Established in 1995 by owner Sylvia Koczerzuk, Walkabout Canine Consulting helps new dog owners to raise and train their puppies and dogs to be well-mannered in the real world.
Kingsville Times spoke with Sylvia to find out more about her love of dogs, and her experience launching and running her own business. We were interested in learning what it was like training three yellow Lab puppies who appeared on a recent Budweiser commercial.
Kingsville Times:
What was your motivation for starting your business?
Sylvia Koczerzuk:
While employed at a veterinary hospital (1990), I was required to help our clients with questions they had about training their dogs and cats; they also had questions about their pet’s behaviour. My boss provided me with the opportunity to learn from some of the leading expert veterinary behaviourists of the time.
After relocating, I was encouraged by another trainer to continue this path. I loved it and decided to start my own business.
KT:
What advice would you give to others who might be considering starting a business?
SK:
You need to be passionate about what you do so that it never feels like work. Starting with a business plan is important. Also important is learning what it takes to start and run a business, as well as knowing how to set your services and fees.
Learn your skill from observing and training with experts and never stop learning. My passion for what I do motivates me!
KT:
How would you describe your services?
SK:
I have spent 30 years in the pet industry working in veterinary hospitals, shelters and animal sanctuaries, while also fostering and helping rescues. I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant. Motivation and breaking down complex tasks into bite-size pieces are my specialty.
I recognize the struggles people and dogs may be facing and have great insight into complex behaviours.
I have experience working with and training other species, as well; the science of training is applicable across species. I provide training and behaviour services at the owner’s home or virtually via Zoom. I provide training in the client’s home or via virtual sessions or classes.
KT:
What is your business motto?
SK:
“Fun Concepts, Real Results.” Training should be enjoyable and effective for both the dog and the owner.
KT:
What do your clients say about your business?
SK:
Clients are so grateful when they learn how to have a great and trusting relationship with their dog. They are happy I have helped them to understand more about their dog’s behaviour, as well as showing them easy ways to train.
Some have expressed that they are happy to be working with an expert instead of taking information off the internet. Others note that they have seen a real change in their pets and that the training has worked. I have been called a “miracle worker” but I’m just happy to share my knowledge with pet owners.
KT:
What are your plans for business growth?
SK:
I want to build more virtual learning opportunities for my clients as I would like to help dog owners who are further away. I have been providing virtual sessions for owners privately, and I have a virtual puppy group. I am now launching an open enrollment teen dog virtual class for humans.
Virtual training opportunities are awesome. Owners have an opportunity to really focus on the learning while I provide them with support in the form of video tutorials and written resources. While virtual pet training is relatively new, my experience shows that it can be as interactive as the client needs it to be and all they need is a bit of technology.
I have a new Retraining Reactivity virtual group class starting November 7 which I am excited about since it will give owners some solid concepts to help them and their dogs without the added stress of working through issues in a public setting. Pet 0wners will receive ongoing support after classes are over.
KT:
What are the most frequent issues with dogs that retraining can overcome?
SK:
Some people think that a tired dog is a good dog. Nooo! A tired dog is a tired dog and might even become an over-adrenalized dog and it will seem as if they need more physical exercise. What they might actually need is better balance between physical and mental activities.
We want our dogs to:
- Conserve energy for learning and performance
- Avoid issues with being in a bad headspace
- Be a pleasure to live with
- Travel effortlessly
- Switch on and switch off when requested
- Make better decisions
I also see a lot of dogs that are overwhelmed, over-exercised, and are not getting the mental exercise their species is truly meant to receive.
Puppies or new dogs need time to grow, learn routines and understand how their new world works. For some dogs, that may take 1 to 2 years depending on their breed.
Some owners try to stop natural but unwanted behaviours that their dog might be exhibiting and I like to show them what we can teach dogs to do instead.
KT:
What are some tips for first time dog owners?
SK:
Create a reinforcement-rich life for your dogs and use more mental exercise to help them learn.
Don’t rush. Give your dog time to learn. Set expectations for young and inexperienced dogs that are in line with where they are mentally and physically. Most of us stay in school for at least twelve years. While dogs don’t need twelve years to learn, we still need to give them time to learn how to live in our world.
Make an investment and establish a relationship with an experienced and skilled trainer who will help you and your dog to get on the right track. I provide long-lasting support for all my clients. I believe so strongly in learning that even I take classes with my own dog.; I am not afraid to become part of a supportive group in order to learn.
KT:
Tell us more about your engagement with Budweiser.
SK:
Karen Burkoski, who is a friend and a breeder of Labrador Retrievers, was contacted by a pet wrangler and was asked to provide three yellow lab puppies for the commercial. These puppies were just 16 weeks old.
I had worked with Karen in the past, providing training and assessments of some of her pups and dogs. In this instance, she reached out to me to help her with a list of tasks that were required for different scenes in the commercial.
We did not have a lot of time but we were able to work on behaviours that were needed for filming. I had started some training sessions with the pups before filming which helped us determine which of the pups might do well in certain scenes.
Filming took place in two locations in Toronto. It took a team to work with the pups, especially since we were filming outdoors so their safety was always our concern.
We also needed lots of breaks since the puppies were still babies and needed their naps along with water breaks and, of course, a little chance to play. Luckily, they saw much of their training as a game!
In the end, the puppies did extremely well considering their lack of experience, and the fact that work took place on the streets of Toronto.
Walkabout Canine Consulting
Phone:
226-348-3948
Email:
walkaboutcanine@aol.com
Facebook:
Walkabout Canine Consulting
Instagram:
walkaboutcanine
YouTube:
Walkabout Canine Consulting
All photos provided by Sylvia Koczerzuk
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