Last fall I was approached by Jodi Rideout and Jessica Short to teach at A Dog’s World. They had their grand opening a month before and were looking to flesh out their business even more. At the time, I was looking into options. I had worked at a number of different training facilities but wanted to teach a dog training program exactly the way I thought it should be taught. I wanted to do it differently. I wanted to put the fun back into it. I wanted to give my students the opportunity to complete the most comprehensive progam possible.
Ken Reid Newfoundland’s Dog Whisperer Dog Training Program was born.
It was a big jump. I was now operating without a safety net.
One of the first goals was to recruit training assistants. The assistants had to be special people. They had to have the experience and knowledge to provide the students a quality learning environment. They had to relate to the students. They had to have a passion for it as without the passion, the rest would never occur.
I recruited Lesley, Lacey, Susan, Dwayne, Jackie, Pam, Heather, Sarita, Chelsey and Kelsey. Within a short time, Heidi, Britney, Danielle and Kylene came on board. Each brought their own unique skill set to the program. They further enhanced what I was doing. I have watched all grow in their abilities. I have watched all step up to the plate forming some wonderful bonds with the students. I am so proud of all and look forward to the future. Guys, I cannot thank you enough for the work you have put in. Your support has meant the world to me.
I aimed for teaching 100 students in the first year. I thought this was a little lofty but a reasonable goal. The first set of classes, I opened up two slots. Those filled in the first two days. I opened two more, those filled a week later. I opened two more, those filled the following week. October 6th rolled around and we had our first orientation and demo night to a full slate of students.
From the first night
Months rolled by and demand for the courses continued. I introduced the My Dog is Awesome Course. It is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and is fairly unique in the training world. I opened that one to a full slate and have continued to offer it with each cycle.
Evaluations coming from the courses have been very positive. We have read every word of them, adapted the courses to the feedback and always strive to improve. Our courses are constantly developing. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It has meant so much and is so appreciated.
I have watched the developments occuring over the last year…the Christmas Parade, the school and community group dog safety presentations, the media appearances, the LGBTQ parade, the SPCA assessments, the therapy dog evaluations, the weekend group dog walks, the evening training walks, the many charity walks…it has been amazing to see. Even more amazing to watch is the relationships formed between group members and between their dogs.
Today marks a year since the first course began. I am proud to report that the 100 student mark was far surpassed. With the graduations which occured last week, we have had 338 students enrol in the program. This year is starting on a great note. This round of classes has 68 students registered. The numbers are humbling especially considering the role word of mouth plays in promoting the work we do. Again THANK YOU!!! The future is very very promising.
Thank you to Vanessa. You have been a huge supporter of what I do Your love and patience is appreciated. I know all the dog talk must drive you crazy at times. Thank you for putting up with it and me.
I cannot complete this without sending a huge thank you to Jodi and Jess. These two ladies have accomplished some amazing things over the last year. Their hard work has been entwined with mine. As my business grows, so does theirs and vis versa. Jodi and Jess, your support has been unwavering. Thank you so much for all you do.
So to all my family, friends, training team, clients, group members whether you be two, three or four legged…thank you all from the bottom of my heart. The future is looking great.
Onward and upward.
