Trailblazer Spotlight
Ben Vernon
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Owner/Head Trainer, Vernon Dog Training
- Industry: Other
Business Founded: 2021
Phone: (336) 972-8749
Email: [email protected]
How long have you been in your industry?6 years
Why did you choose your industry?I was a K9 handler in the USAF. I was tasked for a secret service mission for President Trump in 2020. While I was there I was recruited by a Secret Service K9 Handler to separate and apply for the Secret Service to be a handler with them. After I separated from the military I was just waiting around (hurry up and wait) and my mom shared on Facebook that I can train dogs. Word quickly spread and what I thought would just bypass time until I heard back from the Secret Service, quickly turned into a business. The Secret Service didn't work out and I was happier training dogs anyway. I looked up dog friendly cities and Tampa Florida was rated number 1 so my wife and I packed up and moved here 2 months later.
Who are your typical clients?"Dog Moms" age 25-40. usually unmarried and usually no kids
What do you like best about being in this industry?Seeing an owner come to me describing how difficult their life is and how much they struggle with simple tasks like walking their dogs to completely changing their whole relationship and allowing them to enjoy their dog again.
What are common problems you see?When someone first gets a dog they think they need to socialize their dog by taking them to dog parks, doggy day care, and meeting random dogs on the street. This creates various problems for their dog and instead you should be striving for your dog to be neutral in all environments.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?Limit interacting with other dogs or people. Your dog should be neutral to other people and dogs. They should really only care about you and the people in your life. They don't need to say hi to strangers. I always tell my clients, "You should be the most important thing in your dogs life".
When is your busy season?4th quarter. summer time people are traveling and not thinking about their dogs much. 3-4th quarter people are getting backinto the swing of things and starting to see their dog is "acting out" typically thats just when youre busier and your dog isnt getting enough enrichment.
What keeps you up at night?How can I make sure that I can support my wife and 2 sons.
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?I run ads on google, instagram, facebook and X. I post content often showcasing how to train your dog as well as different things to think about that most dog owners aren't aware of.
How involved are you in the community?I try to connect with local dog businesses and promote them to my clients and online community.
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?A Door of Hope ( specializing in foster care for Hillsborough county)
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?Theres so much Info you can learn for free on youtube, podcast and books. Dog Training is a spectrum and its about what works with the dog in front of you. Just like every person is different with different likes, hobbies, interests. Dogs are also drastically different from dog to dog and what motivates them can vary as well. Work with as many dogs as you can and that will build up your "catalogue" of how to handle the next situation.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I have two boys under 2 y/o so I do not have free time.
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