In this week’s episode of The Doggie Stoic Weekly, I sat down with Paula, owner of Boston K9 Culture, to kick off 2026 with an honest look at the dog training industry. Paula shares her journey from beginner to building one of Boston’s most successful training businesses, then dives deep into the realities of true therapy dog work—breaking down common misconceptions, temperament requirements, and what separates real therapy training from basic obedience. We also explore the business side of training, from operating in high-cost states like Massachusetts to balancing family life while running a high-volume operation. This episode blends real-world dog training insight with hard-earned business perspective.

We’ve all been there. The calendar flips to a slower month—maybe it’s October, maybe it’s January—and suddenly, the phone stops ringing. In that silence, the "weeds" of doubt start to grow at terrifying speed. You find yourself thinking: Am I actually a good trainer? Do my clients even value what I do? Is my business failing?.

When these emotional weeds threaten to choke out your confidence, you need to stop and run a "Fact Check." Emotions lie, but data doesn’t.

Open your Google Business profile and read your 5-star reviews. Look at the text from the client who said you saved their relationship with their dog. Check your bank account—do you have more saved now than you did three years ago?. That is your factual evidence.

The reality is that a quiet week is rarely a sign of failure; often, it is just a natural cycle. By countering the narrative of "stress" with the hard evidence of your success, you can flip the script. This isn't a drought; it's a blessing. It’s time to breathe, recover, and prepare for the busy season that is inevitably coming.