We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Gianella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been really passionate about fear free/humane treatment of animals and I really wanted to create a stress free environment to train this way! There’s so much conflicting information out there about dog training and I wanted to make it easier for pet parents to train their dogs, build a bond and be able to take them to all the dog friendly places in Denver!

What should our readers know about your business?
Perfect pals Dog Training is focused on training our pups to be able to go anywhere (comfortably) with us! Perfect Pals uses force free, science-based training methods through marker training. We use positive reinforcement and rewards-based techniques that are free from force, pain and intimidation. Perfect Pals believes that no breed needs a heavy hand and all dogs can be trained using a human, non-aversive approach! I quit my corporate job in 2018 when I realized I was unhappy with the career path I chose, my work-life balance was really suffering and I had no passion for what I was doing. I decided I really need to make a change or my mental health and happiness would suffer! I was difficult to start over but it was 100% worth it! Running a business is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but it’s also the most rewarding and I’m so happy I get to help families build a better bond with their dog every single day! A lot of support from friends and family, therapy, and finding a balance has been so important!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have friends in town I LOVE to take them to a good brunch spot or happy hour on a patio because it’s always so sunny here! I love the Hampton Social, The Patio, Cart Driver, Happy Camper and The Fox and the Hen! The Edgewater Beergarden, Wolf and Wildflower, Joyride, Lot 46 and Edgewater Public Market are some of my favorite happy hour spots! I like to take my visitors on a hike around Red Rocks so they can get great views and see the iconic Red Rocks! Doing a day trip to Golden or the mountains is a must to get a true Colorado trip!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dog training network that includes 3 of my closest friends in the industry; Mariah, Camille and Kostas. We went through our certification together and we talk every day about training cases, business and just life!

My husband, Sam, is SO supportive and helpful in everything I do! He shows up to events I need help with, always marketing about the business, helps with administrative things I struggle with (website things) and is happy I’m doing something I love!

Website: https://www.perfectpalsdogtraining.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectpals_dogtraining/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perfectpalsdogtraining/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perfectpalsdogtraining

Image Credits
Amanda Engle Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.