Biz Feature Friday: Howling Moon Pet Care
This week’s Small Business Feature Friday is coming from Jesi Kirk at Howling Moon Pet Care!
I had the fortunate chance to meet Jesi through another mutual friend (hi, Remy!). Of course, I also wanted to learn more about her, her business, and her training methodology since I, too, am a huge fan and supporter of positive reinforcement training, which uses humane methods for training.
If you’ve been looking for a positive reinforcement trainer for your pup(s), be sure to check them out. Keep scrolling to read the full interview!
1. Can you briefly tell the readers how you got your start and to where you are today?
Ten years ago, I quit my full time job with benefits to start my own business working with dogs. Howling Moon Pet Care started out as a pet sitting and dog grooming business. However, as I dove deeper and deeper into the positive reinforcement training world, the business slowly morphed into a dog training and grooming business.
Now, we have a team of four positive reinforcement dog trainers that offer private in-home lessons to dogs and their families around the Triangle and beyond.
We offer virtual coaching programs as well as day training options where the trainer comes to your home to train the dog for you.
I also offer limited board and train in my home and have a set of grooming clients that have been with me for years. We are also now offering matchmaking services to help facilitate families in finding the best possible fit for their lifestyle and home.
2. What sets Howling Moon Pet Care apart from other pet care companies?
Howling Moon Pet Care strives to make the dog training process easy and efficient for our clients. We provide homework and often videos (for board and train and day training options) after each session. We also are available via email for any concerns that might pop up along the way. We are all positive reinforcement based dog trainers who strive to meet your goals using the kindest, most humane methods around.
3. As a dog trainer, what is one thing you wish clients would know before selecting a trainer to work with?
The one most important thing I wish clients knew before selecting a trainer to work with is that dog training is an unregulated business. What this means is that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and have a business regardless of their education or lack of certifications.
Our dog trainers are constantly participating in continuing education opportunities. Many of us are certified or working towards certifications. These certifications require hours of hands-on experience with a mentor as well as online courses and in person exams. Science is always changing and new theories are always being debunked or created and we make a point to keep up with all of this.
4. Tell us a little bit about your own pack. What are your pup(s) ages, names, and a bit more about them.
I have 2.5 dogs in my pack right now. Zuri, is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff who will turn 15 in February! He has accomplished many things over his lifetime including Rally Obedience and Trick Dog Titles, Therapy dog work and being a muse for Jesi with her creative dog grooming work. Now, he enjoys retirement and gets extra spoiled and pampered including acupuncture treatments every two weeks. Groovy is a 5 months old Chinese Crested Powder Puff who enjoys learning new things and going to new places. She will most likely compete in the Conformation ring as well as whatever other sports she shows interest in. Orchid is a 1.5 year old American Hairless Terrier that Jesi co-owns with her aunt. Orchid enjoys competing in the show ring, swimming at the lack with the paddle board, and scent work. I have also owned several rescue dogs and hope to add another pit mix to the pack when the time is right.
5. If someone is looking to invest in positive reinforcement training, what is the best way to go about connecting with you and your team?
If someone is looking for training the first place to start is our website where you can learn more about each of our trainers and their packs! You can contact us via email or phone for questions but if you want to get started please go ahead and fill out an intake form for the service you are interested in.
