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In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Josh and Sam reflect on how their pet care businesses began—not with a grand vision, but from simple needs, passion, and a little bit of chaos.

Key Highlights:

• How it all started:
  Sam launched her cat-sitting business after needing care for her own five cats. Josh found his path to dog training through a chance opportunity and an early mentor who told him, “You were meant to do this.”
• Side hustles to full-time:
  Both began their businesses as side gigs, juggling jobs, school, and long commutes. Growth was slow but steady—and filled with sacrifices (think $5 training sessions and Christmases spent working).
• The role of passion:
  Entrepreneurship, they agree, requires a touch of madness. They recall long hours, burnout, fast food, and doubt—but also the drive to build something meaningful, not just profitable.
• When it got real:
  Josh credits early clients like Sidney and Kevin for boosting his confidence and allowing him to go full-time. Sam grew her team gradually before finally quitting her office job six years later.
• What keeps them going:
  They talk honestly about money, burnout, imposter syndrome, and being misunderstood by non-entrepreneurs—but ultimately, they’re driven by impact, connection, and the belief that this work changes lives.
• About PetPreneur University (PETU):
  The episode closes with an update on their new project: a training program for pet industry pros that blends real-world experience with mentorship.

Applications for the fall semester are OPEN:

https://form.jotform.com/251544036701247

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Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode, Josh and Sam dive into a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply felt in the pet industry: mental health.

From the emotional toll on veterinarians and pet sitters to the burnout and impostor syndrome many dog trainers face, this conversation gets real about the hidden weight professionals carry while caring for animals.

They explore the pressure of client expectations, the reality of compassion fatigue, and the isolation many feel behind the scenes.

Plus, they introduce Petpreneur University—a new resource for pet pros looking to thrive, not just survive. Whether you're a vet, groomer, trainer, or animal lover, this one’s for you!

Mentioned in the podcast:

1. Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words

by John W. Pilley Jr. (Author), Hilary Hinzmann (Author)

2. Join our waitlist here:

https://linktr.ee/TheDogFatherJosh

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this episode, Josh is joined by Sam Havill to talk about how she grew her pet care business from solo cat sitting to leading a 20+ person team across Montreal. They chat about the rise of force-free grooming, the impact of COVID on dog behaviour, and why trust-based care is changing the game in both grooming and training.

They chat about some common myths in the dog training world, why positive reinforcement matters, and what it really means to support our dogs’ mental well-being.

💡 Sneak Peek: Josh and Sam are teaming up on something big—designed to raise the standard for pet professionals. Curious? Tune in to hear what’s coming next.

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!