Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Keith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started working with dogs as a bather at a grooming salon, which taught me about handling them. Eventually, I got my first dog and did everything wrong with her, which began my journey into learning how to properly train and rehabilitate them! Eventually, I went to Purdue University and achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior and Wellness while training in group classes at a local boutique. After graduating there, I attended Starmark Academy, where I became a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist! I worked at a few other training facilities before opening up Wild at Heart Canine Academy with my sister, who I trained myself and we are loving every minute!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We started the business out of our house, which quickly was stressful separating our work/life balance. Once we were able to open up our facility, it increased our ability to help more dog owners and give them a safe place to practice more training without always needing to be in their homes or outside in the heat!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Wild at Heart Canine Academy is a dog training business, and we specialize in puppies, basic through advanced obedience, behavior modification, pack walks, and even scent detection! We are open to all ages, breeds, genders, and sizes, and our goal is to help you, and your dog live the best life possible together! We pride ourselves on that our clients are our friends so that they feel comfortable coming to us with any questions; we celebrate every win they have and try to teach them to be their own trainers, so we don’t always have to be in the picture. I am proud to be a local, woman, and family-owned business!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I am constantly going to training seminars with other trainers, something they are local and sometimes I have to travel. Both are great ways to increase my knowledge to help more clients. I also strive to have one mentorship a year, which is typically a multiple-month program to better myself and my other trainers.
Contact Info:
- Website: wahcanineacademy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/wahcanineacademy
- Facebook: facebook.com/wahcanineacademy
