From inception up until the setting up process, how did you start your business?

Purely by accident. I was involved in training dogs as a hobby when I was young but saw an opportunity to provide professional dog training services to the public.

Back then there was only a handful of professional dog trainers.

In 1983 I established a security firm specialising in man-and-dog teams.

However, by mid to late 80s I was doing more one-on-one training with dog owners so I switched my career path.

This was when Command Dog Training School (CDTS) was established per se.

What are the challenges faced by a dog trainer?

Dealing with people’s emotions and trying to stop dog owners treating their pets anthropomorphically as pseudo-children.

Dogs are pack animals and are happiest when they are clearly led not the other way around.

Can you dispel or confirm certain myths about certain dogs?

Myth no. 1

All German Shepherd dogs, Rottweiler’s et. al. are aggressive.

That’s utter rubbish. Aggression in dogs is usually due to poor upbringing or breeding.

Myth no. 2

You can not start training dogs until six months of age.

Nonsense – in fact puppies can and should be trained from eight weeks of age which is why we run very successful Kindergarten Puppy Training programs for pups from eight to 14 weeks of age.

Myth no. 3

You should never give a dog raw meat as it could get sick.

I laugh at that one. I’m sure dogs in the wild light a camp fire and barbecue their food before consumption.

Should every dog be trained and what are the costs associated?

I believe that all dogs and owners should undergo a basic obedience program.

It should also be mandatory that all pups from eight weeks to 16 weeks of age go through a puppy course of some sort to establish sound temperament.

If they did we wouldn’t have half the aggression problems we see today.

The four week puppy course is $120 and the eight week Basic Obedience course is $240.

What would you say stands out as the comparative advantage of your business over the competition?

Unlike many so-called dog trainers of today who claim they are behaviourists after doing a short course in dog training, CDTS instructors are all experienced hands-on trainers who have been selected by me to join the school as instructors.

Our instructors have a minimum of five years in the industry and have trained their own dogs to advanced and competition levels.

This criterion underpins the quality of training our customers receive.

As a customer you can be assured of a qualified industry expert teaching you to understand and train your four legged pal.

There are many other reasons why dog owners choose CDTS over other trainers.

As a dog owner if you are looking for a program that is structured, provides clear learning outcomes at each session and small learning groups (class limits a maximum of eight for our outdoor venues and six for our indoor venues) our school is suited to your needs.

Training in small groups ensures all participants receive personalised attention and assistance with their dogs and dog problems.

Each of our classes has a dedicated instructor who remains with the group from start to finish.

The school is so confident with its service it guarantees all its programs.

How is business currently?

Steady as she goes.

What is your vision for the future of your business?

To train more instructors so I can cut back my hours.