Being a dog trainer isn't all puppy cuddling and treat-dispending. Sure, we do plenty of that, too, but there's some downsides to it as well.
Ate something bad and feel like puking? Suck it up, that reactive dog can't afford you taking a sick day. Didn't get much sleep? A classful of puppies won't give you a break. Crummy personal week? Stuff it all down, slap on your best "teacher" smile, and make.it.work.
Some days it won't feel like you're making much of a difference. Some days you'll get overwhelmed with how many people and dogs need your help, or how large the big issues really are.
Some days, an old client will reach out and tell you how much you've helped them, and that you've literally saved their dog's life.
Those are the days that make the crappy ones worth it. To remind me why I'm here. It's why I stay up late watching videos and spend my Sunday's catching up on the latest studies. It's why I listen to training podcasts instead of radio stations, and follow "celebrity" trainers instead of Hollywood Stars. I'm reminded of how grateful I am to be in this job, making a measurable difference one dog at a time.
So, thank you. Thank you for coming here and supporting a small business. Thank you for helping advocate for humane, science-based training. Thank you for you commitment to your dogs, to their training, and to their welfare. Thank you for making this the BEST job in the world.