About

Hi there! My name is Juliana DeWillems. I am a professional dog trainer (KPA CTP and CDBC) and owner of my own business, JW Dog Training and Behavior Consulting.
I have been a dog trainer for over a decade, and during that time I have gone through all the possible iterations of being a dog trainer. In 2013 I started doing training on the side around my 9-5 non-profit development desk job. I then transitioned to dog training full-time as an independent contractor while working on the behavior team at an open-admission animal shelter. After leaving the shelter, I spent two more years doing private training full-time. I finally started my own business in 2020. Since opening three years ago, I have experienced full force the ups and downs of being a business owner.
I have gained skills, experience, and wisdom from every step of the journey. I have insight that I now want to use to help other trainers.
Real life tips from a colleague.
I don't have formal education in business, and being in an industry where experience alone does not typically cut it, it's important to me that I am transparent about that. My support and advice is not meant to be an expert how-to guide. Instead, I want to feel like a peer who is sharing real-life information from experience.
I feel strongly that a rising tide raises all ships—your success is all of our success in the R+ community. I'm here to share practical tips and information far and wide so pet professionals can fill their knowledge gaps about branding, business, and social media.


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Social media
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Starting a dog training business
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Managing trainers as a business owner
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Launching new programs or services
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Building a brand
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Website design (mostly in Wix)
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Content editing apps Videoleap and Canva
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Being an independent contractor
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Print and TV Media
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Public Speaking
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Presenting webinars
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Speaking at conferences
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Brand partnerships
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Certification process for different credentialing orgs
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Working in shelters and with rescues
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Event planning
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Teaching trainers
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Taxes/accounting/insurance side of working independently
Areas I have experience:
