Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Locks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katie , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have always loved animals, specifically dogs, and I wanted to work with them somehow and make it a profession. This was in the 1990’s, and there were few options that felt right; I just didn’t do things with my dogs the way others did so I didn’t pursue anything. Jump forward to working for a pet products company in the early 2000’s and finding a passion for the advertising work that I did with the company. This inspired me to pursue a career in training and behavior and finally do what felt right. I joined an established company that was at least nice to the animals and did not use abusive methods and learned a great deal about training and behavior. After becoming pregnant with my daughter in 2004, I made a bold decision to start my own business and become my own boss. I have never looked back. My inspiration: doing the right thing for the right reasons and the best welfare of the dogs and my child.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
This is a tough topic- me- I don’t do well at that one. But I will do my best.
My business started with a dream of being independent and my own boss so that I could provide a future and be a good role model for my kids. I started out working with rescues and shelters, as well as taking on some individual clients. My motto was “no job is too small” and if someone could use the services I could provide then I was right there ready to take on the task. Over the next five years, my business would steadily grow and I was offered opportunities to grow and learn. I was very proud to be asked to be the lead trainer of a prison dog training program, and ran a successful program for ten years. During that same time, I worked with several rescue groups and shelters to provide support, resources, and training and evaluations to help increase adoptability. Then Covid hit and things came to a halt.
During those initial months, I tried to remain hopeful and optimistic about the future, but rescues were not operating and the prison shut down all programs. So what next? I launched a board and train program for all of the Covid puppies and stayed busy with that for the next two years. It kept the family fed and the mortgage paid. During that same time, we had several elderly clients who could no longer safely take their dog out for fun and adventures, and so they asked us to do that. From there, our adventure outings program bloomed and we currently take 30-35 dogs out a week for fun and treats.
We had been teaching classes at breweries for several years prior to Covid, then that too came to a halt, until one brewery who was permitted to be open due to their massive outdoor space, asked us to offer classes so people could get out in the world again and live a little. We have been teaching full classes at that brewery ever since.
Covid was trying to keep folks down, but we kept reaching for new ways to stay safe and still help and serve a need. And so our next big idea; let’s form a nonprofit so we can help to support rescues who also suffered from the Covid shut down. We were truly saddened that so many efforts could no longer happen because of the pandemic and we campaigned for funds and goods so that we could keep helping dogs who needed the services we could provide.
Our nonprofit is truly our passion (The Lucky Ones Canine Rehabilitation and Rescue Support Services) and from this effort launched a shelter outings program called Dog’s Day Out. This program allows people to sponsor a specific dog or specific shelter and we go to that shelter once a week, pick up two- three dogs, take them out for decompression, sniffarees, and the best part, treats. This is the highlight of a shelter dog’s day, and we, as professionals, are able to offer input and guidance about the dog we see and help pinpoint the best home for them.
I use “we” a lot because this is not just me; it’s a team effort and without a supportive team, all of this cannot happen. We pride ourselves on being able to adapt and overcome and move forward. And most of all, we pride ourselves on putting the welfare of the dogs in our care as our top priority.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I have been in the industry for over twenty years, and the three things that stick out most to me are:
1. Taking the time to watch and observe a dog and allows them to be who they are without unrealistic expectations. Observation is absolutely necessary to understand who an individual dog is. Understanding WHY a dog is displaying a behavior is key to helping the animal gain confidence and develop resilience.
2. Talking with people, not at people. You cannot change mindsets with negative, condescending remarks. Humans make mistakes, and being tactful and kind with your words can help them do what is best for their dog.
3. Learning by being very hands on and not relying on just the written word. Too many trainers read books, take courses, get certified but have never even applied that knowledge to a dog, then they go out trying to convey this to clients but have never actually practiced the skills and techniques.
My advice to someone new in the industry:
1. Let the dog tell you what it needs to feel safe and secure. Know your breeds and their particular tendencies and preferred lifestyles and don’t try to change it to suit a human- let the dog be a dog.
2. LISTEN!- to the dogs, to the people, and do not make someone feel bad for past mistakes. People will not work toward understanding their dog’s needs if they feel looked down upon and judged.
3. Practice what you preach. It makes zero sense to say to a client “I read in a book that you just do this thing”. Read it, practice it, and apply it appropriately.
4. Volunteer with a rescue or shelter and just take it all in. If you can observe and listen to the dog, they will teach you more than any book or course ever will.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has had the most impact on me is Meet Your Dog by Kim Brophey. I listened to it on audible and for the first time in my career I felt supported and validated. I had no idea that there was a whole community and program that absolutely aligned with what I had already been doing for many years. The book is a wealth of information. The supporting certification program is called Family Dog Mediation. This is the one certification that spoke to my heart and aligned with my values. This program offers bi weekly q&a sessions, as well as opportunities to be more involved. The Family Dog Mediation program is international, so we get to learn and interact with people from all over the world. Whenever you work in an industry with such varied mindsets and values, it feels safe and comforting to align with like-minded people who know how to leave their ego at the door. Unfortunately, some famous trainers are very egotistical and think showing the world what they can “make” a dog do is more important than the actual welfare of the dog.
I am now, proudly, a licensed family dog mediator and looking forward to growing with this movement to improve the quality of life for our pet dogs.
I would strongly encourage ANYONE who wants to work with ANY animals that they read this book and take the course. It has truly been life changing for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luckydogstraining.net
- Instagram: @luckydogsrva
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/luckydogsrva
Image Credits
Image credit to Rob Snyder, LuckyShotsRVA
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