We were lucky to catch up with Nia Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nia, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first client was actually someone I previously worked with at my old job. I was the Dog Trainer & Behavior Coordinator at the well-known LA rescue, Wags & Walks, from 2022-2023. My first client was a volunteer and foster while I was working there. She decided to foster a feisty little dog named Batman, ended up falling in love with him, and officially adopted him a month or so later. Fast forward to a year later, very shortly after I decided to start my dog training business, she was looking to get more training for Batman’s reactivity and a fellow rescue volunteer connected us. It was truly a full circle moment since we had worked together previously. The ability really connect and build a relationship organically with my first client was amazing because it made both of us feel more comfortable with the process. They have a special place in my heart!

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 name is Nia Williams, owner and head trainer of Capp’s K9 Connections- Dog Behavior, Nutrition, and Wellness. I’m a born and raised LA native, with over 5 years of experience in dog behavior, nutrition, and training. My passion for dog training was inspired by my dog Cappuccino, who I rescued from South LA Animal Shelter in 2018. It was our personal training journey that influenced and encouraged me to help others learn how to build a better relationship with their own dogs. I’ve been training professionally for over 3 years and am excited to work with you.

Capp’s K9 Connections is dog training and nutrition service that believes a relationship based off mutual respect, trust, and love is the best way to create an ever-lasting bond with your pet. I use my knowledge of dog behavior and nutrition to meet your dog’s needs, with the end goal being a calm, relaxed and confident dog. I have a unique approach that focuses on relationship based training- combining obedience, leash work, and balanced training methods to show you how your dog sees and understands the world. I train YOU how to communicate with YOUR dog! My dual approach with training and nutrition allows for me to see the whole picture and ensure that all dogs feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally. Encouraging a calm, relaxed, confident dog requires for me to see each dog as an individual, so I develop training and nutritional plans specific to your dog. I currently offer private training sessions in home or at a local park, nutrition counseling, and pre-adoption counseling. I’m also hoping to start a group training class on the weekends soon!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth and my community! Many of my clients refer their friends, family, and neighbors to me. In addition, I work closely with Wags & Walks dog rescue, who regularly refer me to their adopters. Creating and maintaining these amazing relationships have truly helped my business grow faster than I could imagine.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting can be extremely difficult but necessary, especially when it comes to your career and life. You have to learn how to roll with the punches and figure out how you can still reach your goals, it just might look a little different.

While completing my undergrad at USC, I remember taking a Physics course that I just couldn’t crack. At the time, I was hoping to continue my education at Veterinary School; I needed to pass two semesters of Physics in order to apply and I didn’t think I could do another semester. At the same time, I was regularly shadowing a vet at an animal hospital, and I was slowly realizing this may not be the profession for me. These two things combined caused a huge dilema for me because I had wanted to become a vet since I was 4- meaning I had to now rethink my entire career and life plans.

It took a lot of research, thinking, and time, but after taking a course in Animal Behavior, I realized I could still continue my dream of working with dogs from a teaching angle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ck9connections.com
• Instagram: @ck9connections
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/capps-k9-connections-los-angeles