Meet Julie Mclean | Certified Master Dog Trainer – Canine Behavior Consultant

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

Hi Julie, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The moment I heard that dog training could be a profession, it was like something sparked inside me and I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do more. I started to see all the struggles dog owners face not just with training but also with finding reliable care for them when they were at work or on vacation. I knew having a designated facility would enable me to help more dogs with training than I could just doing private lessons in homes but I also wanted owners to have a safe place to take their dogs that wouldn’t cause behavior problems. Sadly, many facilities out there just don’t have the training or know how on true dog behavior. Zen Doggy Den was born to create a facility that specializes in behavior to meet the needs of owners and their dogs – especially the more difficult dogs that many other facilities couldn’t handle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as a dog trainer has been very fun and fulfilling, while also sometimes heart wrenching and stressful. It has not been an easy road and due to the nature of this industry being somewhat of a luxury service or a disposable income type of service, every time something changes with the economy or there’s a virus, we take a huge hit. I keep finding ways to get back up, but it definitely takes it’s toll. I have learned some hard lessons about being a trainer first and a business woman second. There’s a lot of things I would have done differently but I can only learn from it and move on. I also won’t sacrifice my moral compass just to make money.

Being a female business owner has it’s own unique challenges and there always seems to be someone out there that feels threatened by it. I prefer to mind my own business in the dog world a lot of the time but I would say I am a very versatile trainer that really focuses on what the humans needs are but also the dog. I am honest about what’s best for the dog but I also help owners adapt the dog to their lifestyle. I am not going to tell someone they should get rid of their dog because it doesn’t fit their life, in most cases there are ways to make it work. There’s too much conflicting information out there these days and a lot of it tells people they need to live their life a certain way for their dog. There are limits, but that’s not the best way to keep a dog in it’s home. Ultimately that’s what we all should want, is to keep their dog in the home and give it a good life whatever that may look like. Dog’s want love, structure and food as their top priorities!

I really pride myself in the ability to help dogs in the way they need it. While I dislike the word cured, I have resolved dozens of separation anxiety cases, leash reactivity and fear issues. I don’t believe in gluing yourself to one method and this is an ever evolving career that you will never stop learning. If you think you know everything about dogs, you are sadly mistaken and I’ve been at this for 17 years now. Through that, I do know what can work, what usually works and how best to address a dog’s problems. They still turn around and surprise me sometimes and then I know I am growing and learning as a trainer too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to eat and dine out so I would definitely take them to Chez Maggy in Denver for a fancy dinner and drinks, Stone Cellar Bistro in Arvada is also amazing. If we wanted Indian food, we would go to Monsoon Cuisine of India. For Asian, Chubby Cattle in Denver, or Tuk Tuk and Daughter Thai in Denver. A newer place that opened up and so far has been really good for seafood is Capri seafood and bar. We can’t forget some Wheat Ridge businesses, Mr. Biscuits for Breakfast. We would also check out an Irish pub with amazing food, Clancys. For places to hang out or explore, hiking would be a must. Red Rocks is a must see. Dinosaur Ridge is a cool area to visit and a nice easy hike. For something indoor, Meow Wolf or go play some mini Golf at Putt Shack. Stanley Marketplace is a another great spot to hang out and there are some great places to eat there too. Cheluna Brewing company has the best Mexican beer. There’s so much to do in Denver and Denver Metro it’s hard to think of them all!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to say my clients first because they put their trust in me to care for their dogs and the ones that have been with us for many years that tell us how grateful they are for everything we do, is what keeps me going. One client in particular named Moe, despite not living in the area anymore and his beloved dog has passed – he still reaches out to ask how business is going. He tells me how much I did for him and his dog and I am the reason she was able to have the life she did with him, just warms my heart. I also wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my staff. While many of them come and go or go different paths in life, my Manager Raena and Assistant Manager Mason are what holds everything together and are there when I need them the most.

Website: https://zendoggyden.com/ and https://zenmasterdogtraining.com/

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

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