Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Dreyer.
Hi Brenda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Many of us dog lovers have had that one dog who challenges everything we thought we knew about ourself and dog training. CJ, my Red-Bi Aussie, was that dog for me. CJ is a very determined & “Gritty” dog. I tried several different training methods with him but still felt defeated. CJ was the source of many uncomfortable and scary moments; my husband and I had debated on several occasions to return him to the breeder. I had made a commitment to this “gritty” boy and I was determined not to give up on him….on us.
So our journey begins, CJ and I are off to find that one trainer who could actually help me help CJ. This journey led me to my mentor and current good friend, Trish Gautier of Sterling Canine Academy. CJ and I attended as many classes as she would allow. I finally felt things starting to shift with my relationship with CJ. Trish was not only a dog trainer for basic obedience; she was an exhibitor in several AKC dog sports, including Competition Obedience. I was enjoying training and learning so much AND the most important thing, I was seeing such an incredible difference in CJ; I was HOOKED! For seven years, CJ and I made our journey to discovering great dog sports together while developing our love and bond for each other. We have successfully competed and earned 13 AKC titles in several AKC sports. CJ even earned a few “High In Trial” rosettes!!!
CJ is my furry friend who encouraged and challenged me to follow my passion. He is that gritty boy who taught me a lot about myself; who taught me about patience, compassion, and the true meaning of unconditional love.
As me and CJ’s journey continued, Yeager, our seven year-old Red Merle Aussie, entered our lives. So off we go again. New dog means new challenges, but the strange thing was I was still loving every moment and challenge. I was instructing Obedience and Rally classes for my mentor and for our local volunteer obedience club. I was able to continue to train my two boys while using them as demo dogs for the class students. To date, CJ at eleven years old still loves Scent Work and is finishing up his Rally Master title. Yeager currently has fourteen titles in several AKC sports and is starting the highest level of Competition Obedience, the Utility title.
In 2019, we moved to Arizona. Not knowing anyone in the training world, I tried desperately to get back into my passion of training and teaching. My boys love to learn and work (play as they know it) so it was important to me to figure out this new challenge. I thoroughly enjoy teaching what I love and thus the idea was planted! I started researching trainers around the area and I was shocked at how expensive it was to train your dog in Arizona! The more I researched, the more determined I became to give Arizona dog lovers another option. I was able to find an affordable space where I could resume my teaching while continuing to train my own dogs.
In March of 2020, Foothills Canine Academy opened their doors to sixteen students and six different classes a week. I was so very happy and grateful for those sixteen students! In February 2022, we expanded our facility to allow for more space and students. I am currently instructing fifteen classes a week with approximately 120 students. Along with group classes, I also offer private lessons to people who can’t or prefer not to attend group classes. Sometimes a group setting is not in the best interest of a client’s dog.
My motivation comes directly from my students. I have been in the exact same spot as each and every one of those people who come looking for guidance. To watch a student and their dog struggle through the challenges and frustrations to finally reach that moment when they CONNECT as a TEAM is so incredibly rewarding to me. When I receive emails, texts, and videos from students accomplishing something with their dogs; it puts a huge smile on my face! I want to help people understand how their dogs learn & communicate, what they can do to communicate better with them, and introducing the world of dog sports to them. Dogs love to learn, they want to learn!
I have had the opportunity to make some wonderful supporting friends since opening Foothills Canine Academy. While we were expanding our facility, I had numerous students (friends) take time out of their schedules to help my husband and me. I have also had the opportunity of meeting and training with some pretty phenomenal trainers! We now have a wonderful relationship with another training company who are instructing the AKC Scent Work classes and Engagement classes at my facility.
Now, three years later, we teach over 100 plus students in a 7-week session while offering 18 classes a week!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the past three years since opening Foothills Canine Academy, I have learned from scratch how to start a business and I continue to learn how to successfully maintain and operate a business. One of my biggest challenges stems from my desire to keep my fees affordable so people can continue to train their dogs. It is very important to me to continue to reach and serve the needs of dog lovers and their canine partners while having the financial stability to keep my doors open. Like many small businesses, I am seeing and feeling the increasing costs of day-to-day operating expenses.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We have an indoor climate-controlled dog training facility centrally located near the Sky Harbor Airport. We keep our class size limited to ensure you and your canine partner get proper attention. We offer obedience training starting with AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy through Advanced & Competition level obedience. We also offer AKC Rally, Leash Manners, Engagement, Tricks, and Crate & Place classes. At the end of the 7-week session, we also offer (free to students) the AKC CGC Test (Canine Good Citizen).
We have a relationship with ABC Animal Behavior College as a Mentorship program for their students.
We have wonderful relationships with various dog trainers/training companies throughout the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. This helps us help our students. In some cases, we may refer a person/dog to another trainer/training company that can offer a different service that best fits their needs.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We always welcome people who may be interested in becoming dog trainer. We currently have a wonderful relationship with various trainers across the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Many students who have started with me have become friends and have supported me in my journey with Foothills Canine Academy. We have a wonderful website, facebook page and instagram account! All they need to do is reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.foothillsk9academy.com
- Instagram: foothillscanineacademy
- Facebook: Foothills Canine Academy Brenda Dreyer
