Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Lask.
In 1970, Joan Lask brought home a Great Dane puppy that she named Thor. By three months of age, Thor was out of control. Joan began searching for an obedience program, but found none willing to begin training until Thor was six months old. Joan finally convinced one trainer to let her into his class. Not only did Thor learn quickly and become a beautiful 180-pound, perfectly behaved, prize-winning dog, but Joan discovered a life-long career.
Through years of training thousands of dogs and their owners, showing competitively in AKC and UKC Conformation shows and AKC Obedience competitions, and presiding over 500 lectures and demonstrations, Joan developed her own successful method of dog education. The desire from others to learn Joan’s proven methodology brought about the founding of Jo-Thor’s Dog Trainers’ Academy where people can receive Professional, Advanced and Masters Dog Educator/Trainer Certification.
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?
Marketing was a bit hard. There was no social media. I had to do networking, meeting people to let them know about my business. Also, I marketed myself to the Veterinarians on a weekly basis.
When I encountered a dog that had an aggression problem, I had to let the families know that it was better if they found another home for the dog, especially if there were children in the household. On several occasions, I suggested the dog be euthanized.
My challenge was to come up with a dog training program that would suit the population I was training.
This program of training is called, “The Armchair Dog Trainer” It is suitable for the busy household, the baby boomers who surprisingly are new dog owners, and people with disabilities. Beside taking the dog and training it outside, the owners can spend time training their dog in their home and from a chair.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jo-Thor’s Dog Academy – what should we know?
Jo-Thor’s Dog Academy was started in Bolingbrook, Illinois in 1974. The reason: to help people have a better relationship with their dog.
Jo-Thor’s slogan: “The nicest thing that can happen between you and your dog.” …tells it all.
Most of the dogs that I have worked with since 1974, were behavior problems and their owners were at wits end. Today, I continue to help owners who have rescued dogs, or who own pure-bred dogs that cause havoc in the home.
What sets me apart is my knowledge, my experience working with dogs, and how quickly I can get dogs under control. (I consider myself one of the longest lasting dog trainers in the Atlanta area). I started in the Atlanta area in 1989.
What makes me very proud is that I am approved by the State of Georgia through its Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to train people to become professional dog trainers. I attained this certification in 1996 and call my vocational school, Jo-Thor’s Dog Trainers’ Academy.
Jo-Thor’s Dog Trainers’ Academy is also approved for VA benefits. For the last five years, I have been working with Veterans, some with severe PTSD. I’ve seen how this dog training career has changed their lives.
It makes me very proud to see that many of the dog trainers in the Atlanta area and the Southeast have graduated from my school and now have successful dog training businesses.
Most of all, I am especially proud of my clientele over the years, how wonderful their dogs turned out after the training and how their dogs have been such an integral part of their lives.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Friendly, I care about the families that I train. I care about the dogs. I can relate to my clients since I owned problem dogs. This is very important to my success.
Another important factor — It has taken me years to acquire the knowledge of training dogs and dog behavior. Because of this knowledge, and my teaching skills, my clients trust me.
Pricing:
- 6 dog obedience group lessons are $199, school supplies are $98
- 2 private dog or puppy obedience plus 5 group lessons are $299, School supplies are $98.
- Become a Dog Trainer Course – Advanced Professional – 660 hrs. – $8800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.agooddog.com www.jothorsway.com
- Phone: 770-667-0334
- Email: protrainers@agooddog.com
- Facebook: Jothor’s Dog Trainers Academy
Image Credit:
Richard Hermes with his Maltese
Ryan Avery with Toto
Number 84 is Darrell Swanson walking Buddy and Sage
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