Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie-Leigh Stock.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have an annoyingly fortunate and lucky story. My name is Cassie-Leigh Stock, and in 2006 I had a job in the pet specialty department at a big box store. (Incidentally, I was also a Hooter girl!) I was working to pay my rent while I begrudgingly attended half of my college classes eventually resulting in my departure from the College Education Endeavor altogether. That is where my story as it pertains to dog training begins…
Frankly, at my own acknowledgment of the fact that I was proverbially spinning my tires on old Cape Cod where I lived at the time, I decided to do what all rebellious and confused 20-something-year-olds do when they are out of money and ideas: I moved home with Mom. That meant a move from Hyannis to Hopkinton, Massachusetts – which needs no introduction. (i.e. Start of the Boston Marathon!)
The big box store at which I was employed had a location quite close to Moms. I thought I would try to transfer to that location as it was a secure position (read: easy shoe-in) – as secure as an entry-level minimum wage job with an endless revolving door of high school applicants can possibly be, that is. The District Services Manager – a position that no longer even exists – came in and said (and I’ll never forget it): “They need a part-time dog trainer.”
Me: Fred, I don’t have a dog. Doesn’t that matter?
Fred (DSM): We like your personality. We’ll train you the rest.
It meant a raise. I said yes. I was twenty-two years old.
I was scared like a duck when I arrived at my accreditation – two weeks with an “Area Trainer.” I was wicked lucky and my Area Trainer was super talented, Has owned her own dog training facility for many years now. I became one, by the way. An Area Trainer for Southern New England.
Scared as I was, from the very first moment the preliminary book work was placed in my hands back in Bellingham, I fell IN LOVE. It gripped me something powerful and I became obsessed with reading every book, taking every class, trying every canine sport. I immersed myself in this incredible new art. It is a craft, unlike many others…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Great question! This road has not always been smooth-sailing, That has been an amazing part of the journey because you really get to learn about yourself when you are climbing uphill. The rewards definitely outweigh the risks and challenges.
The struggles of small business have included finances, getting started, moving up, competing in a growing industry of which I have been a privileged part of for over ten years; there’s more. The days of social media provide amazing platforms and open you and your business up for criticism as well. The hardest part in the dog training business is when a beloved dog passes on. Sometimes, you have had them in classes since they were young and they feel like part of your pack.
The smooth-sailing part is getting to do something you love and are passionate about as not only a hobby but a career. Website design, curriculum-writing, utilizing creativity, writing, reading are all things I enjoy. Of course there are moments that feel like a chore, but for the most part, I do what I love.
“How was work?” “What work?” When you can marry your hobbies with your profession, it’s a blessing.
Please tell us about HEX Dog Training & Behavior Modification (short for “Higher Expectations”).
HEX Dog Training is a dog training company with a shop in Mendon, Mass. We specialize in bully breeds as well as rescue dogs and integrative family training. We represent a strong quality community
Image Credit:
Randle Rae Stock
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