We recently connected with Michelle Reindal and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Risks and pivots have always been a part of my career DNA.

At 25, I worked at my first legitimate “adult” job—an office coordinator of sorts at the Washington State Bar Association. I loathed it. As the youngest person (must younger) at the office, I felt stunted and micromanaged and stuck. Sure, I had a salary and health insurance for the first time, but it came at the cost of being in an incredibly dull and monotonous traditional office culture nightmare.

One day I saw a Craigslist ad for an “Assistant to a Film Director”, and answered it immediately. With only two guaranteed weeks of work, I left my “traditional” job and never looked back. That risk began my 13 year career in video production.

In 2019, after a stint with Microsoft (one of many over the years), and a short-lived attempt working at a start-up as their creative producer, my soul could not reckon with the fact that I was not contributing to anything of the kind of significance I yearned for.

Then, my dog Banjo—the most secure attachment I’d ever known, who stayed by side through heartbreak and life changes and brought joy to me daily—died of cancer. My world shattered.

I vowed to never return to meaningless work in honor of Banjo. Because Banjo taught me about dog behavior, and I’d been volunteering at the animal shelter for several years, a new career path emerged. And the second risk began.

Leaving the video production world, with all of my established relationships and my rather high pay rate was something I’d thought about for a long time, but the golden handcuffs had me stuck. This time was different. I dove in with curiosity and determination, downsized, and took gigs where I could to supplement my dog behavior education. The Paid Pup was born.

These two big career risks have not only led me to where I believe I was always meant to be, but developed character, appreciation for life’s small joys.

I also acknowledge that taking these risks, took privilege that not everyone has.

Michelle, 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’d always had an interest in animals, especially dogs, and when I started volunteering at the local animal shelter, I got hands-on experience working with different types of dogs, as well as dogs who were fearful, anxious, and overwhelmed in the shelter environment. I loved these dogs like they were my own—with unwavering commitment to their well-being. I bring that to the human and dog clients I see in my practice now.

My interests within the dog behavior industry are vast, and I’m committed to the most modern, evidence-based, humane ways to live with and teach our dogs. Traditional dog training is rooted in white supremacy and the patriarchy. Our culture is punishment-based and the way we treat and teach animals falls in line with that, even though peer-reviewed studies have shown how detrimental punishment is to the learner’s well-being (human or animal). Society is steeped in misunderstanding and misinformation about dogs, due to charlatan tv trainers and social media trainers with high follower counts, but low knowledge about dogs and dog behavior. I consider it my job to slay this misinformation and start changing these misinformed cultural narratives about dogs.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for connecting with clients who are a good match for my values and ethics is to be open and authentic on my social media. I’ve found that this attracts the kind of clients who want to work with me because of how I approach dog behavior.

Burnout in this industry is high. I learned early on that it’s nearly unavoidable, but I could maintain a healthier level of boundaries if I didn’t just say “yes” to every potential client. The right match for both trainer/consultant and human client is imperative to the work we do together.

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

Holding onto my ethics loud and proud. Carrying the compassion I have for dogs over to my human clients as well, and having the emotional intelligence to be able to support someone through a difficult time.

Living with a dog who has behavior concerns (fear, anxiety, aggression) is isolating and takes an incredible amount of mental energy, leaving guardians feeling burned out and in need of support for themselves as well as their dogs!

Being committed to continuing education is another reputation builder.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thepaidpup.com
• Instagram: @thepaidpup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaidpup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereindal36/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-paid-pup-seattle