Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manuel Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Manuel, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Approximately thirteen years ago, in 2011, I found myself at a crossroads in life. Recently married and about to become a father, I was working as a diagnostic technician for electronic components at a manufacturing company that produced electronic devices. While the job provided the basics for survival, I felt stagnant and aimless. My parents taught me the value of hard work and responsibility, but the spark of dissatisfaction burned within me.
One day a Testing engineer, someone in a higher position than mine, shared a simple yet powerful secret with me: Pray in gratitude. Every night, he took a moment to reflect and give thanks for ten things in his life, something he considered crucial for advancing on the path toward his goals. That revelation resonated with me, and I decided to embrace that practice. Gratitude became a light amid my confusion.
However, life took an unexpected turn in 2012. Our baby was born with serious health complications due to sepsis, a critical situation that nearly cost us our child. During those dark days, I prayed to God for a miracle, and, miraculously, my son began to recover and was able to leave the hospital. Nonetheless, the financial damage was undeniable; we were left without savings, without a car (due to selling it along with everything we had of value to pay the hospital bill), and my mother had to borrow money and share her savings with us.
Despite these difficulties, my wife asked me to buy a puppy so that our baby could grow up and play with her. With doubts, I agreed, and Kira, a Malinois Shepherd, came into our lives. Living with her revealed an innate ability in me to understand dogs, and I knew there was a different path awaiting me. I would have to take risks and step out of my comfort zone, which meant leaving my job at the manufacturing company and, for the first time in my family, entering the world of dog training.
The internal calling I felt motivated me to seek courses, seminars, travels, and books on dog training, which meant investing money we didn’t have to spare. It was a leap into the unknown, and along with it came the idea of enrolling in the Police Academy, where I could learn about working dogs, dreaming someday of being part of the K9 team. I was determined to do everything possible to turn that dream into reality.
At the Academy, I spent almost all day and much of the night in intense training. In one of the classes, when the instructor asked why I wanted to join the police, I answered without hesitation: “Because I want to be in K9.” My companions began to call me “K9” as a nickname, although many said that the chance of joining that squad was remote—with an extremely low percentage of new recruits being selected—I never let that discourage me.
At the end of the Academy, I was assigned to the dustiest and most abandoned sector of the city. However, my determination did not wane. I faced dangerous situations and caught the attention of my superiors, which increased my chances of joining the K9 squad. After two years of effort, I finally obtained a place in the K9 Unit. I realized that not everyone on the squad had a dog assigned: out of approximately 50 members, only 10 were considered dog handlers. It was, without a doubt, an elite within the elite.
Many told me that I would have to wait years to have my own dog, just as many told me that I would never be able to join the squad, there are always people who try to discourage you and make fun of your dreams, but just as there are bad people, there are also good people ,who gives you his hand and helps you, it was thus that thanks to the support of Commander Bocanegra and my Captain Adid I was assigned Jack, a solid black German shepherd, who would become my great companion. Despite the ridicule and criticism, I persevered in demonstrating my skill with dogs. Under the guidance of my Captain Adid, I also learned not to be complacent and to embrace the hunger to grow.
Life presented me with an unexpected turn: the prestigious dog trainer who held the position, the head of the training area,Enrique Luke, was murdered, and after his death, I was given the opportunity to take over the role. I thanked the new commander, Commander Pizaña, for his trust in me. As the head of the training area, I had the opportunity to represent the canine unit at important events, schools, universities, even in front of important authorities and managers, go to exclusive courses, etc. which broadened my horizons.
In some point I wanted to carry out initiatives that would create a positive impact on the dogs’ lives, but that vision generated resentment among colleagues who preferred to stay in their comfort zone. The criticism intensified, and eventually, I received threats to my physical integrity. Despite those risks, I never stopped fighting for what I believed was right. It was then that I began to dream of forming the CIAVCEP association, aiming to promote human and animal welfare—a project I deemed essential not only for the dogs but also for raising awareness in the community. However, it has been quite a challenge, as there are always envious people who resent anyone who organizes and wants to make a change. Despite that, CIAVCEP has continued to grow, becoming one of the largest associations in the dog training and handling guild in Mexico. The circumstances became increasingly difficult, and the environment turned unsustainable.
After much reflection, I decided to first go to Spain to train and obtain my certification as a Behavior Modification Technician. Then, seeking new opportunities for my safety and that of my family, as well as because the police limited my growth, I made the decision to go to the United States. I informed them that I would be traveling for a course, but I internally knew that I would not return to the police.
The transition was monumental. Upon arriving in the United States, I went from being at the top of my guild in Mexico to being a complete unknown. To be able to feed my family, now consisting of my two children and my baby girl, I started cleaning tables and bathrooms at a restaurant and also helped at a dog breeding facility cleaning dog waste. But from the ashes, where many would have seen only defeat, I saw an opportunity. I saved every penny I could, and finally, I was able to establish my own business: GC DOG TRAINING TUCSON.
A few months after I arrived in the United States, I received the news that my friend and Captain Adid had been murdered. As is often the case in Mexico, impunity reigns in that beautiful country—my Mexico filled with good people, yet held hostage by a corrupt government and organized crime. It is a sorrowful reality that a country rich in culture and resources has impunity ruling it. I was deeply affected and went through moments of depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome, but God and my family did not abandon me; I kept pursuing my dream. Just two years after emigrating, my company has become a reference point for Spanish-speaking dog training in southern Arizona. Now, I dream of making an even greater impact, helping other Latinos achieve their dreams and promoting animal welfare through the training of families and other professionals who, like me, want to achieve success in dog training in Spanish in the United States, while also promoting respect for our language and culture in this beautiful country that opened its doors to me: the United States of America.
Today, as I look back, I realize that every challenge I faced, every risk I took, and every moment of gratitude, along with the support of my family, faith in God, and the courage to believe in my dreams, have been fundamental to my journey. Reflecting on the past, I see that everything I once prayed for has come true: first, my son’s health; then, becoming a professional dog trainer, which has taken me to different countries, allowed me to give courses and talks, permitted me to be invited to television and radio programs, and has been fundamental for the economic stability of my family; joining the K9 squad; serving as a K9 handler; taking charge of the training area; establishing my CIAVCEP association; and eventually, migrating when God showed me that staying in Mexico was limiting my growth. Now, I see each goal being achieved, and I have faith that all dreams can become a reality if you pray and work diligently for them.
To you who are reading this, I invite you to work hard and with faith, pursuing your dreams always has a risk component, but as would say in my country “El que no arriesga, no gana” thats mean “Who does not risk ,does not Win.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the founder of GC DOG TRAINING TUCSON (GC DOG TRAINING & PET SERVICES LLC) and the founder of CIAVCEP (Consejo Internacional de Adiestradores Veterinarios Criadores Especialistas y Protectores A.C.). My passionate journey in the world of canine training began more than a decade ago. Throughout this time, I understood the need to create an organized guild that promotes continuous improvement in our industry. Instead of criticizing and undermining each other, it is essential that professionals support one another to elevate the standards of canine training and care for our furry companions.
As I delved deeper into this discipline, I trained as a professional dog trainer and as a Behavior Modification Technician in Spain, which allowed me to acquire valuable tools for understanding and correcting canine behaviors in an ethical and effective manner. I decided to share my knowledge by creating a training program not only for pet owners but also for other trainers, helping them develop their skills and apply a more comprehensive approach that recognizes that it is not enough to train the dog; it is necessary to educate their family and even to educate and culturally inform society.
At GC DOG TRAINING TUCSON, I offer a variety of services ranging from basic obedience classes to rehabilitation programs for behavior problems. I also collaborate with companies, non-governmental organizations, or government entities that want to make their places and spaces more pet-friendly. “Transforming Places into Pet Friendly Spaces.”
I am proud to have created a supportive community within the sector, such as CIAVCEP, an association that seeks to promote improvement and professionalization within the guild. This not only refers to the technical aspect but also to the ethics of business as well as the human aspects and values that are fundamental in our work.
My mission as GC DOG TRAINING TUCSON is to change lives, to achieve happy dogs and happy families through education and awareness of the needs of dogs as a species. Additionally, as President of CIAVCEP, my goal is to achieve the unity of a multidisciplinary guild aimed at animal welfare and human welfare, promoting pet-friendly culture and respect for the Spanish language and Latin culture in the USA. “Perros Felices, Familias Felices.”
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
To grow your clientele, it’s essential to focus on the integrity and professionalism of your name and personal brand. Your name is your most valuable asset when it comes to building lasting relationships with clients.
In the end, by protecting your name and acting with integrity, you will not only strengthen your personal brand but also foster genuine loyalty among your clients, which will naturally lead to growth in your clientele.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Protecting Your Name as a Personal Brand: Your name represents everything you do and how you do it. It’s crucial for clients to know that you are committed to quality and honesty. A strong name becomes synonymous with trust.
Clarity and Sincerity: Always be clear and sincere about the scope of your products and services. Avoid the temptation to sell dreams or empty promises. Deliver what you promise, and your clients will value you for it.
Professionalism and Responsibility: Maintain high standards of professionalism in all your interactions. Responsibility is key; it’s not about never making mistakes, but about how you handle them. If things don’t go as planned, always offer a solution or guarantee.
Solid Guarantees: Backing your products or services with a guarantee is fundamental. This provides not only economic security but also moral assurance to your clients, showing that you stand by your promises.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gcdogtraining.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_dogtraining_tucson?igsh=d3dlMXVjaHFiNDFt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalinoisGC?mibextid=JRoKGi
- Yelp: GC DOG TRAINING TUCSON
