of choosing your clients wisely. Andre shares how to move beyond “doing it all,” adapt to a changing industry, and stay authentic, doing so even as client expectations evolve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Winging it is a valid way to start and maybe doing training part time. Taking action before you have it all figured out is a great way to unlock real growth.   You don’t have to take on every client that comes to you. Being selective builds a stronger business and can also be good for your reputation.   Real change comes with mentorship. Learning from people who are further along than you fast-tracks growth and greatly improves your confidence, but vet your mentor carefully. Forget what your peers think about the way you do things. It´s your clients you need to please. But still stay open to feedback. Adopting shiny new tech or employing the latest methods doesn´t guarantee results. You need to use what serves your business. Your business needs to evolve as your clients’ needs change e.g. AI is making expert info more easily accessible, so dog owners need their trainers for the human support, empathy, and guidance technology can’t offer. Trust is built long before a sale—multiple touch points across different channels let clients feel like they know you before you’ve even met. Your story is your superpower. Sharing your face and journey builds trust in a way no logo or certificate can.   The human touch is irreplaceable. As AI begins to take over, building real relationships and tailoring your service will increasingly set you apart.   BEST MOMENTS "I've always set criteria for the types of clients we work with, even if we are like starving and it's famine time." "Find a circle, your tribe of entrepreneurs, that will teach you the shortcuts so that you don't have to spend as much time experimenting." "People don't mind that they connect with me on social media, and they go to my classes and it's one of my team members teaching." "I wish I had looked harder back in the day for that mentor, that coach." "Our role has to change." GUEST AND EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.whenhoundsfly.com/origin-story-andre-yeu socials: @whenhoundsfly SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Jo & Vicky tackle what they call the "curse of knowledge" something they see a lot within the dog training industry. There is a strong tendency for trainers to use expert jargon and too much technical detail to the point where clients struggle to connect with and understand their dog trainer - a frustrating experience for both parties. Through personal stories and industry insights, they share practical ways to simplify your message, build a genuine connection with each client and stop overwhelming or confusing them. KEY TAKEAWAYS Overuse of technical terms and industry-specific language may alienate potential clients—plain language is essential for connection e.g. Members of the public still call themselves dog owners rather than dog guardians. Genuine communication and empathy bridge the gap between you and your clients. They foster trust and encourage engagement. Focus on outcomes and keep your explanations simple. Dropping the ego and not being judgemental are crucial for understanding clients’ choices and supporting them without bias. Practical, hands-on experience is just as vital as academic knowledge. Both are needed for effective training and business growth. Observe and learn from successful communicators and social media accounts. Feelings of inadequacy often stem from gaps in business skills as well as in your dog training knowledge. When you broaden your expertise in both areas you suffer less from imposter syndrome. This makes you more confident and easier to connect with your clients and adapt to their needs. BEST MOMENTS “Remember who you are talking to.” “I remember going to clients, and was like, oh, yeah, “so the dog's olfactory system”, and they were going “what?!” “Gauge how much that person wants to know.” “It's still going to be difficult to fully understand how that person is going to interpret the knowledge that you're sharing, because everything's a bit subjective.” “Again, it comes back to that judgment of other people and other trainers." EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.youtube.com/@yorkshire_canine_academy SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/