Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hagen
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Lauren, a dog specialist offering boarding, training, pack walks, and a bit of grooming. My journey began at a local dog daycare, where I studied dog behavior and built my love for working with animals. When the pandemic hit, I lost my service industry job but noticed people working from home needed help with their dogs. That’s when I started walking dogs more often, and people began asking if I was a trainer. That sparked my passion for dog training.
My love for training grew even more when I got my second dog, Joey. At just 14 weeks, he showed serious resource guarding and aggressive behaviors. A well-known local trainer advised me to give up on him and “run for the hills”, but I refused. I dove into learning and found trainers whose methods aligned with my values. Today, Joey is thriving and even helps me in training sessions.
My business, Brody’s Buddies, is named after the dog I got in my early 20’s, Brody, a spicy long-haired chihuahua who is my absolute soul dog. He’s 11 now, but in the early days of my business, he would tag along on every walk or overnight service. Brody still has so much spunk and pizazz, but I know he appreciates being “retired” from putting in the sometimes 18,000 steps a day that I do!
What started as a side gig caring for dogs turned into a full-time business. Now, I’m proud to run Brody’s Buddies, offering personalized services and continuing to grow my skills while helping dogs and their families.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s definitely been a rewarding one. My journey into dog training really started with Joey and the trainer who told me there was “no hope for a dog like him.” It wasn’t easy having those words in the back of my mind while also trying to trust my instincts. Training methods vary, and just like any subject online, you can find opposing advice that may lead you down the right or wrong path. Sifting through the overwhelming amount of information online, in podcasts, etc., was exhausting.
That experience was a turning point for me. It pushed me to dive deeper into learning about dog behavior and training. I spent countless hours studying and connecting with trainers whose methods aligned with my values. There were moments when I questioned whether I was on the right path, but seeing Joey thrive today—he’s now the goofiest, most loving dog who gets along with both his dog pals and humans—has made every struggle worth it. His transformation has been a huge motivation in my training journey. Looking back, I’m grateful for that experience because, as a trainer myself now, I know I will never tell a client to just give up on their dog right out of the gate. Even if I don’t have the answers, I’ll refer them to someone who might be able to help. I take pride in this moral value.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Although I also offer boarding and pack walks, and I deeply value the relationships I’ve built with the families I’ve worked with over the years, my true passion lies in training. I take a training-focused approach to everything I do with the dogs in my care. I learn from them every day, and the insights I gain from our time together help shape my one-on-one training sessions.
I specialize in creating customized training plans tailored to each dog, family, and situation. Dog training isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s more like solving a puzzle, and I love finding the right pieces to make it work. I am passionate about understanding the deep-rooted causes behind behavior challenges like reactivity, aggression, and shutdowns. I firmly believe that 99% of dogs don’t just happen to behave this way; these behaviors often stem from past trauma or unmet needs on the human end. To continue growing as a trainer, I’ve sought out several out-of-state shadow programs to learn from like-minded professionals and expand my knowledge.
I’m most proud of myself for diving headfirst into entrepreneurship. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has been present since day one. I feel incredibly lucky that when I left my comfy banking job on a whim in my early 20s to work at a Dog Daycare and take a large pay cut, it would eventually lead me to where I am now. Take the leaps! It’s cheesy, but it’s true.
I feel lucky that I’ve met so many amazing people and dogs along the way, and I haven’t spent a dime on advertising because my clients believe in and support me by referring me to their friends and family. That kind of trust and loyalty has been invaluable.
I also feel very lucky to have the opportunity and choice to pursue my passion as a job. It’s not something everyone gets to do, and I’m incredibly grateful every day for the chance to turn what I love into a career. Luck has certainly played a part, but it’s been paired with hard work, persistence, and a bit of faith in taking those leaps.
Pricing:
- Contact brodysbuddiesmn@gmail.com to schedule a training consultation
Contact Info:
- Instagram: brodysbuddiesmn
