Exploring Life & Business with Taryn Tyler of Teacher Turned Trainer- Basic Obedience Dog Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Tyler.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I am a KU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I went on to work in a local school district for 5 years. I loved my career as a teacher. I got to make meaningful relationships with countless students and their families. I was able to use my creativity in unique ways and contribute to making our school a loving and safe place for all students. However, during my last year as a teacher, I started exploring the idea of taking a step back from the classroom to pursue my other passions. My number one passion in life would have to be dogs. When I decided to leave teaching and pursue my passion for working with dogs, my 5-year-old Staffordshire Terrier, Sinclair, became my focal point. My husband and I adopted him the same weekend we got engaged when Sinclair was 6 months old. Early on, it became clear that Sinclair suffered from major anxiety. It seemed like everything was a threat, and he was fearful to even go outside to the bathroom. We found a local training group that we loved, and they completely changed his life. They gave him the tools to exist in the everyday world and to view it as a not-so-scary place. It was truly inspiring, and I wanted to help other dogs view the world similarly. So about 6 months ago, I enrolled in the Victoria Stillwell Academy to get my dog training certification. I decided to start my own training business in the Kansas City area when I completed it. It was a difficult and somewhat scary decision to step away from teaching, the only career I had planned for growing up and going through college. However, I can apply many teaching strategies to my dog training business. At the same time, I plan to work with reactive dogs like Sinclair. Right now, my focus is on basic obedience and puppy training. I love that I have an outlet to work with all different kinds of dogs every day and even apply my practices to my dogs at home Sinclair (5-year-old Staffordshire Terrier, Glenda (2.5-year-old Great Dane), and Tallulah (6-month-old Terrier Mix).

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I am fairly new in my dog training journey, so I have not faced any challenges yet. I have a wonderful network of clients who have been supportive and welcoming when letting me into their homes and daily lives.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a local positive reinforcement dog trainer specializing in basic obedience and puppy training. I come to families’ homes for private sessions so that all my clients and dogs are comfortable in their home environment. I offer different packages ranging from meeting once or twice a week to a pre-planning session where I help families go shopping and prepare their homes for their incoming furry friend. I even offer a day-of-event handler package where I will help transport your pets to things like your wedding or engagement photos. I love that I can channel my passion for teaching into the branding of my business. For example, my puppy package, which is a private session package twice a week for four weeks, is called my Kindergarten Package. At the end of the 8 sessions, the dogs will “graduate” from the program and receive a graduation certificate. My deep love for dogs sets me apart from others, which stems from the pets I’ve had throughout my childhood and adult life. There has never been a time that I have not had a dog in my family. I love and care for all my dogs like they are my number one priority. I apply that same mentality to all my clients. Every dog I work with should be able to feel that I will love and care for them no matter what, even if I am only spending a few hours a week with them.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have learned how important networking is when starting a business. It’s taught me that I must always present my business with accurate knowledge and positivity because you never know where your next client can come from. My clients now come from different sources, including past coworkers, mutual friends, and even former students and their families.

Pricing:

• Pre School (Pre Planning Session)- $200
• Kindergarten (Puppy Package; Twice a week for 8 weeks)- $600
• Tutoring Package (Once a week for 4 weeks)- $300
• After School Care (Day of Event Handler Package)- Price varies by the needs of the clients

Contact Info:

• Website:  https://www.teacherturnedtrainer.com/
  Instagram: www.instagram.com/teacher_turned_trainer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087250852403