Happy Howl

14/08/2024

This one might be a tough one to hear - pet care is not an inherently unsustainable career.

One of the most common complaints about entrepreneurship in the pet world is burnout - solo providers and small business owners cannot keep up with the man hours, emotional attachment, and 24/7 hour responsibility.

Many pet-related small business owners struggle with burnout for a number of reasons: attachment to the pets, empathy for the owners, lack of clear boundaries, or lack of organization within the business.

I’m here to tell you that while burnout in this industry is fairly common, it’s not due to the nature of the job. Burnout comes when you don’t charge sustainable rates, don’t have proper systems in place for your admin work & business management, and don’t have clear, respected boundaries between yourself and your clients (and staff!).

So if you’re feeling burned out and on the verge of giving up, examine your business from the inside out. Is it sustainable? How can you make it sustainable?

I’m here to help and chat anyone through a full business & self-examination. ❤️


Small business ownership | pet industry | petrepreneur

23/07/2024

That’s right 👏 I’ll say it again! High schoolers, college students, and hobbyist/side-gig walkers are not your competition. It’s easy to fret when you see others offering the same service for half the price - but the type of client likely to use an amateur walker is looking for low prices over experience and quality of service, making them the wrong client for your business.

When you have experience, industry know-how, insurance, certification/s, and great reviews - your target market clients will be willing to pay for the peace of mind of having an expert care for their pets! Market your experience, specialties, and niches, and wish a PC the best and move on when they question your rates. You’ll fill that time slot with someone better who knows your worth!

One more time: High schoolers are not your competition. Someone who hires an amateur high school student or hobbyist Rover Walker is not likely to be willing to pay your rates, making them the wrong client for your business. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and their rates - charge what you’re worth!

13/07/2024

Are you ready for Prime Day?!
What’s your top 3 doggy products you’re planning to stock up on?

We love:
❤️ Lick mats for enrichment https://amzn.to/3W4c59h
❤️ All natural flea and tick prevention! https://amzn.to/4bJ7fnI
❤️ Waterproof, stink-proof longline for roaming adventures https://amzn.to/3zyWvLm

Hot deals this year:
✨ Beat the heat with this BIG foldable pool! https://amzn.to/461Ip1e
✨6 in 1 dog grooming/de-shedding kit for only $80! 😱 https://amzn.to/4cCIpHD

What are your must-have pet supplies? 🤔

05/07/2024

Dog owners: Do you use services like Wag! and Rover? Have you had good experiences?
Pet pros: Did you start on Rover or are you currently using it?

Read my two cents on why I actually believe it's better to skip platforms like Rover and Wag! altogether!

Is starting a side-hustle on Rover really a good idea? Explore the pros and cons of using platforms that match dog-owners to dog-caretakers.

21/06/2024

🚨 Avoid these top 3 mistakes new pet business owners make 🚨

1. Too large of a service area. For mobile services like dog walking, pet sitting, and training, it can be tempting to cast a wide net to get paying clients more quickly. However, serving a too large service area eats up a lot of extra time and expenses like gas and wear and tear on your car. Although it’s tempting to take on any clients that reach out, create a narrow service area and stick to it!
2. Too low rates. Make sure you’re doing a cost-analysis to ensure your rates are profitable, and look up local businesses with similar services to make sure your rates are comparable. (However, keep in mind that long-term brand establishment, good reviews, and familiarity may allow some local businesses to charge a bit higher.)
3. No brand establishment. Lots of pet related businesses are highly personal and may be run by only one individual, which makes it tempting to act more like an individual than a business. Establishing a consistent brand makes you look more professional and encourages potential clients to treat you more like a business than an individual - which will encourage them to adhere to business policies & boundaries.
Questions about starting up your doggy business? Drop them below!

28/04/2024

It’s finally spring! What are your springtime training plans with your pup?


Dog training | dog trainer | Lima | dog moms | training tips

18/03/2024

POV: you’re overwhelmed by all the contradicting advice for your dog posted everywhere. 👉 Scroll for our top healthy tips for you and your dog!

1. Let’s talk food! I’m not going to get into brands or specific recommendations here since it gets very controversial, but consult a qualified vet or nutritionist if you have concerns about your dog’s current food. Look for whole ingredients and avoid words like “meal.” The first few ingredients, at the very least, should be meat. Avoid excessive amounts of oats, rice, barley, peas, and potatoes; while none of these are harmful to your dog, they’re basically fillers and an excessive amount won’t meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
2. For treats, I always recommend 1-ingredient treats. That’s the easiest way to avoid unnecessary fillers or unhealthy ingredients. I recommend freeze dried whole ingredient treats like liver, fish skins, poultry, or sweet potato treats.
3. Grooming! No one likes a stinky dog. Bathe your dog periodically - but not too often, or you’ll risk drying out the skin. Make sure you’re brushing regularly to avoid knots and keep a clean, even coat. Keep nails trim to avoid the risk of broken nail injuries.
4. Playtime is more than giving your dog some toys! Make sure you’re interacting with your dog regularly and providing mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or games, enrichment walks, or fun training sessions.

Follow us for more doggy care tips from a trusted certified pro!

12/03/2024

We're very excited to launch our new program, 100% virtual custom training plans!
Sarah Edwards, CDTK certified dog trainer will work with you to create the perfect training plan for you and your dog.

What are the benefits of virtually training your dog?

- Build your relationship. By gaining the skills online and executing them yourself, you will build you and your dog's relationship
- Save money! We're all looking for ways to cut costs right now. A virtual plan will get you the same 1:1 attention, without having to pay the cost of having an in-person trainer come out.
- A lifetime of skills. Your virtual training plan will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to train your dog for the rest of his/her life.
- Rather than pay for endless, ongoing dog training sessions, pay one flat rate to obtain the skills to train your dog yourself, from the comfort of your own home.
- See better results in your pup. By obtaining the skills to train your dog yourself, you ensure that your dog's training will be clear and consistent. No more will your dog "forget" his/her manners as soon as the trainer leaves - YOU are the trainer!

10/03/2024

Busting dog training myths:

Did you know that the “alpha theory” has been debunked?

The alpha theory originated from observing wolf behavior in the wild - but researchers have realized that wolves operate in social, familial structures and rarely fight for status or dominance.

On top of that, domesticated dogs and their relationships with humans are much different from wild wolves. As a human, trying to imitate a dog-to-dog relationship is fruitless and can end up harming the relationship between you and your dog.

Questions about the alpha theory? Drop them below!

01/03/2024

STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING UPDATES!

We’ve got a lot going on over here at Happy Howl!
Stay tuned for new product updates, a brand new website with new features, & EVEN MORE 😀😀

We’re working hard on all these updates. What are some products or features you’d like to see offered by us? Comment below!

23/02/2024

Get ready for the spring with this adorable wine/drink tumbler. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow dog lover, this adorable cup will do the trick! Grab yours here 👉 https://happy-howl-dogs.square.site/product/cute-dog-lover-s-wine-tumbler/2?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

13/02/2024

Kahlua loves Himalayan yak chews! They’re long lasting and healthy. Once your dog chews them down to a little nub, you can microwave them to make a cheese puff that’s completely safe to eat!

What’s your dog’s favorite chew? Comment below!




Dog training | dog trainer | online dog training | virtual dog | positive reinforcement | training tips

27/01/2024

Are you overwhelmed by the constant dog food ads, different recommendations, and conflicting advice out there?

The internet is a big place, with tons of information! More often than not, that wealth of information conflicts itself as everyone publishes a different opinion.
Happy Howl’s goal is to provide you with trusted, tested information, all from a CDTK certified dog trainer.
I’ve put together a list of our favorite dog foods, supplements & additives, treats, chews, and extras! All of these products have been personally used by me, Sarah Edwards CDTK. My Rottweiler puppy Kahlua can provide testimonials for dog treats as needed 😉
I’m not a nutritionist, but I’ve spent over 8 years deep in the dog industry, researching, testing, and learning. I’ve consulted vets, and both hobbyist nutritionists as well as professional canine nutritionists. I’ve seen results first-hand, and confidently put forward this list with a Happy Howl endorsement on each product.
Need help choosing a product or sizing a chew for your pup? Let me know and I’ll help you choose the perfect thing to spoil your pooch!

Link in bio or comment YUM! for a DM!

26/01/2024

Are you overwhelmed by the constant dog food ads, different recommendations, and conflicting advice out there?

The internet is a big place, with tons of information! More often than not, that wealth of information conflicts itself as everyone publishes a different opinion.

Happy Howl's goal is to provide you with trusted, tested information, all from a CDTK certified dog trainer.

I've put together a list of our favorite dog foods, supplements & additives, treats, chews, and extras! All of these products have been personally used by me, Sarah Edwards CDTK. My Rottweiler puppy Kahlua can provide testimonials for dog treats as needed ;)

I'm not a nutritionist, but I've spent over 8 years deep in the dog industry, researching, testing, and learning. I've consulted vets, and both hobbyist nutritionists as well as professional canine nutritionists. I've seen results first-hand, and confidently put forward this list with a Happy Howl endorsement on each product.

Need help choosing a product or sizing a chew for your pup? Comment below and I'll help you choose the perfect thing to spoil your pooch!

https://linktr.ee/happyhowl.dogs

04/01/2024

JUST RELEASED!
I wise dog once said...
Bark bark bark bark bark.

Grab this new unisex hoodie for your favorite dog lover you know (or treat yourself, we won't tell 😏)

BUY HERE: https://happy-howl-dogs.square.site/product/bark-bark-dog-cute-funny-unisex-hoodie-for-dog-lovers/33?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

04/01/2024

Did you know we have merch? 😱
Treat yourself to an adorable dog lover’s tumbler!

https://happy-howl-dogs.square.site/product/cute-dog-lover-s-wine-tumbler/2?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

21/11/2023

Do you want a custom portrait of your pet for the holidays?
Make a dog lover's day, or gift your four legged friend an adorable picture!
We have a variety of options - cartoon stylized, drawn, painted, or frosted!
Get in touch for your custom order

17/11/2023

WINTER HOLIDAY COLLECTION JUST RELEASED! Grab it before it’s gone. New products added daily - we also do CUSTOM pet portraits! Comment DOG if you want a custom-made product of your pet this Christmas 🐶



Dog lovers, dog parents, gifts for dog parents, dog merchandise, dog shop, dogtok, shop for pet parents

31/10/2023

Have you ever dreamed of working for yourself, but it just didn't feel achievable? Do you dream of a job that would not only let you bring your dog to work, but would enrich his day and bring him home completely pooped?

My all time favorite online dog hiking/training course is almost OPEN again! The My Dog Camp course teaches you absolutely everything you need to know in order to create a profitable dog hiking/training business.

I took this course 3 years ago running my existing dog-walking business and it literally changed everything. I was struggling with group walks - definitely wanted to get more into it, but couldn't take many dogs because I was selecting the wrong dogs, wasn't promoting relaxation, and wasn't sure how to promote calm play within the pack. Whether you're looking to improve your dog walking business or are completely new to the industry, this course has you covered! It covers everything from creating a website and selecting insurance to contracts and marketing.
If you're interested in getting more into dog training, hiking, or off-leash group walks, this is the course for you!
My Dog Camp: www.mydogcamp.com
Join the waitlist here: ​https://mydogcamp.com/waitlist/
Use my code BonusZoomies for a BONUS course Happy Rescue Dogs with invaluable information on how to work with rescues and anxious dogs. (I paid $600 for this super helpful course when working with my anxious rescue a year ago, this is a great deal!)

21/10/2023

Before & after

Custom digital marketing services including graphic design for marketing materials such as flyers, business cards, and more.



Digital marketing social media website design copywriting dog walkers pet business dog businesses virtual assistant

20/09/2023

POV: now your hands are free on walks and your dog is having the time of his life

Do you want reliable, consistent recall from your dog, even around the most challenging distractions?
I’ve created a FREE 6-step guide on how to properly and effectively train a foolproof recall in your dog.
Claim your free guide: https://happy-howl.mykajabi.com/totalrecall ❤️

13/09/2023

It happens - social media and website presence is the first thing that service-based business owners tend to put off until “they have time” - which as you know, never happens! Small business owners are way too busy to be worrying about their website design.

Let us redo your website, add custom copy, and create unique designs and photos JUST for you. Interested? Shoot us a DM!




Digital marketing social media website design copywriting dog walkers pet business dog businesses virtual assistant

08/09/2023

We have some exciting new resources coming soon here at Happy Howl!

I’m currently putting together a complete digital puppy package with A-Z instructions on everything to expect when bringing home a puppy, training plans, product suggestions, puppy checklist, potty training guide, and MORE!
This packet will be available to purchase by pet owners, or pet pros can purchase & customize with their own logo to offer to their clients 🥳

Stay tuned for more products coming soon!




Dog training puppy training potty training online training virtual dog training

05/09/2023

Your dream of working with dogs as a viable and lucrative career is not a pipe dream - it’s very possible, and I want to help get you there. Take advantage of our variety of digital resources, from free community and advice to 1:1 coaching with a seasoned pet pro. Interested? Drop a comment below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻




Dog walker, pet business, dog groomer, pet sitter, dog trainer, entrepreneur, small business, small biz, coaching, business coach

09/08/2023

What is SEO?!
SEO comes up a lot as a business owner. You may get those phishing, cold-call emails offering to boost your SEO, or Instagram DMs offering to optimize and boost your website's SEO.

So what is it?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is how your website ranks in popular search engines, most commonly Google. SEO is important because you need your website to be seen in order for clients to find you!

For example, potential clients looking for a dog walker would most likely type in "DOG WALKERS NEAR ME." Or "DOG WALKING SERVICES IN (CITY NAME)."
To make your website result higher for either of these searches, you need to make sure your website includes the keywords dog walker and dog walkers. To get location specific clients, you should make sure the cities and towns you serve are all mentioned on your website, so the search engine can grab those and bring your page up in the search results.

Some strategies to boost SEO:
Add keywords into your website. Work as many industry keywords as you can into each page while maintaining a natural voice. You can research which keywords are performing in your industry on sites like this: https://www.wordstream.com/popular-keywords/dog-training-keywords
Pages: It's better to have a separate page for each service. This gives more opportunity to add keywords, and boosts your ranking on search engines.

04/08/2023

Attention pet pros!

Imagine a place where pet professionals gather to share funny stories, tips, and secrets of the trade.
Imagine a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping YOU succeed in your pet-related business.

I’ve created an exclusive community just for you - the Happy Howl Pet Professionals Community. Sounds great, right?!

For a low monthly subscription you’ll get:
✨ Community with like-minded business owners
✨ A safe platform to ask for advice on any aspect of small business ownership
✨ Support and weekly challenges to keep you motivated
✨ Access to dozens of resources such as premade client agreement contracts, pricing and services guides, proven marketing strategies, and links to helpful (free!) tools & resources to help your business grow
✨ 24/7 virtual access to business pet professional coach Sarah Edwards (additional 1:1 coaching available)
✨ Judgment free zone
✨ Exclusive access to our affiliates & partners - discounts, promo codes, and early access to online resources (all related to the pet industry!)

Whether you’re seasoned in the pet industry or just looking to jump in, this community is for you! We’re offering a limited time discounted launch rate, so join now!

https://happy-howl.mykajabi.com/offers/4SL5E3bG/checkout?fbclid=IwAR1GwHWEAWCZbTRl-i1FZC3TLTj6NAiahIGG1gpnrPNlzCZRjeKlRvJXfhg_aem_AVUpTroVC-sTnQdvTNc8JN54k0bijRw3x66xjwJ705_sInD5UXaq9aUXt5BoVSjkSfc&mibextid=2JQ9oc

02/08/2023

How I went from one daily walking client a week to 250+ active clients and a staff of 7 - want to learn the secrets of the dog walking trade?

This could be *your* office - your 9-5 could actually be your own, flexible hours out in the fresh air & nature.

I’m offering coaching for blossoming pet entrepreneurs to steer you away from common mistakes made by new business owners, and toward success & growth.

Sure, you could figure it all out on your own - but without the skills and experience to grow quickly, it could take years to be able to quit your office job and take your dog-walking career full-time.

How do I know?

Because I built my business all on my own. I didn’t seek out mentors or coaches, I figured I could do it all myself. It took me 3 years to create a solid enough client base to be able to live off my income - and it took me 6 years to be making an average yearly salary for my area. In 2022 I grossed over 150k and my numbers are looking to be a lot higher this year, based on revenue so far.

Skip the floundering and learn the secrets of the trade from a seasoned expert! Are you ready to launch your profitable dog walking, hiking, or training business? Comment “YES!”

01/08/2023

Check out our first blog post! Meet your assistant - Sarah Edwards CDTK.

Learn how I first got into the dog world, my education background, and how I founded my successful dog walking & training business.

I faced all the hiccups and mistakes new business owners in the pet industry make and learned how to shape my business into a smooth, well-oiled machine. Now I want to share my knowledge and experience with new business owners in the pet industry!

Link in stories, or visit our website via the link in bio.

How did you get into the pet industry? Comment below! 👇

01/08/2023

Our first blog post is up! Introducing your assistant: Sarah Edwards

https://happy-howl.com/f/introducing-your-assistant

25/07/2023

You can offer the best service in the world, but if no one knows about you, you’re never going to gain any clients.

Digital advertising is vital in today’s world. Facebook has reached over 2.9 billion users in 2023, Instagram following behind at 2 billion. Targeted digital ads enable you to reach thousands of specific users who are interested in your product or service.

What’s one marketing aspect you struggle with in your business? Comment below! 👇👇👇