We asked Tim how he found Bark Busters, which breeds hold a special place in his heart, and what keeps him passionate after all these years.
What Brought You to Dog Training?
“I worked at a large building materials supply company, feeling unchallenged and unfulfilled. Poor management made the store frustrating, and I dreaded going in every day. So I up and quit, one week before the Victoria Day weekend in 2008.
When I told my wife, she was completely fine with it. We were financially stable, she was still working, and she said, ‘You’ll find something else.’ So I took the summer off and just puttered around the house.
In August, I spotted a Pet Services page in the local paper. The local Bark Busters trainer mentioned that he was looking for someone to help. ‘Hmmm,’ I thought, ‘this sounds interesting.’ I contacted him in late August, and by mid-September, after going on a couple of lessons with him and watching clients actually say ‘WOW’ during the session, I knew Bark Busters was the real deal.
Long story short, we finalized the sale of the franchise later that year, and just like that, the journey began.”
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
“In 36 years of marriage, my wife and I have had 10 dogs, and we are on number 11. Which breed am I partial to? The breeds with four legs! I like all dogs because every single one is special. They all come with their own quirks, idiosyncrasies, and personalities.
I am especially partial to rescues because so many of them need a forever home. My first dog was a Sheltie named Dusty, a rescue from Scarborough Humane Society. Then came four retired racing Greyhounds (in pairs, two at a time). After that, a five-year-old Lab named Klio we got from my wife’s friend. Then an eight-year-old Bichon named Danny whose owner passed away, a four-year-old Boxer/Shepherd named Duncan, and a seven-year-old Beagle/Jack Russell named McCabe who came from a rough environment.
We also took in a Poodle Bichon named Snoopy from the same friend who gave us the Lab. Now I have my Foxhound named Groober, a rescue from the Cambridge Humane Society. Every one of them has brought something special into our lives.”
What Is the Best Part About Being a Trainer?
“My favourite part of this job is when clients see the immediate change in their dog. The dog stops barking and charging the door. The dog keeps all four feet on the floor. The dog walks nicely beside them – and the clients will literally say, ‘WOW.’
I also love when clients tell me, with complete honesty, ‘Thank you so much. This was our last resort. We did not want to give up on our dog because we love them so much, but something had to change.’
I have seen tears of joy and relief when the dog chooses to please them. You do not get that in the corporate world.”
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
“The behaviours you experience with your dog do not have to be permanent. You can change your dog’s behaviour into the behaviour you want – and it is not difficult.”
Ready to Work With Tim?
If you live in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, or the surrounding areas, Tim is your local Bark Busters trainer. He specializes in puppy training, aggression, separation anxiety, leash pulling, excessive barking, and general obedience, all in the comfort of your home.
Every Bark Busters training program comes with our Written Lifetime Guarantee, so you will have ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Contact Tim today to schedule your in-home training session.
(Not in Tim’s area? We have trainers in many areas across Canada too)
