We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Shaffer. Check out our conversation below.
Lauren, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am whole heartedly giving myself to rescue and shelter work. I have fostered 13 puppies in the past 1.5 years. Many of them were from a shelter in Kentucky and came up through Cross Your Paws Rescue to find home and second chance at life.
I also regularly visit the Beaver Humane Society to train and walk dogs.
It is so rewarding to be able to give back and be of service to these furry friends.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren Shaffer, I am the owner and founder of Choose Wisely Training. It is a dog training company that does not use force or aversive tools to train dogs. I created the brand after I hired a trainer that slapped a prong collar on my reactive dog and told me to throw a can of coins at her in the car. I realized at that moment that the advice would not work for me. It felt icky.
So I did some research, took some classes, got a few certifications and became my own dog trainer.
I have a background in Jivamukti yoga, so I also incorporate yoga and breathing into my dog training. The leash carries so much tension from the handler to the dog, so learning to relax and build the relationship is paramount to how I train.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me the most about work. His work ethic is incredible. He used to tell us whatever you are going to be, be the best and you can be successful. The work ethic he instilled in me as a child has carried me through running in a division 1 college, the corporate ladder and now creating my own business.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self it would be to channel my energy into giving back to the world. When I was younger I lived a very unsustainable, selfish life. Now that I have some years under my belt, my greatest joy is in doing service for the rescue and humane society. Helping the animals that have no voice.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that whatever energy you put into the world, you get back. As I’ve worked on myself and started doing service for others that can’t pay me back (the animals), it’s been magical how my life has transformed. One of my favorite quotes is ask the universe, it’s not on a budget.
I truly believe if you put good out there, it will come back to you. You can manifest what you want through hard work and positive thinking. And when things don’t work out the way you hoped, something better may be coming along. Let it unfold.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The hardest lesson that rescue work teaches someone is that you can’t save them all. I have a wonderful story about a child picking up starfish during low tide. A man comes along and asks him why and says he can’t save them all. The child throws another starfish in the ocean and says he can make a world of difference to that one he did save.
It’s the same story with rescue right now. There are so many wonderful dogs that need a loving home, but unfortunately I personally cannot bring them all home. But to each of those 13 puppies that I’ve fostered – I’ve changed the whole course of their life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @choose_Wisely_dogtraining
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-shaffer05/
Image Credits
Photo cred: Aubrey Blackburn (Christmas photo)
Photo cred: Chris Lape (beach photo)
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