We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Piper Novick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Piper below.

Piper, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

In the beginning, it was just me. I jumped into the world of dog training at a young age, driven by my passion for dog agility and the companionship of my sheltie, Happy. Those early days were a solo venture, where I relished the autonomy of running my own business.

As the demand for our services grew in 2019, when I established Happy Dogs Training LLC, I realized the need to expand and bring on a team. The decision to hire my first team members was both exciting and nerve-wracking. With no prior experience in hiring, I was only 19 years old and frankly overwhelmed by the success of my business. I embarked on the journey of recruiting individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills but also shared my values and dedication to positive reinforcement training.

Finding the right team members was a process of connection and resonance. Our hiring process is far from conventional—it’s personalized and tailored to recognize the unique strengths and qualities that each candidate brings to the table. I sought out individuals who shared my commitment to kindness, empathy, honesty, and growth. Instead of focusing solely on technical expertise, I prioritized personal connection and a shared vision for the future of the company. It was about building a cohesive team that felt like family—a community united by a common love for dogs and a shared mission to make a positive impact.

For me, fostering a culture of appreciation and respect for each team member is vital to the success of the company. I prioritize ensuring that every individual feels valued and adequately compensated for their invaluable contributions. Contracts are a conversation with each individual; I want my team to feel they have autonomy in their role, and I encourage feedback and communication every step of the way. As a leader, I strive to be more than just a boss—I aim to be a supportive, laid-back mentor who fosters an environment where everyone can thrive. My team isn’t just a group of employees; they’re family. Each member holds a special place in my heart, and their expertise and dedication are truly irreplaceable. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of dog training—we’re building a community where every wagging tail and happy smile is a testament to our shared passion and commitment.

When it comes to training, I believe in fostering individuality and allowing each team member’s unique strengths to shine. Our training process is about more than just imparting technical skills; it’s about nurturing personal growth and development.

In a world where the phrase “the customer is always right” often prevails, we take a different approach. I firmly believe in having my team’s back, prioritizing their perspective and giving them the benefit of the doubt without hesitation. When a customer brings an issue to our attention, my first instinct isn’t to rush to judgment or place blame on my team. Instead, I initiate an open and honest conversation with them. We tackle challenges head-on, directly engaging with clients while providing unwavering support to our team. Mistakes happen—it’s a natural part of growth and learning. At Happy Dogs Training, we embrace these moments as opportunities for improvement, free from shame, guilt, or punishment. As long as everyone is committed to learning and growing, we approach each challenge with empathy, understanding, and a shared determination to evolve together.

Reflecting on the early days of building my team, I realize now the importance of fostering open communication and a supportive environment. Looking back, I see areas where I could have provided a better space for my team to voice their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. In the present day, I’ve made it a priority to create an atmosphere where my team feels comfortable speaking openly with me. I want them to know that their voices are valued, and their opinions matter. Whether it’s making mistakes, asking questions, or sharing successes, I encourage transparency and honesty.

Above all, I strive to ensure that their job isn’t just a place to work but a happy and fulfilling environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. By cultivating a culture of openness and support, I aim to empower my team to be their best selves and contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.

Of course looking back, there are certainly some other things I would do differently if starting today. While proud of our journey, I recognize the importance of implementing measures to protect our company’s interests from the outset. Incorporating non-compete contracts earlier would have safeguarded our intellectual property and prevented potential challenges down the road.

Despite some challenges and uncertainties, building Happy Dogs Training has been immensely rewarding. Each member of our team brings their own unique perspective and expertise, enriching our collective experience and strengthening our bond as a company.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who are new to our world, let me introduce myself and Happy Dogs Training LLC. My name is Piper M Novick, and my journey into the world of dog training began back in 2009 when I was just a young kid. It all started with my sheltie, Happy, and the exhilarating sport of agility. That experience sparked a passion within me—a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the human-canine bond.

In 2019, that passion led me to establish Happy Dogs Training LLC, originally based in Charlotte, NC. Since then, we’ve expanded, with training locations in NC, CO, and WI, as well as offering online training services worldwide.
At Happy Dogs Training LLC, we’re not just a dog training company; we’re a community united by our shared love for dogs and a commitment to their well-being. Our approach is rooted in kindness, empathy, and respect, ensuring that each training session is not only effective but also enjoyable for both dog and owner.

But our mission extends beyond the training arena. We’re dedicated to fostering a culture of education and awareness, providing resources and support to help owners better understand their furry friends and strengthen their bond. Through training classes, workshops, seminars, and community events, we empower dog lovers everywhere to become the best possible advocates for their four-legged family members.

Our services range from basic puppy training and potty training to addressing severe behavioral concerns and aggression. What sets us apart is the diversity of our team and knowledge, the passion and dedication that shines through in our work, and the community feel we’ve created for our students. We foster a personal connection with each client, making the training process feel intimate and supportive.

What makes us truly unique is our unwavering commitment to helping owners. For us, making money has never been the forefront of our values. The well-being of the dogs always comes first. We believe that if we focus on providing exceptional service and genuinely helping our clients, success will naturally follow.

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

I believe several factors have contributed to building our reputation within the dog training market. Firstly, our unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement training methods, and the delivery of the information to our clientele. We prioritize kindness, empathy, and respect in all our interactions with dogs and their owners, which has earned us a reputation for effective, humane training practices.

Secondly, our dedication to continuous learning and professional development has helped us stay at the forefront of our industry. We invest in ongoing education and training to ensure that we’re equipped with the latest techniques and insights to address our clients’ needs effectively.

Additionally, our personalized approach to client care has played a significant role in building trust and loyalty within our market. We take the time to understand each client’s unique situation and tailor our training programs to meet their specific goals and challenges. This individualized attention has fostered strong relationships with our clients, leading to positive word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials.

Furthermore, our genuine passion for dogs and their well-being shines through in everything we do. Our clients can sense our authentic commitment to helping them and their furry companions, which fosters a deep sense of trust and connection.

Overall, I believe it’s our combination of positive training methods, ongoing education, personalized client care, and genuine passion that has helped us build a solid reputation within our market.

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

Our journey into building our audience on social media has been one of evolution and learning. Initially, our focus was on spreading awareness of our brand and services, using traditional advertising methods to promote upcoming classes and services. While this approach generated some interest, we quickly realized that we wanted to create a deeper connection with our audience and provide value beyond just promoting our offerings.

The turning point came when we shifted our focus to providing free educational content, tutorials, and helpful tips related to dog training and behavior. We wanted to share our knowledge and expertise with a larger audience, aiming to empower dog owners beyond our immediate reach. By offering valuable insights and practical advice, we were able to establish ourselves as trusted authorities in our field and attract a more engaged and loyal following.

What sets our social media presence apart is the authenticity and fun we inject into our content. We’re not just another brand pushing advertisements—we’re genuine dog lovers who are passionate about sharing our knowledge and expertise with the world. Our audience appreciates the educational value we provide, coupled with the lighthearted and relatable approach we take to content creation.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on providing value to your audience. Instead of solely promoting your products or services, think about how you can genuinely help and educate your followers. Share insights, tips, and advice that showcase your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to serving your audience’s needs. Additionally, don’t be afraid to show some personality and have fun with your content. People are drawn to authenticity and relatability.. Engage with your audience, respond to comments and messages, and foster a sense of community around your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.happydogstrainingnc.com, www.happytrainingmadison.com, www.happydogscolorado.com
• Instagram: happydogstrainingllc
• Facebook: happy dogs training, happy dogs colorado, happy dogs madison