We were lucky to catch up with Lexi S. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lexi, 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?
Hello, I’m Lexi the Dog Coach!
About me: I’m an AKC Certified professional +Positive Reinforcement+ dog trainer based in SE Portland!
I started out by training Arabian horses in high school. I was a ranch hand in New Mexico, and from there, I went on to become a professional sled dog handler/musher, training a large sled dog team for the Iditarod and other qualifying races. Then, I went on to become one of Portland’s first ever district dog trainers for a major pet supply chain!
Now I’ve started my own business!
I’ve always been passionate about learning how to communicate with animals. I love being able to give my clients the ability to share in my knowledge and teach humans how to speak dog. I always knew even from a young age that my purpose in life was to serve my community, and through dog training, I can do just that!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m very passionate about working with my clients towards the common goal of improving the lives of their dogs and themselves. When my clients bring me a situation or something they wish they could iron out with their dogs behavior, I use positive reinforcement to encourage my clients and their pets to meet in the middle by finding common ground with their pets. These ideas aim to intersect with their everyday lives. I pride myself on my work ethic and my dependability and when I put the needs of my clients and their pets first in my business, not only am I fulfilled as a person, but I’m helping to fulfill the lives of my clients and their dogs as well!
Some facts about me!
•I have been training dogs professionally for over 11+ years and ranch animals for 15+ years
•I am trained in winter survival camping, hiking, and trail etiquette
•I am knowledgeable in training for STAR Puppy/CGC certification
• I am AKC Certified to offer AKC testing and training
•I am experienced in (mild) on leash reactivity training
•I am able to administer dog CPR, first-aid, and medications
•I have experience working with clients who have Grand Mal seizures and understand what to do in those situations
Perks of working with me:
•I offer competitive pricing for our area
•I travel to your desired location each lesson
•I am sponsored by a high-quality treat company, which I bring with me to each session
•I offer a positive reinforcement approach to dog training
•I have many years of professional, real-world experience, and this allows me to approach training for each dog to suit yours and their needs best!
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?
The three qualities that I’ve found to be most important for my journey would have to be:
1 – Compassion – Each dog is different and each client’s needs are different. Compassion comes with the knowledge that each situation requires a deep understanding of others needs. When problem solving or brainstorming ideas, a good trainer needs to understand that unless you’re seeing things from others’ perspective, you’ll have a much harder time creating a training plan that is actionable given your clients circumstances.
2 – Joy – Both humans and dogs alike respond to the tone of a training session. No matter what I am going through in my personal life, my clients are trusting me with their learning and their dogs understand my cues and body language. If I am able to bring my joy with me to each session, everyone parts ways feeling they have learned something new and had a great time while doing so!
3 – Never stop growing and learning! – The constant pursuit of knowledge drives my study for finding new methods to bring to my clients. When I am able to arrive with up to date training techniques and fresh ideas to practice, I feel this gives us all an advantage to practicing positive and fun methods for learning everyday.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
We all find ourselves feeling overwhelmed from time to time. As a busy entrepreneur running my own business, that’s definitely a fact of life. The most important strategy I’ve found to maintain my balance is to write everything down! Sticky notes, an old fashioned paper schedule, a wall calendar, a notebook and a good reliable ink pen are my best friend.
These days with everything being digital, having paper schedules and notes gives me a stronger visual field for the upcoming day/weeks ahead. Often times clients will schedule themselves into my calendar several weeks in advance. Which I am very thankful for, but if I didn’t write it down? Goodness, everything would get lost in the din of the digital landscape.
My advice would be, if you feel overwhelmed, write it down for yourself. See the plan followed step by step on paper and tackle the most important task, idea or goal first. At the end of everyday, transfer over anything that wasn’t finished today and before you know it, taking one day at a time becomes a productive challenge instead of an overwhelming worry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexi_thedogcoach/
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
All photos provided are either my own, or photos of dogs used with the explicit permission of the respective pet parents.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
