We were lucky to catch up with Jeri Horne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeri, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

My start to dog training started many years ago with a dog named Nyx. Nyx was a very complex dog for me at that time. He had many struggles that made living with him very difficult. However, it was this complex dog that helped me to grow into the trainer I am today. Our training journey lead me to one of my first mentors at the time. Through years of dedication and adjusting my lifestyle I was able to show up for my dog in ways he needed. He needed a leader, someone he could trust, in addition to the endless love I had for him as my pet.

Through my years of mentorship I grew more and more founder of this profession. My mentor helped me to grow my skills and subsequent grew my responsibilities with her as well. In addition, she constantly challenged me and pushed me to continuously learn, even past what she was teaching me. This lead me to gain an internship at MSU, learning under their veterinary behaviorist at the time.

After many years with my mentor, and a big move on the horizon, it was time for me to branch out on my own. I was ready to help every day owners and even more the owners who have their own version of my dog Nyx. This is my drive. Now I needed to start a business.

I started small once I made it to Nashville, TN. Working part-time in conjunction with a full-time corporate role. Quickly, I had to learn the ends and out of establishing a business, how to properly run one, and do things like taxes every year. It took a few months for the initial start up items, but I was soon established January of 2019. Two years later, after the birth of my first child, I took the leap of faith and went full time with my passion. That was a huge jump for me and to top it off I was also now a mother! Very quickly, I realized that I needed a business coach as things ramped up quickly. I was juggling so much on top of still dedicating my all to my clients.

I took finding a trustworthy business coach very seriously, as my business meant the world to me. After months of searching and inquiring I found someone! She helped me to grow and adjust during difficult times and looked out for me and my business and many ways. To this day, she is one of the best investments I’ve made for my business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My start to dog training started many years ago with a dog named Nyx. Nyx was a very complex dog for me at that time. He had many struggles, but namely struggled with fear based aggression. This made living with him very difficult. However, it was this complex dog that helped me to grow into the trainer I am today. Through years of dedication and adjusting my lifestyle I was able to show up for my dog in ways he needed. He needed a leader, someone he could trust, in addition to the endless love I had for him as my pet.

Today I offer many training services for prospective clients. I have a big love for working with behavior modification cases but throughly enjoy working with the fresh minds of puppies and pushy adolescent pups. One of our core values is helping owners establish clarity in their communication with their dogs. This makes it’s easier for pups to listen and respond to cues given. For most this includes relationship building.

For prospective clients, we want them to know that all journey’s are not created equal. Some are fast others may take more time. However, the trainers of Champion K9 Training, are just as invested and are happy to walk alongside them as they grow alongside their pup.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my honesty and ability to always show up authentically has helped tremendously. This goes for with clients, prospective clients plus my industry peers. The dog world is incredibly small and I have found that despite the craziness of it all that these two things have (and continue to) served me and my business well.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Starting out with my business on a part-time bases in order to grow clientele and put my name out there, is what helped me to eventually go full-time. I give all my thanks to my amazing clients, family and friends who have supported and continue to support my small business!

In this industry it can be hard to get funding as we are mostly seen as high risk to banks and other funding based businesses. Even after a couple of years in the business too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.championk9training.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championk9training/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/championk9training

Image Credits
WJ Photography Champion K9 Training, LLC