We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenny Brisson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenny, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
In 2011, I was a recipient of a Type 1 Diabetic Assistance Dog. I was excited, prepared and deeply hopeful that this new tool, a working dog, would help alert me to low blood sugar. At that time, I was struggling with Hypoglycemia Unawareness, a dangerous condition in which the body is no longer produces the expected warning signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, or rapid heartbeat, disorientation, slowed or slurred speech, etc.
These dogs are amazing, but they are not robotic. I did not raise him or know him prior to being matched. We had a relationship to build, and a bond to form. It took time, perseverance and patience. After about a year, I felt that we were in lock step.
Once I knew him and he knew me, I realized I wanted to be a Dog Trainer.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In the spring of 2024, my best friend and I, after years of working as professionals in the canine industry, took the plunge and started our business. We decided to name it A Different Dog. We trusted our instincts and felt very confident in our broad and extensive history in canine behavior.
Our brand is in our logo. A beautiful dog, with a raised paw to symbolize learning AND training. We strive to bring a difference in the relationships dog guardians share with their canine companions and working dogs.
The industry is saturated with social media trainers and our brand deliberately moves away from that. We are focused on canine communication, learning and training. We extend our knowledge to support our clients and help them form more meaningful, thoughtful and productive training methods.
That is what makes A Different Dog, LLC.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Alyssa, my business partner, and I can best summarize our business partnership as a dream turned into a reality. While we have a ton of goals, we use our patience, determination, and courage to challenge business norms. We will do it the right way, not the fast way.
Trust your knowledge, believe in yourself and maintain your integrity.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
That’s a great question! Self-care, hands down. Whether it’s a walking a trail with our personal dogs, ordering takeout and watching a show, Alyssa and I know our limits and when it’s time to just enjoy what we are building, together, with our business. We only have control over what we put into to our craft and the relationships we build with our incredible clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adifferentdog.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adifferentdogmn?igsh=N3BzbDExYWcyZ3Zu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19C5SfvsK9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-brisson-2393a66?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Jodi Moore Elkins, Jennifer Brisson
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
