Today we’d like to introduce you to Hallie Wells.
Hi Hallie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a certified professional dog trainer with a focus on service dog training. I became interested in dog training when I was attending University of Georgia and I started puppy raising for the Guide Dog Foundation in 2011. After graduation, I became the puppy program manager for the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs. During my time there, I oversaw a program of over 400 puppies and almost 1,000 volunteers. I implemented positive reinforcement training curriculum for our staff and volunteers. I currently own Lumos Dog Training, a training company that provides in home dog training, board and trains, and service dog training.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to where I am now has not been smooth, but every step has gotten me closer to achieving my dreams of owning my own business and providing services to pet parents and service dog partners alike. I moved from Georgia to live in New York for five years to become the puppy program manager at the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs.
The dog training industry is unregulated, which means a lot of pet parents and service dog partners are not getting the best support they can and they are often led down the wrong path by someone who isn’t educated in the most up to date and ethical training methods. I have focused on my continuing education throughout my career and pride myself in continuing to learn and grow as a teacher and trainer. That means many long nights of studying, writing papers, and practicing new skills after work is done.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lumos Dog Training and Behavior Services?
My business is dog training that offers board and trains, in home training, and service dog training. I specialize in service dog training but offer pet dog training as well. My company is set apart from others because I’m not just a dog trainer that’s loved dogs and had them for years, I have a scientific education and the skillset to ensure my clients and their dogs are getting the best information and training methods possible. I graduated in 2012 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Biology. I have an Applied Animal Behavior Analysis Certificate from the University of Washington and many more certifications. But it’s not just the paper that backs my success and career, it’s the clients too!
I train autism support, diabetic alert, seizure response, psychiatric, and mobility assistance dogs for clients. I help pet parents find solutions with behaviors like teaching new puppies how to thrive with their new parents to helping overcome aggression and reactivity.
I offer virtual and in person training with a flexible schedule that supports people that are working throughout the day. I strive to be a positive influence with every pet parent and help them find management and training solutions that work for their life and dog. I have an active Instagram, @lumosdogtraining, that provides training tips and pet parent advice from enrichment recipes to service dog partner education.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Social media seems to be the future for networking, put yourself out there and engage in the online community you want to be a part of! I’ve found many supportive and influential people through Instagram and attending continuing education conferences and seminars. I’m always willing to support people that have taken the initiative to reach out and show their interest in the industry. Everyone has to start somewhere and I remember the people that gave me a leg up when I first started my career.
Pricing:
- In home and virtual training for puppies: $399-689 for various session packages
- Board and train options starting at $139/night
- Service dog training: starting at $5,000 for start to finish support
Contact Info:
- Email: Hallie@lumosdogtraining.com
- Website: Lumosdogtraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumosdogtraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=lumos%20dog%20training%20and%20behavior%20services
Image Credits:
Rebecca Eden
