Today we’d like to introduce you to Roseanna Burnam.
Hi Roseanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I went to school and graduated with an early education degree from A&M Commerce. During my residency teaching elementary education I made the decision I wanted to teach a different type of student. When I adopted my husky, Asia, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could on dog behavior. My training journey started by searching for opportunities online. I came across many different avenues and interviewed with a couple of different companies. These ranged from not-so-humane methods of training to positive-reinforcement-based methods that use no force or aversives. The one that felt right was a no-brainer. I had always been intrigued by positive reinforcement and science-based methods of training.
As a kid, my dream job was to be a dolphin trainer, so I was pretty familiar with asking an animal versus telling an animal what to do. This felt like such a wonderful fit, so off I went! I quickly got connected with not only the basic obedience instructors, but also became close friends with the trainer who worked with fearful and aggressive dogs. It all spiraled from there and I was once again learning so much by shadowing her and soaking in all of her knowledge. After working for this company for a few years, I was able to branch off and start my own business with referrals from previous clients. Seeing the way clear communication and relationship-building methods blossomed was so rewarding. It not only would boost the dog’s confidence, but the human side benefitted so much as well. I can truly say at the end of the day, I love having the opportunity to do what I do. Dogs are too good for words and getting to be a big part of their lives to change things for the better is such a privilege. Learning how to utilize the least invasive methods has not only made me a better trainer but it really does make my day-to-day life better as well. I came up with the name Better Pups because I believe when you know better you can do better. It’s empowering to have a dog want to work with you. A dog’s love is so special, and science is so awesome.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’d say the biggest struggle in this journey is visibility and awareness of positive science-based training. There is a serious lack of media spotlight on humane training methods. Debunked myths and misinformation run rampant in society. Educating the public is so important, but such a struggle. This field is unregulated so anyone can become a dog trainer. This can be scary when people are searching for a trainer. It makes marketing difficult because there are so many unqualified people out there that good trainers also have to compete against to make sure dogs are in trustworthy hands. I want people to know there is a kind way to train any animal that doesn’t involve intimidation or pain. I have helped many families change directions in their training journeys when the aversive methods just weren’t working or felt wrong. My wish is one day we as positive trainers won’t have to do much damage control of the devastating fallout that can happen with misguided advice and training. Humane training methods aren’t flashy, quick, or guaranteed. The dog you get in the end, however, is so worth the journey.
Giving positive trainers a platform and much more visibility is becoming more and more accessible which gives me so much hope. We have some amazing trainers and pioneers in this field that need their names in lights. Old school methods and tools slowly changing is such a great win for people and pets everywhere.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have the privilege of training dogs, but even more importantly, their humans. I help them with the common struggles such as basic obedience, potty training, and leash skills. I also help with tougher things like fear and reactivity. Most importantly I educate on dog behavior, body language, kid and dog safety, implementing management, and debunking myths they have heard or believe in. I believe in positive and science-based methods in my training styles. Many times, people come to me frustrated, discouraged, and upset because they just aren’t communicating effectively with their dogs. I absolutely sympathize and want the best for everyone involved. Living with another species can be complex! Providing clarity and building up confidence is such a satisfactory part of my job. I want my clients to love the journey as much as they love their dogs. Knowledge is powerful. Watching people successfully work with their dog brings me the biggest smile. The greatest compliment clients can give me are referrals and reviews. Seeing happy pets and pet parents is what it is all about. It’s an honor getting to be a crucial part in any dog’s learning. I love seeing the transformations my students go through.
I take great responsibility in keeping my own learning on going as well. There isn’t just one way to do something. I love learning from other trainers and pet professionals in this field. If there’s one thing my college education taught me is to be a lifelong learner. I want to learn the best information and methods to offer the people who trust and hire me.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am implementing a mentorship program for working with those interested in getting hands on positive training experience. If this is something someone is interested in I would be happy to set something up with them. Our industry can always benefit from more of us utilizing these methods. I would LOVE to collaborate with anyone in the dog biz. I can be reached via phone or email. My Facebook page and upcoming website will have all my contact information.
As far as support goes, I’m always very appreciative of referrals. Helping create awareness of who I am and what I do keeps me in business. Know someone getting a new puppy? I am always thrilled getting to help new pet parents. Have a friend that is struggling with their current dog? Love to help there as well. Word of mouth is huge and is a steppingstone of them trusting me when there are so many different options out there. I am planning on getting more free training content out on my YouTube channel, so subscribers are also highly appreciated. My YouTube channel is Better Pups Dog Training. My Facebook page is Better Pups DFW and my website will be betterpupsdogtraining.com going live June 14th 2021.
Pricing:
- I have private sessions which start at 200 and packages that save you money the more we book.
- I have a reverse board and train option which is in home, working with your dog and this starts at 250 per day. This is my most in depth program and I recommend at least 10 days of this. Every five days gets you a free private session. Booking 10 days gets 2 free private sessions and permanently reduced following private sessions.
- I offer in home boarding which starts at 135 a night where I stay in your home while you’re away and take care of your pets. This allows your pets to stay in their home environment with a professional trainer keeping their routine.
- I offer training walks to help work with leash skills or even reactivity and they can range from 30 to 50
Contact Info:
- Website: Betterpupsdogtraining
.com goes live June 14th - Instagram: @betterpupsdfw
- Facebook: facebook.com/
betterpupsdogtraining - Email: Roseanna@
betterpupsdogtraining.com
