20 Years in Dog Training: Canine Fitness, Chronic Illness and What a Trick Duck Taught Joe Nutkins

20 Years in Dog Training: Canine Fitness, Chronic Illness and What a Trick Duck Taught Joe Nutkins

Joe Nutkins shares what 20 years in dog training, living with chronic illness and teaching everything from hamsters to a trick duck have taught her about animals, business and wellbeing. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What can training dogs, hamsters, chickens and even a trick-performing duck teach us about running a pet business? In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Joe Nutkins, a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor and Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer who has worked professionally with dogs for more than 20 years. Jo shares how her fascination with animal training began with a childhood hamster named Nibbles, before an unexpected opportunity led her from magazine design into dog training and eventually, running her own business. Together, Nathan and Joe explore the realities of working in a pet business while also learning how to run it, particularly alongside ADHD, depression, fibromyalgia, ME and chronic pain. Joe explains how her own experiences have deepened her ability to notice possible pain and discomfort in dogs, helping guardians better understand the subtle ways animals adapt and compensate. They also discuss canine fitness and conditioning, preventative support for dogs of every age, advocating for animals when something does not feel right and the importance of collaboration between trainers, therapists, guardians and veterinary professionals. And then there is Echo: Joe’s much-loved house duck, who learned dozens of tricks, appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and became the world’s first officially titled trick duck. This is a warm, funny and insightful conversation about patience, adaptability, animal wellbeing and building a long-lasting pet business around the life and health of the person behind it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ How Joe moved from magazine design into professional dog training. ✅ What it is really like to realise you have not only become a dog trainer, but a business owner too. ✅ How ADHD, chronic illness and memory difficulties can affect the everyday administration of running a pet business. ✅ Why Joe believes her own experience of chronic pain helps her recognise possible discomfort in dogs. ✅ What canine fitness and conditioning involves and why it can benefit puppies, adult dogs and seniors. ✅ Why preventative strengthening can help dogs remain mobile and active for longer. ✅ How dogs can adapt to pain without crying, limping or stopping their usual activities. ✅ Why pet guardians may need to gather evidence, ask questions and seek another opinion when something does not feel right. ✅ What working with different animal species has taught Joe about communication and training. ✅ How Echo became a house duck, learned dozens of tricks and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. ✅ Why patience, slowing down and noticing animal body language can improve the way we work and live. ✅ How Joe has sustained a pet business for more than 20 years while continuing to adapt around her health and changing circumstances. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Many pet professionals begin because they love working with animals, only later realising how much is involved in running a business. * Working in the business and working on the business require very different skills. * A business must be flexible enough to accommodate the health and needs of the person running it. * Lived experience of pain can create a deeper awareness of the subtle ways dogs compensate for discomfort. * Dogs do not always display pain in obvious ways, so small changes in movement, posture or behaviour matter. * Canine fitness and conditioning are not only for older or injured dogs. * Preventative support may help dogs build strength, maintain mobility and recover more effectively. * Exercises seen online may not be suitable for every dog and can cause harm when performed incorrectly. * Guardians know their dogs well and should feel able to ask questions, document changes and request further support. * The principles of kind, reward-based training can apply across many different animal species. * Progress is often created through patience, observation and working at the individual animal’s pace. * Animals can teach us when to pause, breathe and reconsider how we are approaching a situation. Joe describes one particularly memorable moment when her dog Taylor responded to her rushing and frustration with an unmistakable stress signal. It prompted her to stop, calm herself and recognise the impact her own emotional state was having on him. SHOW NOTES: ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Joe Nutkins from Dog Training for Essex and Suffolk for a conversation about her 20-year journey as a dog trainer and pet business owner. Joe is a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor and Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer. She works with dogs and guardians both in person and online, offering training, canine conditioning, tricks, hoopers and other activities. In this episode, Joe shares how she unexpectedly found herself running a business, how she manages her work alongside ADHD and multiple chronic health conditions, and why her lived experience has strengthened her understanding of animals experiencing pain. Joe also introduces us to Echo, her much-loved trick duck, whose training journey eventually led to formal trick titles, television appearances and an attempted Guinness World Record. CONNECT WITH JOE NUTKINS: Dog Training for Essex and Suffolk Website: https://dogtrainingessex-suffolk.co.uk/ [https://dogtrainingessex-suffolk.co.uk/] Business Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dogtrainingforessexandsuffolk [https://www.facebook.com/dogtrainingforessexandsuffolk] Personal Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/joe.nutkins1 [https://www.facebook.com/joe.nutkins1] CONNECT WITH NATHAN: Email: hello@nathandunleavy.com [hello@nathandunleavy.com] Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ [https://nathandunleavy.com/] DOWNLOAD THE FREE PET PRO RESCUE PLAN: A gentle, practical resource to help overwhelmed pet professionals pause, reflect and decide what they need next: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/] DOWNLOAD THE FREE 5 STEPS GUIDE: Discover five practical steps towards building a successful and sustainable dog walking business: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/] JOIN THE PET BUSINESS WELLBEING CIRCLE: Join Nathan’s free Facebook community for supportive conversations around business and personal wellbeing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle/] THE PET BUSINESS WELLBEING CIRCLE+ IS NOW OPEN: The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle+, Nathan’s new group mentoring membership for pet professionals, is now open for founding members. Circle+ has been created as a calmer and more supportive place for pet professionals to step away from the noise, receive ongoing guidance and build businesses that feel more sustainable. Inside Circle+, members receive: 🌿 Two live group mentoring sessions each month, with one focused on business and one on wellbeing 🌿 A private community hosted away from Facebook 🌿 Guest expert sessions 🌿 Monthly themes 🌿 A growing resource library 🌿 Session recordings and replays 🌿 Ongoing support from Nathan and the community Membership is currently available at the founding price of £27 per month, or £270 annually, which provides two months free and includes additional annual-member bonuses. Founding membership closes at midnight on Monday 27 July 2026. The founding price and bonuses will no longer be available after this deadline. Find out more and join Circle+ here: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-pet-business-wellbeing-circle-plus/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-pet-business-wellbeing-circle-plus/]

From Reactive Dog to Thriving Dog Training Business: How Bert Changed Mark Skelly's Life Forever

A heartfelt conversation about the dog that changed everything, building trust over obedience and creating a pet business that supports both dogs and humans. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What if the dog that challenged you the most became the reason you found your purpose? In this inspiring episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Mark Skelly, founder of Skellywags Dog Training in Kent. Mark shares the story of how his dogs, Bert and Lily, transformed not only his understanding of dogs, but the direction of his entire career. Together they explore the importance of relationship over obedience, why connection always comes before training, the realities of running a modern dog training business, the pressures of social media and how putting wellbeing first benefits both dogs and their guardians. If you're a dog trainer, behaviourist, dog walker or pet professional looking to build a more ethical, sustainable business, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, humour and heartfelt reflections. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Why Bert's reactivity completely changed the direction of Mark's career. ✅ How focusing on connection before obedience transforms dog training. ✅ Why scent work has become one of Mark's favourite tools for building confidence. ✅ The importance of adapting your training around the individual dog, not a rigid curriculum. ✅ How social media comparison can affect the wellbeing of pet professionals. ✅ Why community matters more than algorithms. ✅ How positive reinforcement extends beyond dogs to the people we work with. ✅ The realities of building a sustainable dog training business. ✅ What writing a book taught Mark about confidence and imposter syndrome. ✅ Why our own dogs are often our greatest teachers. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Relationship always comes before training. * Every dog deserves to be understood, not simply "fixed." * Wellbeing is just as important for the guardian as it is for the dog. * Social media should never define your worth as a professional. * Community and collaboration help businesses thrive. * Ethical dog training starts with empathy. * Adaptability is one of the greatest strengths a pet professional can develop. * Your business should reflect your values, not industry pressure. * Learning never stops. * Sometimes the dog that challenges you the most changes your life for the better. SHOW NOTES: GUEST: MARK SKELLY – SKELLYWAGS DOG TRAINING 🌐 Website: https://skellywagsdogtraining.co.uk/ [https://skellywagsdogtraining.co.uk/] 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063029839972 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063029839972] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skellywags_dog_training_/ [https://www.instagram.com/skellywags_dog_training_/] RESOURCES FROM NATHAN: 📧 Email: hello@nathandunleavy.com [hello@nathandunleavy.com] 🌐 Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ [https://nathandunleavy.com/] 🌿 Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/] 📘 Free 5 Steps Guide: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/] 💙 Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle] 🌿 Register for the Pet Pro Reset Experience: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/]

Building a Dog Training Business with a Disability: Service Dogs, Community & Positive Reinforcement With Penny Beeman

A powerful conversation about resilience, service dogs, positive reinforcement and why no pet professional should build their business alone. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What happens when life throws unexpected challenges your way, but your passion for helping dogs never fades? In this heartfelt episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Penny Beeman, founder of Yooper Paws of Love in Michigan, USA. Penny shares the remarkable story behind her journey from helping rescue dogs and reactive German Shepherds to becoming a behaviour specialist, service dog trainer and business owner living with chronic illness. Together they explore the realities of running a pet business whilst managing a disability, how service dogs can transform independence, why community matters more than competition and why positive reinforcement remains at the heart of everything Penny does. Whether you're a dog trainer, behaviourist, walker, pet sitter or simply someone who loves learning about dogs and the people behind the businesses, this episode is full of practical wisdom, honesty and encouragement. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ How Penny's rescue German Shepherd completely changed the direction of her career. ✅ The difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals and agency dogs. ✅ How living with chronic illness shaped Penny's business journey. ✅ The practical ways a service dog can support someone with invisible disabilities. ✅ Why community is one of the biggest predictors of long-term business success. ✅ How Penny built a thriving force-free training business in a rural area. ✅ Why she chose positive reinforcement after previously using traditional training methods. ✅ How to balance ethical dog training with meeting owners where they currently are. ✅ The importance of finding mentors and supportive professional networks. ✅ Why the dogs we work with often become our greatest teachers. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Community is one of the greatest investments any pet professional can make. * Disabilities don't have to end your business journey. The right support can make all the difference. * Service dogs provide life-changing independence through carefully trained tasks. * Positive reinforcement isn't simply a training method. It's a philosophy built on trust. * Every reactive dog has a story worth understanding. * Meeting owners with compassion creates lasting change. * Running a business looks different for everyone and that's okay. * Your own dogs often become your greatest teachers. * Progress comes from curiosity, not judgement. * Sustainable businesses are built with support, not isolation. SHOW NOTES: Guest - Penny Beeman: 🌐 Website: https://www.crazy2calm.net [https://www.crazy2calm.net/] 🌐 Bio & Links: https://bio.site/YooperPaws [https://bio.site/YooperPaws] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YooperPaws [https://www.facebook.com/YooperPaws] https://www.facebook.com/YooperPawsOfLove [https://www.facebook.com/YooperPawsOfLove] RESOURCES FROM NATHAN: 📧 Email: hello@nathandunleavy.com [hello@nathandunleavy.com] 🌐 Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ [https://nathandunleavy.com/] 🌿 Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/] 📘 Free 5 Steps Guide: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/] 🌿 Join The Pet Biz Wellbeing Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle] 🌿 Register for the Pet Pro Reset Experience: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/]

From Corporate Banking to Pet Business Mentor: Nathan Dunleavy’s Journey to Building a Sustainable Pet Business

From corporate banking to dog walking, mentoring and wellbeing advocacy - Nathan shares the story behind the businesses, lessons and experiences that shaped his journey. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this special solo episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan Dunleavy shares the story behind his journey from corporate and business banking to building multiple pet businesses and launching The Pet Business Wellbeing Mentor. Nathan opens up about the highs, the challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his career from buying his first property at 18 and working in corporate banking, to starting a dog walking business from scratch, navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic and creating a wellbeing-focused mentoring business for pet professionals. This honest and personal episode explores why wellbeing matters in business, the realities of running a pet business and why seeking support isn't a sign of weakness - it's a strategy for sustainable success. Nathan also shares details about the brand-new Pet Pro Reset Experience and the launch of The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus. Whether you're a dog walker, trainer, groomer, pet sitter or another pet professional, this episode will remind you that you don't have to do it all alone. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ How Nathan transitioned from a career in corporate and business banking into the pet industry ✅ Why dog walking became the foundation for multiple successful businesses ✅ The lessons Nathan learned from running two businesses simultaneously ✅ How the pandemic transformed Nathan's business direction ✅ Why specialising in separation anxiety became such an important part of his work ✅ The inspiration behind The Dog Walking Business Mentor ✅ Why pet professionals need more support with business wellbeing ✅ How The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle was created ✅ What to expect from the new Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus membership ✅ Why asking for support can help you build a more sustainable business KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Your career path doesn't have to follow a traditional route. * Every experience you have can contribute to your future success. * Dog walking is a highly skilled and often under-appreciated profession. * Business growth isn't always about doing more - sometimes it's about simplifying. * Burnout isn't a badge of honour. * Boundaries are essential for long-term success. * Mentorship can accelerate growth and reduce overwhelm. * Building community helps combat the isolation many pet professionals experience. * Sustainable businesses are built around wellbeing, not sacrifice. * You don't have to figure everything out on your own. SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES: 📧 Email: hello@nathandunleavy.com [hello@nathandunleavy.com] 🌐 Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ [https://nathandunleavy.com/] 📥 Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/] 🐾 Free 5 Steps Guide: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/] 🌿 Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle - Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle/] ✨ Register for the FREE Pet Pro Reset Experience: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-ppr-experience/]

Inside The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus: Support for Overwhelmed Pet Pros with Nathan Dunleavy & Amanda VanTassel

A heartfelt conversation about burnout, boundaries, business support and why pet professionals deserve safe spaces too. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What happens when passionate pet professionals start running on empty? In this special “podcast takeover” episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, returning guest Amanda VanTassel from No Hassle Dog Training flips the microphone around and interviews Nathan Dunleavy about the launch of his brand new membership community - The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus. Together, they dive into the realities of burnout, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, boundaries, compassion fatigue and the emotional weight many pet professionals quietly carry behind the scenes. Nathan shares his own personal journey with anxiety, burnout and chronic health struggles, alongside the inspiration behind creating a wellbeing-focused mentoring membership designed specifically for pet professionals who want support without pressure. This honest, relaxed conversation explores why running a pet business should support your life - not consume it. Whether you're a dog trainer, dog walker, behaviourist, groomer, vet professional or pet business owner feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or isolated… this episode is your reminder that you're not alone. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ What inspired Nathan to create The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus ✅ Why so many pet professionals struggle with overwhelm and burnout ✅ The hidden emotional toll of running a pet business ✅ How business mentoring differs from traditional business coaching ✅ Why wellbeing and business support should go hand in hand ✅ The importance of boundaries, rest and taking proper time off ✅ Why imposter syndrome is so common in the pet industry ✅ How community and collaboration can reduce isolation ✅ The role reflection prompts, mentoring and accountability can play in business growth ✅ Why “running a business should support your life, not consume it” KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Pet professionals often love the animal work but struggle with the business side. * Burnout, compassion fatigue and overwhelm are incredibly common in the industry. * Asking for support is not failure - it’s a strength. * Sustainable businesses require boundaries and rest. * Group mentoring can provide connection, accountability and reassurance. * Many pet professionals feel isolated behind the scenes. * Community over competition creates safer, healthier industries. * Wellbeing is not separate from business success - it supports it. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES: 🌐 Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ [https://nathandunleavy.com/] 🐾 Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/] 📘 Free “5 Steps” Guide: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ [https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/] 💬 Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle (Free Facebook Community): https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle] 📧 Email Nathan: hello@nathandunleavy.com [hello@nathandunleavy.com] 📌 Amanda Van Tassel / No Hassle Dog Training: https://nohassledogtraining.ca/ [https://nohassledogtraining.ca/] https://www.facebook.com/nohassledogtraining/ [https://www.facebook.com/nohassledogtraining/] https://www.facebook.com/amanda.vantassel.7 [https://www.facebook.com/amanda.vantassel.7]