Est. 2020

Dog up in this Bitch

Los Angeles, California

Services include group walks, private training, in-house boarding

In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, Sylvia Wes has carved out a niche for herself in the dog world. With over a decade of experience, she’s not just a dog person; she’s a certified professional dog trainer specializing in early development and managing aggressive and reactive dogs. Since 2020, Sylvia has been the proud owner of her own business, but her journey in the dog sector began in 2012. 

Daily Operations and Memories 

From the sun-kissed shores of Marina Del Rey to the vibrant streets of the Valley, Dog Up in This Bitch offers private training, day training, board and train programs, and group hikes for reactive dog clients.  Sylvia’s days are as varied as the city itself, filled with content creation, hiking with packs of dogs, phone consultations, and the nitty-gritty of office work. Her statement “I am the marketing team. I am the trainer. I am the operator. The taxi driver” embodies the essence of a small business owner, wearing all the hats. Her home is a bustling hub where anywhere from three to five dogs might be staying for board and train sessions, refreshers, or just a cozy boarding experience for her long-term clients.

Sylvia's expertise knows no bounds. “My heart really lies in the training, obviously. That's where my priority always is.” The highlight of her day? Hitting the trail with her crew. It’s a moment that brings her back to her roots as a dog trainer, where the seeds of her current career were planted. Especially those to the Hollywood sign, an experience unique to LA.

The TinyHorse: Professional Gear

TinyHorse gear has been integral to Sylvia’s daily routine, providing safety and versatility that’s crucial for her work. The Security Strap is her go-to for ensuring nervous newcomers can’t make a break for it, even in her gated community. On the trails, the TinyHorse Pro system shines, allowing her to manage her pack with ease, run “stay” exercises, and capture those precious moments that pet parents cherish. 

“Just every aspect of the way the equipment was created is so thoughtful from a professional standpoint … I find new uses for it all the time.”

Every aspect of TinyHorse's equipment is thoughtfully designed with the entire crew in mind, as it caters to the dynamic needs and diversities of both dogs and trainers. With TinyHorse, Sylvia can focus on providing exceptional care without worrying about chasing after loose dogs or compromising safety.

“A lot of my TinyHorse equipment usage involves me not wanting to chase animals apparently. So, yeah, I think I've probably used one of everything in the line that exists and I need it all.”

Multitasking becomes a breeze, and the unpredictable nature of dogs becomes less daunting. Whether it’s safely removing a dog from the group, shaking out tangles in a snap, or customizing the setup for each individual’s needs, TinyHorse provides the solutions. This flexibility and customization are crucial for the comfort, safety, and ultimately, the success of my dog training business. 

“What a game-changer. I mean, we're talking about the ability to multitask.”

“With that equipment, you really have the flexibility to customize. These things matter in the long run when you're looking at the comfort, the safety and the success of your business.”

With over a decade of experience in the industry, she understands the nuances of dog behaviour like no other, constantly evolving her approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Leader Lite - TinyHorse Mercantile

Leader Lite

Leader Lite

$48.99 CAD
$48.99 CAD
Security Strap - TinyHorse Mercantile

Security Strap

Security Strap

$12.99 CAD
$0.00 CAD $12.99 CAD

Dog Walking and Training: The Job That Keeps Giving

Every time Sylvia arrives at the trail and unleashes the dogs from the car, it's a moment of pure joy. As they set off on the hike, she’s reminded that this is where she belongs—it's my happy place. From the exhilaration of exploring nature to the bond formed with each dog, Sylvia feels filled with gratitude for what she does. 

“Every time I get to the trail and I unload my dogs from my car and we take off … that is my happy place. Like every single time I do it, I'm like, this is the best job in the world.”

Lessons Learned

“In the realm of professional dog training, I've come to understand that continuous learning and adaptation are essential.” The field is ever-evolving, demanding a constant expansion of knowledge and understanding. One lesson that stands out is the realization that there's always more to discover! Remaining open-minded and flexible is key, as there's always room for improvement and new insights. 

Embracing surprises and challenges is part of the journey. Flexibility is key. Being prepared for the unexpected is part of the job description. Surprises are the norm, and they keep Sylvia on her toes, challenging her to adapt and grow. She aspires to infuse the industry with ethical, modern learning techniques ensuring that she’s not just following the best practices but also setting new standards for others to aspire to “As a professional, I think that If you're in this industry, your education and understanding of dogs is ever-evolving!”

Thank you, Sylvia!

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Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog series are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of TinyHorse.

Photos and videos were submitted by the featured dog walker.

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