ASK THE EXPERTS: A PERSPECTIVE SHIFT

in your schedule that isn’t important or worth doing. But I’m equally certain that some things are less important than others. Identify those things and set them down. You may choose to pick them back up later when you’ve reached your goal, but continuing to juggle all the things right now won’t help you get there.

2. Carve Out Specific Blocks of Time to Work on Your Business:

Having gifted yourself time by setting down, deferring, or delegating lesser tasks and responsibilities not directly contributing to your goal, protect that newfound time. Dedicate it to your business.

Even if it’s a small amount of time each week, using it consistently will move you forward. Sometimes we are fortunate to have the time necessary to tackle big projects and take large leaps all at once. But most often progress toward goals is made by stacking small steps upon each other until they add up to large accomplishments.

I’m reminded as I write this of a win that Sarah, a THRIVE! member, shared recently: “I checked off 6 marketing tasks this week! I didn’t even try: It kinda just happened effortlessly. It’s a testament to putting in small bits of effort consistently over time so all the elements can come together when needed.” This is the power of small steps.

In the absence of a time machine I hope these tips and the perspective shift they carry help carry you through, Gemma. I fully believe you can make it, and I know there are dogs out there who need you to! n

THRIVE!, dogbiz’s group coaching program, is finally open to new mem‐bers November 3‐9. Don’t miss your chance to join THRIVE! for 2022. Learn more and grab your spot here. (see also ad on p.10)‐ Ed.

I’m absolutely certain there is nothing on your current to-do list or in your schedule that isn’t important or worth doing. But I’m equally certain that some things are less important than others. Identify those things and set them down. You may choose to pick them back up later when you’ve reached your goal, but continuing to juggle all the things right now won’t help you get there.

Veronica Boutelle MA Ed CTC is founder and co-president of dog*biz, and author of How to Run Your Dog Business and co-author of Minding Your Dog Business. dog*biz offers professionally designed positive reinforcement dog training class curricula, including Open-Enrollment Puppy, Open-Enrollment Basic Manners, and short Topics classes built for retention. Do you have a question for the business experts at dog*biz? Submit your question for consideration to: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

Learn how

can help your business: dogbizsuccess.com

Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People

Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People is a newly published book in which the authors present their views on: • The need for a level and model of oversight in the fields of pet training and behavior consulting and for those choosing to practice within them. • The prevalence of individuals who hold no credentials, formal education, knowledge or skills, yet who are today working across the nation with full responsibility for the well-being and welfare of their unknowing clients’ treasured pets. • The lack of consumer protection and transparency across the marketing and operations platforms of many pet-related businesses. • The inherent weakness in how pets are legally classified. • How the current lack of reported and enforced animal cruelty laws means there is insufficient protection when it comes to holding pet professionals accountable for their methods, approach and philosophies toward their craft and the pets they serve. The authors advise on the pertinence of all these issues to the development of an infrastructure for oversight to support the professional evolution of the pet training and behavior industry while providing a complete recommended implementation model from which to do so.

"I would urge anyone interested in the direction of the industry to get a copy. It has been invaluable for a project I am involved in, and identifies and clarifies really important aspects of the industry that desperately need addressing. Even as an individual practitioner it provides a great resource for identifying best practice." - Andrew Hale, chair of association of INTOdogs "Check out this groundbreaking new resource for the pet training and behavior consulting industry written by the best in the business." - Paula Garber, owner of LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions and chairwoman of the Pet Professional Guild Feline Committee "Reliable, scientifically accurate behavioral information from experts in the field." - Gallivan Burwell, owner of Upward Dog Training & Counseling Available in Print and E‐Book Format from: DogNostics Education Available as a PDF from: PetIndustryRegulation.com