Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lear.
Amy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion to help animals. I have been involved with animal rescue groups since I was a child. Growing up in Maine, I volunteered with PALS cat sanctuary in East Winthrop. I would stand in the strip malls in Augusta asking for donations to help the cats. My family moved to Germantown, TN in 1983. I continued working with rescue groups. I went to college, joined the corporate world. In 2009, with the changes in my profession, I decided to obtain my dog training certification. I continued to work part time pharmaceuticals and part time dog training. In 2013 I became a full time dog trainer and I have never looked back.
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?
Honestly I have been blessed. My resources and contacts from the animal rescue world paved the way to my success. I volunteered with the Collierville Animal Shelter and met Nina Wingfield who is well known in the animal community. In 2013 I became The Pet Hospitals dog trainer. I continue to help and volunteer when time permits.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and cat trainer. I specialize in obedience and behavior issues. I offer in-home training for my clients who would like 100% of my attention. I offer multiple training options at The Pet Hospital’s seven locations. My clients can choose group classes, boot camps and hourly training while their dog boards or does daycare. I am known to be a force-free dog trainer. I do not use e-collars, prong collars or choke collars. My job is to work with my clients and guide them to their training expectations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice that I would give other individuals who want to pursue a career in dog/cat training would be first to train from your heart. Go into the profession with a how can I help animals attitude. Dog training is definitely not all about the dog trainer. Training is about the animals and the families. You need to be able to communicate with people and animals.
I suggest volunteering with a shelter or a rescue group. Get experience training all breeds and all ages. The more you offer to your community, the more people you will meet. I have met some amazing trainers over the past 17 years. I have made life long friendships. This can be a lonely job, so find your people.
Pricing:
- Group Classes – 4 weeks $160
- In-home Training $120/hr or a package aof 4 hours for $400 (Shelby County Rate)
- Training without the owner at The Pet Hospitals $70/hr
- Training with the owner at The Pet Hospitals $100/hr
- Weekly Boot Camp at The Pet Hospitals $933
Contact Info:
- Website: https://palsdogandcattraining.com
- Instagram: palsdogtrainingllc
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/PALSdogtraining
