Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendi Blanton.
Wendi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I “grew up”, so I read a lot of books and even answered hundreds of questions on software programs all geared towards helping me figure it out. At the end of each lesson, the word “teacher” kept popping up, but I quickly dismissed the idea as teaching in schools did not appeal to me.
Through the years, I had many jobs, and most of them I really enjoyed…but nothing felt like it satisfied my desire to help people. The word teacher kept popping up in my mind over the years, but never figured out what to teach, until I landed in bed for years.
Life took a hard turn 11 years ago and I could no longer standup without the help of a cane or walker. The doctors weren’t sure what was wrong and pain meds didn’t work on me, so life quickly came to a halt. Through all of those dark years, my Pomeranian Lexi (now in doggy heaven) was right by my side reminding me why life was worth living. I remember people telling me they were surprised at my positive attitude given my physical pain, and they often commented how they “could never survive what I was going through”. It was comments like this that gave me the opportunity to share with people that they are much stronger than they realize. Sometimes it’s what we learn through adversity, that helps show us our true strength inside.
While stuck in bed, watching TV was one of my pass times, and that’s when I stumbled across Cesar Milan. I started watching his shows to help pass the time, and quickly became captivated by how he could affect change so quickly in every dog he worked with. Soon I racked up watching over 600 hrs. of his programming and taking as many notes as I could.
After many surgeries, I was finally strong enough to begin practicing Cesar’s techniques and was quickly amazed at how much I accomplished. By focusing on my own energy and leadership skills, it had an immediate effect on how dogs responded to me. At that point, I knew this was my path in life and the reason why I’m on this earth…I finally found what I was supposed to “teach” people! I had to learn as much as I could…so that meant I needed to learn directly from the best, Cesar Milan!
I’ve had great success with my client’s dogs, but I have one extremely nervous dog that needs Cesar’s expertise. I’m taking her with me to Cesar’s Fundamentals Training class in November so I can see first-hand how he affects calmness in extreme cases.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s always a struggle to grow a new business, but when people meet me, they quickly see my passion for dogs, as well as my passion for people. It’s hard for people to see my talent or feel my passion through advertising, so connecting with new clients has been a struggle at times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wen’s Waggin Tails Dog Training/Walking – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As I was studying to be a certified profession dog trainer, I quickly noticed a disconnect between obedience dog trainers and dog psychology. I learned from a great mentor, but even she would tell me stories about how her dog was so excited when she opened the crate door, that she had to throw a bunch of milk bones all over the room to distract her dog so he did not jump all over her. This is when I decided to specialize in dog psychology.
I watched Cesar go to people’s homes to teach them how to be a calm, confident leader for their dogs. On a few episodes, he had to go back to the same house as the people got a new dog, but were experiencing the same problems they had with their previous dog. This led me to realize that people are not able to retain 100% of everything they learn during our sessions as it’s a lot of new information to absorb. To help ensure people retain as much of the new information as possible, After the consultation session, I email notes on the topics we discussed during the session. This way people can refer back to the notes for any needed refresher.
My ability to combine dog psychology with positive dog training sets me apart from some of my peers. By rewarding your dog’s good behavior, your dog is more likely to offer you that behavior again as they knew you were proud of them. Dogs can feel pride!
Through my private dog training sessions, clients are able to share challenges they’re experiencing with their dogs, or learn how to teach obedience to their dogs, or even focus on a specific problem with their dog, like not wanting to jump into the car, or being afraid of the water.
Being a certified professional dog trainer, I’ve helped several of my dog walking clients correct existing problem behaviors with their dogs.
My dog socialization meetup group (pre-Covid) helps dogs with issues, and their parents, learn how to safely and correctly socialize their dogs.
For high energy dogs, I have portable agility obstacles that I set up in their yards to help drain some of their energy.
I offer pack walks for my clients with my two rescued Pomeranians. It is an opportunity for the dogs to walk together while I teach dog behavior and body language to the parents.
If you would like to have your dog in your wedding, I can help! Services include babysitting and potty walks in between events, participating in the dress rehearsal, participating in the wedding, and babysitting during the reception.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love San Diego! I grew up in Indiana and after visiting California when I was young, I knew I needed to live by the ocean. I have met some amazing people and some amazing dogs in this city. As a dog trainer/walker, my office is often outside, so what better city to live in than San Diego!!!!
Pricing:
- Dog Training – Prices Start at $50 per hour
- Dog Walking – Prices Start at $20 (customizable)
- Agility – $50 per hour
- Dog Socialization Meetup – donation based
- Pack Walks $20
- Wedding Packages – customizable
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wenswaggintails.com
- Phone: 6197424482
- Email: wenswaggintails@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wenswaggintails
- Facebook: Wenswaggintails
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