Meet Lauren Zimniski | Pro Dog & Puppy Trainer, CTC

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

Hi Lauren, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I love this question! I worked in the corporate world after college for about 5 years. I loathed having a 9-5, which for two years of that was actually 8-6! Jumping right into that world coming from college where I could make my own schedule, work and study when I wanted to, and had the freedom to move about as I wished felt so incredibly stifling and infuriating. And on top of that, it was incredibly looked down upon to use PTO, so for the first two years I barely took any time off.

When I started my first business, Mile High Dog Walking, I found that I was able to have some of that daily freedom again. However, I was still struggling with setting boundaries for myself. I found that I was constantly saying “yes” to clients. You need a dog walk at 8pm and you’re contacting me at 6pm the same day? “No problem! I’ll be there!”

It really started to impact my personal life because I didn’t carve out any time for myself. My husband started helping me block off chunks of time and send bulk emails to clients telling them about planned trips or weekends off. I was so nervous to not be there for my clients, but of course the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Clients would say things like, “Good for you!” And, “Enjoy yourself! We’ll see you when you get back!”

I realized that I had fallen into the rat race of our American society. The mentality that working is the most important thing you can do. That exhausting yourself from working is admirable. And that taking time off is weak, lazy, and looked down upon.

Excuse me, but #@*& all that!

When Covid hit and business and life halted I was able to stop, breathe, and view the world around me again. I could read a book outside and listen to the birds. I could go for a walk and not have to think about clients or my business. It felt GOOD! I ran with that feeling and momentum into my new business, Wildflower Dog Training.

One of my 2023 goals was: no guilt taking vacations/traveling. I had to physically write it down – how crazy is that?! But writing it down helped me so much with actually accomplishing it.

I traveled to see friends and family without any guilt. I blocked off weekends and went camping or on road trips. I skied, hiked, and explored Colorado. And all while serving my clients, building a new brand, launching marketing projects, keeping up with social media, and continuing my education in dog training.

I now, for the first time know what work/life balance should feel like.

I’m a person who is a dog trainer, who loves their job, and truly feel like for the first time I’m doing what I’m meant to do. But it’s not my entire life. Working hard and making a difference in my clients’ lives are important. But living life, having experiences with friends, and spending time with family are important, too.

It’s a shift in mindset that is difficult to have, but once you have it it’s so worth it! And it’s possible. Just stop, breathe, and see how good that feels.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer. Dog training is an unregulated industry in the states, which means anyone can wake up and collect money from consumers for dog training. I woke up one morning after reading dog training books, watching webinars, and attending a virtual dog training conference and decided, I want to be a dog trainer!

Instead of throwing together a website and advertising myself as a dog trainer I decided to get the best education I could before doing so. I applied and was accepted into The Academy for Dog Trainers, which is a two year intensive program lead by one of the most well respected and world renowned dog trainers, Jean Donaldson.

For two years I learned about animal learning theory, genetics, evolution, dog breeds, and more. I learned how to use humane and science-based methods to change animal behavior without using force, pain, or fear. And I practiced and honed my training techniques with the guidance of the Academy staff and graduates.

I feel proud of myself for taking that extra step before I dove into dog training. I feel confident taking dog and puppy training cases in Denver. And I feel lucky to be able to help clients practice humane and force free dog training.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Fox Run or The French Press in Congress Park for breakfast or lunch. Then we would enjoy some park time at either City Park or Wash Park. There’s nothing better than walking, running, or throwing down a blanket at either of those parks. We’d also have to stop at my favorite dog boutique, 2 Pals and a Pup on 6th street to get some treats for my dog Willow. Then we might grab drinks or dinner in RiNo. My favorite brewery there is Ratio. Maybe we’d grab a quick slice at the back window of Redeemer. And of course I wouldn’t let my friend leave without seeing a concert at the legendary Red Rocks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my husband Connor, who is also an entrepreneur and figured out the key to work life balance years ago. And shoutout to Europe and every other country who prioritizes a work life balance. If other countries and cultures can do it, we can too!

Website: https://www.wildflowerdogs.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildflowerdogtraining_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-zimniski-009703293

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551880621218

Image Credits
Samantha Zimniski