Simply out of a desire to turn your hobby into a profession? No!
At the time I had a super well-paid 100% job as a customer service manager, I really enjoyed it but had some doubts about the company structure and the management's leadership quality.
But simply becoming self-employed, starting from scratch and giving up a great salary? I couldn't imagine that with the best will in the world. Then came Urs - then my life partner, now my husband. He told me that I should start my own business. In response to my doubts that I would then earn nothing, he said casually ‘I do earn - we'll manage’.
A few months later, I started teaching a small group who were unhappy at the other dog school. I didn't think anything of it at the time, I just got on with it. At the same time, I did an internship at a dog school in Solothurn with a friend of mine. The longer I worked and taught there, the more I realised that I really enjoyed bringing my kind of dog training to people. Away from the old-fashioned ideologies of hierarchy, pressure, punishment and even violence. I wanted people to learn how to treat their four-legged friend in a positive, needs-orientated and respectful way.
So I quit my job and started fairtrain. I knew long beforehand that my dog school would be called fairtrain.
I had already completed my dog trainer training. But to get to where I am today, I had to attend countless training and further education courses to be able to underpin my training philosophy scientifically. For me, it was a constant testing of training programmes which often disappointed me. Fortunately, I now know my way around and have the necessary network to find out which training courses are really worthwhile.
My original training as a commercial employee as well as my management training have laid important foundations for me to be able to run a business today. Of course, I still rely on a lot of advice, support and people who help me with their specialities and specialist knowledge.
Did it cost me sweat? Yes, of course. Did I ever want to throw in the towel and give up? Of course - over and over again. Have I been in conflict with my philosophy because others have criticised it and shown a lack of understanding? Yes, every day and unfortunately still today.
Today, I am still completely convinced that I did the right thing. I am incredibly grateful that so many people have supported and affirmed me in this. I would like to thank all my wonderful people and their furry friends who trust me to help and guide them in their training and dog behaviour. Finally, I would like to thank my great team, with whom I can grow, learn new things every day and enrich my everyday life with a lot of humour and a great exchange.
