It’s not that I think you are anxiously awaiting my next newsletter or blog post, or that you just wouldn’t be able to function without a review on the latest and greatest dog leash. But you might be wondering why you haven’t heard from me lately. I have cherished each and every private client and group class student that “The Persuaded Pooch” has reached. Because of the mutual care and respect that exists, I thought I’d update you.

In September 2013, I had the unexpected pleasure of taking a new full-time position with a St. Louis-based premium pet food company, called Nature’s Variety. As many of you know, I worked for PepsiCo while also growing The Persuaded Pooch in my spare time. Some might say I am a workaholic, but when you truly have a passion for what you do, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like extra “work.” The grand master plan could naturally have been to grow the business to the point of quitting my perk-filled corporate job and focus on training full-time.

Interestingly and unexpectedly, though, I was offered a sales position with Nature’s Variety, selling premium raw and raw-inspired pet food to two major pet specialty retailers. Even though I had envisioned Pepsi as my last “real job,” I was definitely intrigued by becoming a part of a small, yet fast-growing pet-related company, and truly feeling like my work could make an impact on pets and their owners. In September, I put dog training on hold a bit to focus on learning my new role. After the holidays, I joyfully reopened the business to accepting new clients in January of 2014.

Class graduates, Colleen & Daniel

Although I am still accepting new private training clients, regretfully, I’ve had to give up some other activities such as monthly newsletters and regular blogging, as well as my wonderful group class relationship with Webster Groves Recreation Center. (The March classes will be my last for a while.) My new position requires a bit of travel, and it was not only a challenge to schedule regular classes but to promote them effectively.

The scope of The Persuaded Pooch may be in flux, however, I am and always have been committed to being the most knowledgeable, effective and professional dog trainer possible. I am excited to be attending my third ClickerExpo in March in Norfolk, Virginia and continue to further my education through hands-on events (like “chicken clicking”), weekend seminars with some of the greatest animal trainers on Earth like Patricia McConnell and through wonderful written resources, like The Whole Dog Journal and the APDT’s “Chronicle of the Dog.”

There you have it, in case you’ve been wondering. I want to thank all of my clients and students – and of course, their dogs – for teaching me so much and for giving The Persuaded Pooch a chance. I feel blessed to be employed by a company whose mission is “to empower people to transform the lives of pets.” Indeed, impacting the lives of dogs and their people are both my motivation and my reward in getting up out of bed everyday. I’m lucky and proud to say that I get to do that in both of my “jobs.” All the best, and see you soon!

Sincerely, Sarah