Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Hollifield. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

My passion lies with reactive, aggressive, and anxious dogs, who often navigate a world that can be overwhelming and frightening. One such dog was Donny, an Akita mix with a challenging past, including a previous biting incident. From the moment I met him, I felt an immediate connection and recognized the love his family had for him, despite their struggles.
With seven years of experience working with dogs, I’ve come to understand that some truly resonate with us on a deeper level. Donny was one of those dogs. At risk of being euthanized, his family was unsure how to move forward while ensuring everyone’s safety. They sought help in understanding him, demonstrating remarkable commitment to his well-being.
In preparation for his training, we engaged in difficult but necessary conversations to align our goals. The family showed unwavering dedication, and it was clear they were all in for Donny. During his six-week board and train program, Donny’s confidence blossomed. He learned alternative behaviors to manage his discomfort, allowing him to make safer choices in challenging situations.
Post-training, Donny’s family continued their journey with him, advocating for his needs and ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Their commitment has led to remarkable progress over the past four months, and I am incredibly proud of both Donny and his family.
Through this experience, I learned just as much from Donny as he did from me. I firmly believe that if we take the time to truly listen, dogs can teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves. I feel blessed to play a role in helping dogs like Donny and their families foster safer, more harmonious relationships. Witnessing their ongoing progress fills me with joy, and I am honored to be their biggest supporter. Donny will always hold a special place in my heart, and the lessons he imparted will stay with me forever

Alex, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As the owner of Turnpike K9, I bring seven years of experience in the dog industry to my work. My journey began in the veterinary field, where I discovered my passion for working with animals but realized that my true calling lay elsewhere. The skills I gained there have been invaluable in my care for dogs. Afterward, I had the privilege of working with exceptional mentors in North Carolina for five years. This experience prepared me to move to Colorado and establish my own company, Turnpike K9. Our training approach is holistic, focusing on the individual dog and the broader context of their lives. While obedience is essential, I believe it is not the sole solution to underlying behavioral issues, and I prefer to foster a relationship with my dogs that is built on joy rather than constant compliance.
My goal is to help other dog owners experience the same joy and peace that my dogs bring me. Through understanding and tailored training, I aim to create harmonious relationships between dogs and their families

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation in the market is rooted in the genuine care I have for both the dogs and their owners. My commitment to my clients’ progress is evident, as I prioritize long-term support for lasting success. Open and honest communication is crucial; I don’t shy away from difficult conversations, understanding that a dog is a cherished member of the family and their care should never be taken lightly. Building trust with both dogs and their owners is fundamental to my approach. I am profoundly grateful to every client who has entrusted their dog to me, and I strive each day to honor that trust through dedication and compassion

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best sources of new clients for me have been referrals from past clients, visibility during public training sessions, and local Facebook groups.

Referrals are incredibly powerful; satisfied clients often share their positive experiences, which helps build trust with potential new clients. Additionally, when people see me training in public, it sparks interest and curiosity, allowing them to witness my approach firsthand. This real-time demonstration of my methods often leads to meaningful conversations and inquiries.

Local Facebook groups have also proven invaluable. Engaging with community members and sharing insights not only establishes my presence but also fosters a sense of connection. This combination of referrals, visibility, and community engagement has significantly contributed to the growth of my client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: turnpikek9training.com
• Instagram: turnpike.k9
• Facebook: Turnpike K9

Image Credits
Little Medusa Media