Meet Trish Chen | Certified Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer

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

Hi Trish, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Ears Up, Pup! Dog Training, my mission is to help dogs—especially rescue dogs—build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in a human-centered world. While rescue organizations provide these dogs with physical safety and medical care, I provide support to their fosters to bolster their emotional and behavioral healing. Many of these dogs have experienced trauma, instability, or neglect, and they need compassionate, science-based training to rebuild trust, learn new coping skills, and feel secure in everyday situations. I use positive reinforcement methods to meet each dog where they are, helping them navigate a world full of strange sights, sounds, and social expectations. In doing so, I’m not only improving the lives of individual dogs, but also strengthening the human-animal bond and increasing the likelihood that these dogs find—and stay in—their forever homes.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Starting my business was far from easy. People often say it takes a village to raise a child—well, it also takes a village to raise a dog, and just as much to grow a business. I’ve learned that running a business is full of paradoxes: I have to stay open to feedback and constructive criticism, while also trusting my gut. I strive to remain ambitious and driven, but also know when it’s time to slow down and rest. I’m endlessly grateful for my mentors—yes, multiple!—who generously share their wisdom. I listen with both an open mind and heart, but I’ve also learned to filter advice and determine what truly fits me and my business. Staying humble, to me, means being willing to adapt and pivot when things don’t go as planned. In many ways, I’ve realized that the lessons I learn through training dogs, connecting with clients, and navigating entrepreneurship all mirror one another. I’m proud of the journey so far and the community I’m building—one that values empathy, growth, and the power of positive reinforcement, both in dogs and in people.

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.
There’s so much I love about living in Colorado, and if my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want them to experience everything that makes this place feel like home—especially the outdoors, the local spots, and how incredibly dog-friendly it all is. We’d start with a visit to Red Rocks for some iconic views and a scenic hike, then spend the rest of the week exploring mountain towns, alpine trails, and cozy coffee shops.

We’d fuel up at spots like Coffee Sarap, Plant Magic Cafe, and Dandy Lion Coffee Co., and if they needed to catch up on work, we’d head to HomeDog—a dog-friendly coworking space where their pup can hang out or play while we sip coffee and get things done. For treats and pastries, Tokyo Premium Bakery and Izzio Bakery at Denver Central Market are a must. A Boulder day trip would definitely make the cut—we’d hike Royal Arch Trail or Bear Peak, then grab a bite and a margarita at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.

At some point in the week, we’d pack up the car and spend a night or two camping in one of Colorado’s many dispersed camping areas—there are so many options depending on how backcountry they’re willing to go. There’s something truly grounding about slowing down in nature—getting away from the sounds of traffic, tech, and to-do lists, and just existing in a simpler state. We’d fall asleep under a blanket of stars, wake up with the sun, listen to the birds, and let the mountains remind us how big and beautiful this planet is—and how small we are in the best, most humbling way. It’s the kind of reset that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

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?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Aurora Zarate of Teefs Petsitting and Jen Andrade of Elevate Health Chiropractic. This is a celebration of women supporting women—entrepreneurs lifting each other up in meaningful, intentional ways. In a world, and an industry, that can sometimes feel isolating, their warm invitations and genuine kindness—from our very first interactions to today—have left a lasting impact. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing you have friends in your corner who not only believe in you, but actively show up to support your business. Their example is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate, paying it forward however and whenever I can.

Website: https://earsuppup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earsuppup.dog.training/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568075648025

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Image Credits
Lainie Dincola
Julia Rodriguez