We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenn Friedline a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn , thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

Yes! Taking vacations and having time off is so important. It is vital to my mental and physical health to set healthy boundaries with my work, and being able to step away and focus on other things is part of that.

Jenn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a trainer for 7 years, earning my CPDT-KA in 2021, and my FDM in 2022. I started at a large corporation, and after spending 3 years training their curriculum, I saw many gaps in learning that stood in the way of success for many guardians and their dogs. I decided to break out on my own in October of 2020, offering in home private sessions for basic manners and beyond. In June of 2017, we adopted a reactive dog. This Dog lead me to dive deep into animal behavior with a focus on dog cognition and behavior modification. After earning my CPDT-KA, I started offering specialty services packages to help reduce dangerous behavior and resolve BIG EMOTIONS to help others that were in my situation. I also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master class, as well as the FDM course and certification.
My company, Jenn’s Dogs LLC, focuses on clear and compassionate communication from both ends of the lead. We are committed to the emotional experience of all involved in the training and behavior modification process, including our own. We strongly believe in humane and ethical treatment of animals. Our teaching guides Guardians through the process of training using force free and positive reinforcement methods. In our basic manners programs, taught by Jr. Trainers and Assistants, we highlight the Guardians handling skills by filling in the gaps that are often over looked. While we do not want our clients to be “dog trainers”, we do want them to understand the process of learning and a clear path to success. We offer training for the family dog, but have the structure needed for working dogs as well. We help our clients see their individual dogs and develop their relationship with them. Many dogs who come through our programs go on to be farm dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs. agility and lure coursing trials.
I work exclusively with clients whose dogs are suffering from reactivity and aggressive behaviors. My specialty services focus on meeting the dogs needs, improving management, healing the bond between the dog and household, and recovery from trauma. Once we are able to get the dog stable, then we can begin behavior modification techniques. My approach to these packages is collaborative. I want to work with the client to find sustainable practices for a safe, happy, and healthy relationship with their dog. Living with a reactive dog is hard for everyone, including the dog.
I am currently waiting for the results of my Certified Behavior Consultant Canine exam (CBCC-KA). Once received I hope to expand my offerings to reach more Guardians whose beloved canines are suffering.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I started with little to no capital, so I focused on social media as my main marketing platform. After a few months and I had some income, I included in person marketing as well. I find that staying consistent with these two avenues has been the most successful. I continue to visit Vet offices, Groomers, and other pet friendly establishments each month and post regularly on Facebook and Instagram.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started only offered in home services. So I started finding Facebook groups that were local and focused on the neighborhoods and towns that I worked in. Every 6 days I post a Meme that I use to advertise. Then, I share that meme with my information and heavy content to all the facebook groups. I share to a few each day, so my “ad” is hitting on different days of the week in each group. To this day, I still use that strategy. The picture is always fresh, and always contains my contact information. I do run ads when I see my reach start to dip down, but only 1 ad about every 6 weeks. Even when I am busy, I still keep it up. I am never selling for today, always for tomorrow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennsdogs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennsdogsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennsdogs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-friedline-b2856a2a5/