Today we’d like to introduce you to Kota Sudweeks
Kota, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started when I brought back a 1 year old border collie to my very small apartment. Within days I knew I needed help because he got into everything and even chewed a hole to the outside of the apartment.
I started group training classes at a local training facility that hired me shortly after. I thought it would be a great way to get free training and learn a new skill until I graduated from SLCC. Little did I know that after I graduated I would not use my degree and would start dog training full time.
After training with that facility for 5 years, I started my own dog training business and as of this October, Paws Up Training is will be 2 years old.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has had it’s ups and downs, I am a dog trainer and never really had the intentions to be a business owner but it was getting really difficult to do what I love (train dogs) and make enough to live. I started my business in part because of that.
The challenges I have faced is building and running a business, my passions is in training and helping dogs and their owners not tracking expenses or filing business taxes. Another difficulty is maintaining the flow of new clients, It’s not common to have repeat training clients because once a job is done well they don’t need me anymore. Getting new clients is really my only way of continuing my business, and the down side of that is dog training is a luxury not a lot of people have the extra income to spend on their dog even though they really need it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My background is working with pet dogs in multiple capacities including: facilitating enrichment and group classes, conducting private training lessons, and board and train programs. The thing I love most about dog training is assisting clients in strengthening their relationship with their dog.
I teach basic obedience, neutrality, proper socialization, and potty training. I can assist in stopping nuisance behaviors or getting your pup trained up for public access. I pride myself on delivering personalized training plans that are tailored to the lifestyle of the client and the goals for the dog, that is something you can’t get with some other training facilities or styles.
I offer many different programs to help my clients be as successful as possible. In home training, private lessons, board and trains and day trains just to name a few.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have been lucky in that separate support networks have together allowed me to peruse this endeavor at a crucial moment in my life. I would also consider myself very lucky and blessed to have the support I do in life and in my business adventures. I have an amazing partner, that has help in my life and with my business not to mention being okay with dogs always coming and going from our home. I have found wonderful support in my friends, clients and training mentors as well.
Pricing:
- Private Lesson (1hr) – $100
- Board and Train (2-4 weeks) – $700 per week
- Day Trains – $60 per day
- Paws Up Basic – $300
- Boarding – $50 per day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pawsupslc.com/
