Life as a mom, dog trainer, and business owner: a personal reflection

​As a dog trainer with my own business, I often straddle the line between my professional and personal life. When people ask me what I do, and I answer, “I’m a dog trainer,” that isn’t all that  defines me. While I love what I do (it’s the most rewarding career I ever could have imagined!) my life outside that role is equally fulfilling and to be quite honest, sometimes a little chaotic.

I’m a proud mom to two incredible teenagers—my son, who is the oldest, is currently looking at a career in either programming or psychology. My daughter is a free and creative spirit who also navigates life with generalized anxiety disorder. Both have ADHD, which keeps things lively (along with my wonderful husband who has undiagnosed ADHD). Add in 2 dogs (one of which is a rescue)and a business that keeps me on my toes, and it’s safe to say our life is never boring.

Growing up, I always knew my future would involve working with animals. I’ve worked at a service dog training facility, veterinary clinics, and as an underwriter and later, claims adjuster for pet insurance. These roles have given me invaluable skills and experiences that shaped the trainer I am today. I even had a stint as an assistant manager at a shoe store, which might seem unrelated but taught me so much about working with people—a skill just as important as working with dogs!

Being a parent has profoundly shaped my ability to connect with my clients and their dogs. Many of my clients  come to me  at their wits' end—feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of how to proceed with their dog. My role as a trainer extends far beyond addressing canine behavior; it’s about empathetically meeting clients where they are and helping them build the confidence and skills to take control of their situation and bring out the very best in their dog. Does that make me a people trainer too? Maybe!

Empathy Through Personal Experience

One of my training philosophies is to take an empathetic approach to working with clients and their dogs. An example I often share involves my daughter’s anxiety and how it parallels the experiences of dogs. When we go out to a restaurant with a large menu, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming for her. It can quickly spiral into tears as she struggles to decide. There are so many “what ifs” running through her mind: “What if I choose something that isn’t good?” “What if I’m missing out on something better?” or, “I want it all.” However, when we visit a restaurant with a limited menu, the experience is entirely different. With fewer options, she’s able to make a decision quickly and confidently, without the overwhelming stress. This kind of decision-making paralysis with too many choices is not unlike the stress our dogs feel when they’re given too many options- without clear direction.

This is why I teach every owner I work with the skill I call “Settle the Dog” (sometimes referred to as "sit on the dog," though not literally!) It’s a practice where we limit the dog’s ability to wander on their leash, instead sitting with them and allowing just enough space for them to sit or lay down. Over time, this exercise teaches dogs to self-settle and relax—a skill that’s surprisingly uncommon, but incredibly valuable.

The Creative Side of Me

Outside of work, I am a creative soul. I love crafting—whether it’s needlepoint, working with yarn, or trying something new (currently resin). Reading and playing video games are also some favorite pastimes. Dare I share, I also enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons with a great group of friends. I discovered this social and creative game over the pandemic. Through zoom, we could connect and have fun with a little “escapeism”. 

I am also an “extroverted introvert.” I love teaching group classes (it always energizes me) and private lessons and truly enjoy connecting with people. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than curling up at home with a good book and a glass of red wine (or white, if the red is gone.)

Family First

My family is my foundation. A few years ago, we made the decision to pull my daughter out of school in grade seven to homeschool through her remaining elementary years. The public school system, while excellent in many ways, failed to meet her emotional and social needs. Marks weren’t the issue, but her mental well-being was. Homeschooling wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for her, and it’s a decision I’m proud of.
Between homeschooling, parenting, running my own business, and squeezing in time with my husband and some social activities, life is undeniably busy. One of the things I’m most grateful about being a business owner is the flexibility it has given me to be there for my family in ways a traditional job might not have allowed. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Why It All Matters

The experiences I’ve had as a mom and a business owner have taught me to approach my work with empathy, patience, and understanding. When I help a client learn to communicate with their dog, I’m not just teaching commands—I’m giving them tools to navigate their relationship with their dog, much like I’ve had to navigate my own challenges as a parent. Whether it’s helping a dog learn to relax or empowering a client to grow in confidence, every success feels deeply personal.

At the end of the day, my goal is to honour the unique journey of every dog and owner I meet. Just as I strive to create a stable and supportive environment for my family, I aim to provide that same sense of trust and connection for my clients. Because when we feel supported and understood, there’s no limit to what we can achieve—whether we’re raising children, training dogs, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs!