Each September we celebrate National Dog Week, the last full week of the month. Many of you know about my ‘bipetual’ nature – I love cats and dogs!! Oscar, my adopted rescue cat, is my best friend. And I keep a warm place in my heart for many neighborhood dogs.
I’m happy to share my interview with Laurie Williams, owner of the Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center. Pup ‘N Iron is a daycare, fitness, activity, behavioral training, and wellness center for dogs located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
As a professional dog trainer, Laurie knows dogs. Since 2005, Laurie’s family-owned business has helped “people form close, personal, life-long bonds with their dogs”.
Enjoy Laurie’s interview below!
Tell us how you started as a professional dog trainer.
I have loved dogs for as long as I can remember. I wasn’t allowed to have one as a young child. But when I was 13 my uncle convinced my mother to let me adopt a dog that a friend of his needed to rehome. I have had dogs ever since.
Tell us about your professional dog training business. Do you have satellite dog training factilities?
I have managed a brick and mortar dog training facility for 15 years offering classes from puppy kindergarten to basic manners. I also offer advanced training in competitive dog sports like obedience, rally and agility.
I specialize in therapy dog and service dog training as well. Private behavior consultations and online distance learning classes are also part of my business.
Talk about some of your training to become a professional dog trainer. How long does it take to be a professional? What’s your competitive advantage?
Unfortunately, the dog training profession is by and large unregulated, and therefore anyone can hang out a shingle and call themselves a ‘dog trainer’!
That’s why I made it a point to only offer my unique combination of services: My years of experience working with other trainers at kennel clubs and dog show handlers, along with my professional certification.
I have been a dog trainer and behavior consultant for 35 years. My competitive advantage is my years of pet training and competitive dog sport experience.
What is a canine education specialist? Tell us about your favorite dog training techniques. Do you mentor people interested in professional dog training?
A canine education specialist is someone who is not only qualified to train dogs, but also qualified to train people.
I’m a positive, science-based trainer primarily using positive reinforcement and dog-friendly techniques. Yes, I have an apprentice.
Do you have a dog training specialty?
My specialty is relationship based team building training in which I teach people how to have a rock solid relationship and partnership with their dog.
What are a few basic training tips dog parents need to know?
My top three non-negotiable tips that dogs need to learn:
- To “Come” when called 100% of the time.
- To “Leave it” when you don’t want your dog to have something.
- To “Walk nicely” on a loose leash.
For more of my top five dog training tips, sign up for a class!
Are certain breeds easier to train then others?
Working and Sporting breeds were bred to work alongside man, so that instinct can sometimes make them take to training a little easier.
But they also can be very high energy and difficult to manage if they lose focus and struggle with impulse control.
What is the average age of dogs you train? How long does training last? And how often do dogs need refresher training?
I train dogs of all ages, from eight weeks and up. When do we humans ever stop learning? Just like us, training is ongoing throughout a dog’s life.
What is the most frustrating part of being a professional dog trainer?
Lack of respect for our profession. People often want us to give advice for free whereas they’d never ask a lawyer or a doctor to give free advice.
We deserve to be compensated for our expertise just like all professionals.
What is the most rewarding part of being a professional dog trainer?
PUPPIES!!!! And also seeing people form life long relationships with their dogs.
Do you plan to expand your dog training services? What’s your ultimate goal in training dogs?
I have already taken my services virtually. I have achieved it!
What are some professional dog training organizations you belong to?
I am a member of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Pet Professional Dog Trainers, and the Pet Professional Guild.
Do you serve as a judge for any professional dog training competitions?
Yes, I am a judge for the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), Canine Work and Canine Work and Games (CWAGS) and World Cynosport Rally Limited (WCRL).
What’s the biggest mistake dog parents make when training their dog?
They “expect” their dogs to do or know things without first showing and teaching them what is expected, and then rewarding them for compliance.
Any final thoughts for dog parents?
Be the person your dog thinks you are!
If you’re not sure if your dog of any age needs training, visit Pup ‘N Iron. Laurie offers online classes on basic manners & obedience, puppy kindergarten, behavior consultations and outdoor Pup ‘N Iron Day School Academy, an outdoor dog day care service.
Thanks for your time, Laurie!
Dr. Pet Mom
“Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails.”
–Max Eastman