We had the good fortune of connecting with Madeline Quint and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Madeline, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the pivotal factor driving my success is building life long relationships with every client. It might not be immediately apparent, but dog training entails a profound level of rapport; clients invite me into their lives, sharing their preferences, personal victories, hardships, dreams, and much more. Through this process, each client becomes a friend or feels like family to me.
Dog training isn’t just about training the dog, it’s about building a strong relationship between the owner and the dog, that then allows them to communicate and bond. I make it a priority to invest time in getting to know each client and their families to help both them and their dogs succeed.
What should our readers know about your business?
My journey into the world of dogs and acting has been a remarkable adventure so far, filled with purpose and dedication. As far back as I can remember, these two seemingly unrelated worlds were a part of who I am.
It wasn’t until my college years at California Institute of the Arts, where I pursued a BFA in acting, that everything changed. During my free time, I found myself drawn to volunteer work at rescues and shelters, immersing myself in the world of dogs. On weekends I found myself at dog parks, even though I didn’t have a canine companion of my own. In hindsight, it might have seemed a little crazy, but my desire to connect with dog owners and offer to run their dogs in my spare time unwittingly marked the inception of my dog business-a decision i’ve never regretted.
Over the next three years, I juggled the demands of acting classes and performances with my growing involvement in all things dog-related. I learned about dog training from mentors at various rescues and began training and rehabilitating foster dogs. After graduation, I found myself representing an online dog company. From this role, a multitude of incredible experiences unfolded- from starring in commercials alongside my rescue pup to hosting events, researching dog products, and even creating a dog podcast. My aim was to bring together esteemed figures from different corners of the dog industry, offering insights to help listeners provide the best care for their four-legged companions.
It was this podcast that led me to explore service dog training and eventually brought me to VanderPump Dogs, where I became the head rehabilitation and service dog trainer. Then, one day, an unexpected call arrived, inviting me to be the head rehabilitation and service dog trainer on the VanderPump Dogs show, airing on Peacock.It was a surreal moment when I realized that my two life passions were finally merging, and my dream was coming to life – I would be on a television show, training dogs!
What I’m most proud of in this journey so far, is the understanding that opportunities don’t simply knock on your door; you must create them yourself.I pushed the boundaries, took risks, and deviated from the expected path. Each risk led to new opportunities and invaluable lessons that have shaped me.
Like many business owners, I’ve encountered numerous challenges along the way. From challenging periods when business slowed down to self-doubt about my training abilities, from navigating the intricacies of running a business to maintaining strong client relationships, the road hasn’t been easy. However, the most significant lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to my principles and values. In a world where shortcuts and alternate paths may be tempting, trusting what feels right is crucial.
Above all, my commitment to my clients and the bond between owners and their dogs is paramount. The relationships I build with each client are incredibly important to me. I value the trust they place in me to help them and their dogs lead happier lives together. The connections forged between owners and their dogs are at the heart of what I do.
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.
Easy choice! I’d definitely whisk them away to my cherished hideaway – a quaint, secluded mountain town nestled near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Our adventure would commence with a delightful tour of the town’s charming historic mining district. We’d meander up and down Main Street, sipping on coffee while exploring the towns one-of-a-kind shops and art galleries.Following that, it’s time to take in breathtaking hikes that surround the town. As we reach the end of our adventure, we find ourselves at my family’s ranch, stretching along the Rio Grande River. It’s not just a picturesque paradise for relaxing, hiking and fly fishing, but also my favorite spot to train clients dogs while they experience the beauty of mountain life.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My remarkable family and friends have played a crucial role in my journey to success so far. Their unwavering support includes valuable business insights, constant encouragement, patient explanations of tax forms, word-of-mouth referrals and many late night phone calls. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation. Last but not least I want to thank my dog Vita for loving me unconditionally and being my main sidekick throughout this journey.
Website: madelineshappyhounds.com
Instagram: madelinequint_dog_trainer
Linkedin: Madeline Quint
Facebook: Madeline’s Happy Hounds
Image Credits
Madeline Quint -Took all photos