Today we’d like to introduce you to Royah Nunez

Hi Royah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’ve always had a deep love for dogs, but I never envisioned turning this passion into a career. Before embarking on this journey, I dabbled in various roles—from retail to childcare and even as a dispatcher. My stint as a dispatcher was lucrative but intensely challenging. The long, solitary shifts, often spanning 12-14 hours a day and up to seven days a week, were grueling. The job was a pressure cooker of high stress and constant demands, which eventually led to a severe burnout.

During this period, I sought solace by volunteering at dog rescues. Here, I wasn’t just playing with the dogs; I was teaching them, fully understanding how transformative education could be for these animals. It was during these moments, amidst personal challenges—including a painful rejection from my family upon coming out—that I found my true calling.

Faced with homelessness due to coming out, I found refuge in a shelter, hitting what felt like rock bottom. It was a profound realization that when you’re at your lowest, the only direction left to go is up. Motivated by this new perspective, I decided to dedicate my time fully to what brought me solace and joy—working with dogs.

I secured a position at a dog training facility, where I eagerly absorbed knowledge from seasoned trainers. This role became more than a job; it was a lifeline. It helped me shift my focus from my troubles to my passion, driving me to start training dogs independently. The satisfaction and happiness I found in this work were unparalleled.

With the support of my shelter case worker, I established my own business. They helped me navigate the intricacies of setting up an LLC and laid the groundwork for my venture. Living in the shelter, with no rent overhead, I was able to reinvest every earning back into building a solid clientele.

As I saved up and grew my business, I eventually moved out of the shelter. The pandemic presented new challenges but also more time to focus and expand my services. Today, I proudly run my own dog training business, a testament to the resilience and dedication that guided me through my toughest times. Every day, I am grateful for the journey that led me here and excited for what the future holds.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Building a self-employed dog training business from the ground up has been a journey marked by significant challenges and relentless perseverance. The initial hurdle was immense: focusing on training dogs and enhancing my skills as a trainer while residing in a homeless shelter. Amid the chaos, the stress, and the shelter politics, it was all too easy to feel overwhelmed and succumb to negativity. The pressing need to find a more stable living situation added another layer of urgency to my daily struggles.

Once I moved out of the shelter, the challenges did not go away. The financial pressure of paying rent while self employed felt like jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down. Yet, having already experienced rock-bottom, fear was no longer a barrier; the worst-case scenario was a return to the shelter, a fate I was determined to avoid at all costs.

Unexpectedly, the pandemic arrived, shutting everything down and casting a long shadow of uncertainty over my fledgling business. Contrary to my fears, this period turned into one of the busiest and most fruitful times, bringing a surge in demand that propelled my business forward.

Now, as my business continues to grow, I face the challenge of managing its success. My schedule is constantly packed, bookings are non-stop, and the importance of carving out time for self-care has never been more crucial. With so much to lose, I find that maintaining my success is proving to be even more challenging than achieving it. Yet, every day is a reminder of how far I’ve come and a testament to my resilience.

A new challenge I’m confronting is the issue of prejudice. Sadly, there’s a prevalent stigma of racism within the adult training industry. Many doubt the legitimacy of my profession, viewing me as an outsider or even dismissing me as someone who’s merely pretending to be a dog trainer. I’ve encountered skepticism simply because I don’t fit the conventional image people expect.

Despite these obstacles, I’ve chosen to combat this bias by committing myself to continuous education and self-improvement. Rather than allowing negative comments and judgments to affect me, I focus on honing my skills and expertise, ensuring that my dedication to my craft speaks louder than any misguided perceptions.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

My business specializes in a unique approach to dog training through my hybrid board and train program. What sets me apart is my dedication to transparency and personalized care. Unlike traditional board and train programs, I invite clients to visit their dogs in my home, allowing them to witness firsthand how I integrate their pets into my daily life.

I’m proud to offer specialized programs like the working dog program and the small and mighty program, which address the specific needs of different dog owners. Whether it’s providing intensive training sessions for working dogs or offering convenient training options for busy owners, I tailor my services to ensure that every dog receives the attention and care they need.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a sense of community and trust while helping dogs and their owners build strong relationships through effective training methods that fit their unique lifestyles.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

I want to give a big shoutout to my very first clients from 2019. They’ve been with me from the start, telling everyone about my dog training services. Thanks to them, I don’t have to advertise as much anymore. They keep coming back for more, and they’re always spreading the word to their friends and neighbors. It’s amazing to see clients who started with me in 2019 still booking my services in 2024. I’m really thankful for all their support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Quingcanine.com
• Instagram: @quingcanine
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/quingcanine91