References & Testimonials
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people entering the dog-training profession, experienced trainers building their businesses, and entrepreneurs looking to turn their knowledge into a sustainable career.
Some of those relationships have lasted for decades. Here are two stories that illustrate the work I’ve done and the relationships I’ve built along the way.
Shane Gentry
Founder & Owner, Sally Said So Professional Dog Training
When I first started Canine Trade Group, my daughter was a newborn, and I was spending my days developing training manuals, building business systems, and trying to get a new company off the ground.
Somehow, Shane Gentry found my website, which was probably buried on the thousandth page of Google.
Shane had left the construction industry following an injury and completed dog trainer’s course through Animal Behavior College. He wanted to make a career out of dog training, but was struggling to build a business that could provide a decent living.
He started emailing me questions about his business. I’d answer them whenever I had time, never charging him a dime.
Eventually, his questions turned from business to dog training. That’s when I told him he needed to come to Delaware and complete my professional training program.
He did. And he was off to the races.
Today, Shane owns Sally Said So Professional Dog Training, which has grown into a multi-market operation serving communities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. He’s become particularly accomplished at developing veterinary referral relationships, an area where many dog-training businesses struggle.
When I recently asked Shane for a reference, this was his response:
“From living in a Subaru to the largest privately owned, in-home dog training company in North Carolina, John was a big part of that growth. Trusted mentor. Bold ideas. Great results.”
— Shane Gentry
Founder & Owner, Sally Said So Professional Dog Training
www.sallysaidso.com
Steve Bettcher
Founder, The Dog Squad
IACP Certified Dog Trainer / AKC Scent Work Judge
“When I met John, I was around 60 years old and had been laid off after a career in corporate America. I had some experience training dogs, but finding someone willing to give me an opportunity at that stage of my life wasn’t easy. John did.
He hired me at PAWSitive Solutions and gave me the opportunity to turn the dog-training experience I already had into a real profession. I learned a great deal working with him, not only about training dogs, but about working with clients and making a living in the dog-training business.
When I eventually decided to start my own company, The Dog Squad, John continued to advise me as I got the business off the ground. What started as a second career became a successful business that supported me for years and ultimately allowed me to retire.
After I retired, John licensed The Dog Squad brand from me and continues to operate it in Oakland today. I still train and teach scent work through K9 Sniffers, but I can honestly say that the opportunity John gave me changed the course of my working life at a time when I wasn’t sure what came next.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity, the guidance, and the friendship.”
— Steve Bettcher
Founder, The Dog Squad
IACP Certified Dog Trainer / AKC Scent Work Judge
www.k9sniffers.com
Christina Dore
Peachtree Dog Training
Atlanta • Savannah • Athens, Georgia
“I met John and began my journey into dog training back in 2013. With his Canine Trade Group course, John educated me on training history and he taught me the hands-on skills to be a professional dog handler and canine behavior consultant. Along with that, he also showed me how to build a booming dog training business from the ground up.
John’s mentorship was and continues to be invaluable. I am grateful for the ongoing support he has provided for over a decade — with me starting as just some dog-loving kid in my 20s, to now a certified and reputable dog trainer and entrepreneur with several successful markets. Becoming a dog trainer has greatly enriched my life and I’ve been able to help so many families with their dogs’ behavioral issues and goals. None of that would have been possible without John’s continued guidance and encouragement.”
— Christina Dore
Peachtree Dog Training
Atlanta • Savannah • Athens, Georgia
peachtreedogtraining.com
Let’s Add You to This Page
Every success story starts somewhere.
Whether you’re considering a career in professional dog training or looking to build a more successful business, I’d welcome the opportunity to hear your story.
Contact Me to arrange a complimentary introductory discovery call.
Maybe someday we’ll be telling your story here, too.