Today we’d like to introduce you to James Phillips.
Hi James , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started when a I was just a kid. The eighties were tough and bullies reigned supreme.
I was gifted a black lab for Christmas and the rest is history. She became my best friend. Learning how she communicated and how she understood my communication. Was the catalyst that opened the world of dogs to me.
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?
The first struggle was convincing people in my life that this was a real career.
They didn’t see the vision and it took me a long time to just believe in myself and my dream. No matter what other people said. I finally just decided to follow my course. Instead of the course others had chosen for me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself an artist and not a dog trainer. The dog is just my canvas. Every dog is different just like every piece of art should be. If you want a cheap print of the original you can find that at wal mart. There are plenty of franchises and internet certified dog trainers out there trying to make prints out of dogs. They are all different and need to be treated as such.
Sure I have a baseline formula and program. We start there but it’s always different. Although dogs may all be similar the way we motivate each dog is very individual. Just like kids.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have had so many mentors over the years. And have been blessed to have some great apprentices. What’s worked well for me is having an open mind. Nothing is perfect and you can learn from anyone. Sometimes you learn what not to do. Sometimes you learn a great new method or lesson.
What’s worked well for me is really being a student of the dog and letting them teach me. Over the years I have crafted my art by creating a recipe of key ingredients that are necessary for every dog. The methods will vary as will the rewards and aversive. The key is letting the dog learn to trust you so they will desire to work with you.
Pricing:
- Private lessons $150
- Daycare $300
- Day training $120
- Board and train starts @ $1000
- Boarding $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Upstatedogacademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18821oyLPp/
- Youtube: @upstatedogacademy3849
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upstatedogguy
