Meet Liz Foley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liz Foley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the uncomfortable. Starting my own business was a monumental leap of faith, requiring me to learn numerous new skills and, most importantly, to trust myself. The process was not without its challenges. I had to learn through failure, pick myself up, and persevere. Each setback taught me to show myself grace, put on a brave face, and keep going. This cycle of falling and rising built resilience in me, which eventually turned into grit.

A pivotal moment in my journey was the early days of starting The Dog Haus. I faced obstacle after obstacle, from launching the business to finding ways to sustain its success. One of the most significant friction points was not seeing eye to eye with my business partner at the time. This period was riddled with self-doubt, but my passion for the business outgrew my fears. I was determined not to give up on everything I had worked so hard for. Despite the fear, doubling down on my commitment to the business was a massive confidence booster in hindsight.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for those challenging times because they paved the way for so many fantastic opportunities. Training with Cesar Milan, launching the Honest to Dog podcast, and becoming known as Your Favourite Dog Trainer are all accomplishments that stemmed from overcoming those initial fears.
Every time you push through something you think you cannot do, you build new muscle memory and neural pathways that signal a “new level unlocked.” While self-help books can offer valuable insights, it is the act of doing and taking action that genuinely creates self-esteem and builds lasting confidence.

At their core, confidence and self-esteem are moulded by our experiences, the challenges we encounter, and the determination we exhibit in overcoming them. Embracing discomfort and pushing through challenges have been key to my personal and professional growth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a dog behaviourist and trainer, my focus is on rehabilitating problem behaviours by training the human more than the dog. I believe that to truly address behavioural issues, we must look at the entire picture—both the human, the dog in their environment. With over 10,000 hours spent observing dogs in pack environments, I’ve developed a unique understanding of canine socialization, which is one of my specialties.

For a decade, I owned and operated a structured daycare, which provided me with insights into dog behaviour and human-dog interactions. Today, I train full-time, offering my services both virtually and in-person to clients around the globe. My approach is not about teaching obedience in the traditional sense but about educating humans on how to live harmoniously with their dogs.

One of the most exciting ventures I’m involved in is my podcast, Honest to Dog, which we’re working to transform into a television show. Our mission is to help as many dogs as humanly possible by addressing and solving the root causes of behavioural issues. Ultimately, our goal is to prevent dogs from needing to be rehomed or placed in shelters, thereby tackling the overpopulation issue of unwanted dogs being euthanized.

I firmly believe that dogs aren’t the problem—dogs make humans better. Training our dogs is a journey of self-discovery and improvement. It’s not just about having a well-behaved dog; it’s about becoming a better human being.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the new initiatives underway. In the New Year, we will be launching our annual Relationship Reboot online program, designed to refresh and deepen the training and bond between humans and their dogs. By 2025, we aim to offer in-person workshops and training retreats, providing more immersive experiences for dog owners and trainers alike. These events will include speaking engagements at workshops and conferences, allowing us to reach and help even more people.

Additionally, I’ll be launching the second cohort of Pack Leader Essentials, a comprehensive training program that teaches the basics of dog psychology, learning and understanding the use of proper training tools and building confidence for socialization. I am incredibly passionate about making a positive impact on both dogs and their owners, and I look forward to continuing this important work.

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?

Looking back, I believe three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are communication, people skills, and resilience.

First, communication—both written and verbal—have been essential. Being able to clearly articulate my thoughts and ideas have helped me effectively convey messages and collaborate with both customers and employees. Additionally, being a good listener has allowed me to understand others’ perspectives and respond appropriately, which is crucial in any professional environment.

Second, people skills have played a significant role. Compassion and empathy are key traits I’ve developed to connect with others on a deeper level. This ability to listen and understand, without becoming defensive, has helped me foster strong relationships. Effectively communicating with clients to reach mutual agreements and resolve issues amicably has been a cornerstone of my success.

Lastly, resilience has been crucial. The ability to keep going when faced with challenges, even when I’m not 100% sure of the path ahead, has been invaluable. This resilience has enabled me to navigate uncertainties and setbacks, ultimately driving me to achieve my goals despite the many obstacles I faced.

Developing and improving your communication abilities, people skills, and building resilience, are essential for both personal and professional success. I recommend seeking work or volunteer opportunities in areas of interest within your industry. This allows you to gain early experience and determine whether it’s a field you genuinely enjoy and wish to pursue. Starting early in your preferred industry enables you to develop and refine your skills more quickly.

However, it’s also important to build these skills regardless of the specific industry, as they are essential for any business and for life in general. Consider taking educational classes through your local small business centres, especially those focused on communication and customer service. Behavioural courses can also be beneficial, as they help you better understand and interact with both employees and clients.

To build resilience, do some things that scare you and be okay with being uncomfortable. Stepping outside your comfort zone and accepting the possibility of failure are essential. Give yourself the freedom to fail but also challenge yourself incrementally to build that confidence and resilience.

Ultimately, when you’re starting out, remember that you’re the professional and guide people based on your expertise. If you know what is required for success, communicate that clearly. Do not let your client control the process. Be firm in setting expectations and holding your clients accountable. This approach will help you achieve better results and earn greater respect, ultimately attracting more clients.

How would you describe your ideal client?

When considering who my ideal client is, I envision someone who embodies several key characteristics. Firstly, they are highly motivated to make changes not just for their dog, but also in their own behaviour and mindset. This person is open to learning, not only about their dog’s needs and behaviours but also about themselves and how they can grow through this process.

An ideal client is ready to make whatever changes are necessary to see improvement. They understand that transformation requires effort and are optimistic about my training approach, especially if they have been unsuccessful with other trainers in the past. Their curiosity drives them to learn continuously, acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Moreover, the ideal client is open to feedback and is willing to take accountability for their actions. They recognize that growth often requires self-reflection and are capable of forgiving themselves if mistakes are made along the way. This person is present and dedicated, fully committing the time and energy required to truly make a difference. They understand that there are no quick fixes and are prepared to invest in a long-term process for sustainable results.

In essence, my ideal client is someone who is proactive, eager to learn, and committed to genuine, lasting change. They bring a positive attitude and a willingness to engage deeply with the training process, making it a rewarding experience for both them and their dog.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourfavouritedogtrainer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfavouritedogtrainer
• Other: https://www.honesttodogpodcast.com

Image Credits

Kristen Avery
Timothy Muza
Steven Edgar