Meet Colleen Demling of Pawtopia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Demling, CPDT, CBCC-KA, CDBC.

Colleen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a little girl, I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be in a field where I could help people. I just wasn’t sure what that profession would be. I always had pets in the house and, as I got older, I became as passionate about dogs as I did about people.

I got a Bachelors in Social Work in college but by the time I graduated, I knew the field wasn’t for me. I floated from one job to another and then, through pure luck, happened to see a show about Service Dogs and the changes they can make in a person’s life. I instantly realized my passion for people and animals could be combined in one profession-dog training!

I started applying to Service Dog organizations across the United States and found a job at Canine Companions for Independence. Their in-depth apprenticeship program gave me the foundation to be the successful trainer and behaviorist I am today.

After a couple years at CCI, I decided to branch out and start my own dog training company, Pawtopia, where I could help pet dogs and their owners. With customer service and caring about my clients as my main focus, Pawtopia grew from a one person show to a well-know, successful dog training company in San Diego. We are celebrating our 15th year in business!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No way! I know there is a safe path but I pushed for high goals so Pawtopia would deliver better quality services to San Diego dogs and their owners. Like everyone, I made mistakes and my trainers made mistakes. A client was called back, we lost a training space, a trainer showed up late to a lesson. But instead of focusing on the failure, we adjust, we apologize when needed and make it right. We then turn every set back into a learning opportunity.

As with any company, we have those people who want to help us to grow as well as those who try to take it away. My favorite saying is “keep our side of the street clean”. If we keep moving forward, keep supporting the dog community in San Diego through and keep delivering good results, then business will always grow.

Please tell us about Pawtopia .
We are a dog training company that focuses on increasing the bond an owner has with their dog while solving any problem behaviors that owner may have. We offer customized in-home training for those clients that prefer individualized attention or want to work on specific behavioral issues such as aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, multi-dog dynamics, and similar issues. We also offer basic, advanced/CGC, and agility classes group classes.

We are proud of Pawtopia’s reputation for giving our clients results with excellent customer service and personalized attention. We have a 5 star rating on Yelp and have been voted the best dog training company in San Diego on numerous occasions.

With over 16 years as a professional dog trainer, I personally offer subject matter expertise to pet related companies, start-ups, and executive clientele that require a Taylor made approach to the needs of their 4-legged family member(s).

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Sounds silly but playing with my dog in the backyard. My parents adored my sister and I but divorced when I was a child so there was often tension in the house. But, no matter if I was sad, angry, lonely, or even just confused about the changes in my family, I could take Ginger outside and play. Her tail would wag. She would kiss me until I begged her to stop. She would be interested in every single game I dreamt up. She was just pure joy and love. Her unconditional love gave me comfort at times when I need it the most. 

Contact Info:

• Address: 5666 La Jolla Blvd
  #25 La Jolla, CA 92037
• Website: www.pawtopia.com
• Phone: 8584147797
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawtopia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawtopiaDogTraining/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pawtopia
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pawtopia-la-jolla-2?osq=pawtopia

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