THINKlocal Lake Country - Spring 16' | Page 12

GOOD KARMA CANINE Carla, Owner & Trainer “Making a positive difference in human-dog relationships is too big for one person, or company, to handle- it takes a team.” - Carla Dusel (Owner & Trainer) WHAT CURRENT SERVICES DOES YOUR BUSINESS OFFER? We currently offer multiple group training classes.  Our Core Obedience class is perfect for dog owners looking to work on basic manners and obedience skills.  During this class we build a strong foundation of impulse control, focus, recall and leash walking along with other skills.  Once teams graduate, the are eligible to participate in our Keen Obedience class.  Our Scent Work, Tricks & Treats and Focused Fido classes are perfect for building confidence, teaching problem solving skills, and burning mental energy, while Canine Kindergarten is the perfect start for any puppy from 8 weeks to 12 weeks old. We also offer In-Home Private Training for dogs who may not be well suited in a group class or those who need more a more personalized experience and In-Home Overnight services for dog owners looking for an alternative to boarding, where their dog can stay in the comfort of their own home while their owners are away. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DECIDE TO GO OUT ON YOUR OWN AND START A BUSINESS? I had always known that I wanted to work with dogs but it wasn’t until I started working with Karma, my now 4 year old pit bull mix, that I discovered training was my passion.  From the day I adopted her, Karma has influenced almost every moment of my life in such a positive way- when I began training professionally I knew that I needed to give others what Karma had given me insight and inspiration to bond with their own dogs. My dog training passion mixed with my love for creative freedom and ultimately led to Good Karma Canine. IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY? Our belief in giving back to the community is rooted in our own experiences and personally, is the best way I can pay forward the impact that Karma has had on my life. We’ve done a few projects from selling t-shirts for a cause and donating training for dogs in foster care to participating in the Monster Holiday Drive, an annual supply drive for some of Milwaukee’s neediest dogs.  This year we collected over $3,000 worth of food, treats, enrichment toys and other items for Madacc and Canine Cupids.  We have big plans for the years to come but are happy that we can make even the slightest difference in our community. MISS POLE WWW.MISSPOLE.COM brookfield . kenosha . madison Samantha, Owner & Trainer Karma, Gwen, and Gypsy WHAT CAN BE DONE IN THE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE THE LIFE OF LOCAL ANIMALS? Our goal as dog trainers is to help improve relationships between dogs & their humans.  Providing a training plan with achievable goals & realistic expectations can be the turning point in a relationships rough patch.  Another important step is teaching the community more about dog body language, how dogs learn and appropriate play etiquette- all of which can keep both people and their dogs safe, happy and healthy. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR FIRST YEAR(S) OF STARTING A BUSINESS? To say we’ve learned a lot would be an understatement, but one of the most important things we’ve learned is that continuing education is absolutely key.  The road to learning never ends, which is why we dedicate time every year to attending seminars that are presented by some of the most seasoned professionals in the dog world.  We have also rediscovered the value of teamworkmaking a positive difference in human-dog relationships is too big for one person, or company, to handle- it takes a team. WHAT ARE SOME DOG TRAINING, HEALTH, ETC TIPS GOING INTO THE SPRING SEASON? Remember as you begin to prepare for spring that your dog has probably gotten less exercise than they normally receive in the warmer months- asking your dog to run a marathon, or even a mile, after a couple months of short trips around the block carries risk.  Your dog will need to build their stamina just as slowly as you would have to if you hadn’t had a gym membership.  Help your dog avoid injury by starting off slow, build up your exercise routine at a healthy pace.  Also be aware that with spring comes allergy season, speak to your veterinarian about possible signs of allergies and know how you can help your pet if you suspect they may be having a reaction. Since the weather is warming up, keep us in mind if you need help with leash walking or coming when called while you’re out enjoying the sunshine and fresh air- we’ll be happy to help! For more info about Good Karma Canine, visit: goodkarmacanine.com. Good Karma Canine serves the Greater Milwaukee Area. For the entire interview, visit the THINKlocal Facebook page. FOR YOU FOR A FRIEND ANY SIX WEEK CLASS PROMO CODE: $15OFFTL ANY SIX WEEK CLASS PROMO CODE: $15OFFTL $15 OFF Not valid with any other offers. Exp. Exp.03/31/2016 02/15/2016 You are NEVER too “ANYTHING” to tr H