FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing can be tricky. There are a lot of factors to consider when quoting a price, like difficulty of the project, comparison pricing in the area, and distance traveled. I try to be competitive but still affordable. But sometimes you have to tell people they get what they pay for. Anybody can call themselves a "pro", but do they really know what they are doing?
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started working officially with dogs when I signed on for the Canine Performance Sciences Program at Auburn University. I began as an assistant trainer working with scent detection dogs, and quickly became certified as a CPDT-KA. While working there I had the privilege of learning from Jeanne Brock, one of the country's leading behaviourist. Formally educated, certified and armed with knowledge and experience, I returned to the Atlanta area to apply my training at my business, Pet's Playhouse on Ponce, a Boarding and Daycare Kennel in Decatur. I later became Certified to be a Canine Good Citizens Evaluator and a 10-year Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and fully Accredited Member of both IBPSA and PCSA.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Go with your gut. Like I've told dozens of potential clients, taking your dog somewhere and entrusting their wellbeing with someone else is like choosing a daycare for your son or daughter. If it seems too good to be true, or gives you a strange vibe, then you should shop around. Also, check references or reviews. It's not necessary to have a perfect record or 5-stars, but they should have clients willing to stand behind them readily.