Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Sorensen.
Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew that I wanted to get into dog training before I even graduated high school. I started mentoring and working for a local dog trainer just after I graduated in 2014. At the time I had a dog that I thought was “stubborn” and I was having difficulty training him which was part of the reason I became interested in dog training. As it turns out, my dog was not “stubborn”, it was just me… I had no idea that there were kinder training methods that are extremely effective out there. My life with dogs was forever changed when I found my first mentor who showed me force-free training and I never looked back.
From there I pursued an education with one of the best dog training schools in the country “Karen Pryor Academy” while also teaching training classes, and private lessons, and working in vet clinics, grooming salons, and dog daycares. Eventually, I took the leap to make animal training and behavior consulting my full-time job as a behavior specialist at a high-volume shelter for both cats and dogs. While working at the shelter I observed a great need for separation anxiety specialists. Separation anxiety can be absolutely devastating for owners and their pets, especially without the right resources. Many pet owners end up relinquishing their dogs due to noise complaints, destruction, and eviction. They try every quick fix they can find on the internet and hire trainers who don’t specialize in separation anxiety. When none of it works, they feel they have no other choice but to surrender their beloved pet. It’s a really sad thing to see when people don’t realize that there are trainers that are certified to specialize in this anxiety disorder. By the time they do find a specialist, they’ve exhausted themselves emotionally and financially.
Thus, Healthy Mind Canine Separation Anxiety Training was born to spread the word that there IS specialized help out there! I quit my full-time job to pursue schooling to become a Certified SA Pro Trainer. I am also a Certified Pet Dog Trainer via The Certification Council For Pet Dog Trainers, and a Fear-Free Certified Trainer through Fear Free Pets.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The dog training industry can be a taxing industry to work in. It is currently unregulated in our country and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer regardless of their education, certification, or ethics. Because of this many trainers experience compassion fatigue, as unqualified trainers are rampant. It’s hard to look away when you see animals needlessly being hurt physically or emotionally.
I have struggled here and there with staying in the industry because of this. I think it’s something everyone experiences in their training career at some point and it’s not talked about enough. I took a short break from professional dog training services back in 2018, but came back refreshed, and excited to get back into it! I feel very strongly that I am in this for life and I wouldn’t change it. I’d say that learning how to start and run a business was a bit rocky because I had never done it before. I’m lucky to have two successful business-owning dads who helped me along the way!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Healthy Mind Canine- Separation Anxiety Training?
I specialize in and only offer virtual separation anxiety training services. Virtual training is the gold standard for separation anxiety work because of the amount of support clients need. A trainer coming into the home can also affect the dog’s behavior and we need to be able to see the dog’s behavior in its normal environment. Working virtually also allows me to help pet owners from all over the world!
I offer intensive training programs that are 4 or 8 weeks long. During the program, I am in contact with each of my clients up to five days a week. Clients get unlimited video reviews of their training sessions, custom daily training plans based on those videos, weekly zoom check-ins, data tracking, messaging support M-F, & any reports or communication that needs to happen with their vet. My clients get any support they need from me during our programs which can take the guesswork and anxiety out of the equation for them. Few trainers and behavior consultants are able to provide this level of support. I only take on a small number of cases at a time so I can truly be there for each of my clients.
I also use a nifty training app that I get with my separation anxiety certification to really help simplify the process!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Quitting my full-time job to do this is probably one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life. There is no guarantee that a business will take off or be sustainable, so I really took a leap of faith there. My husband was the one that pushed me to take that leap and he is one of my biggest supporters through all of the ups and downs.
Pricing:
- Initial consultation (required): $200
- 4-week intensive program: $800 (Currently discounted at $600)
- 8-week intensive program: $1,350 (Currently discounted at $1,075
- Single consult to supplement DIY programs: $175
Contact Info:
- Website: healthymindcanine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthymindcanine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyMindCanine
