Today we’d like to introduce you to JP Mendoza.
Hi JP, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2014 my wife and I adopted the dog that would end up changing the course of my life. Candace was a dog with very low confidence. I had no idea how to have a relationship with a dog that was so afraid of everything, even me at times! So we hired a dog trainer and she opened my eyes to an educational world that I didn’t know existed. I became a sponge for all things dog training. Anything I could do to challenge myself and help my dog I was all for it. The result became one of the most beautiful relationships I’ve ever had with a living being. The trust I built with her improved our bond imensely. I started helping friends and family with their dogs and I became a real dog behavior nerd. Fast forward to 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, my wife and I moved to Gainesville for her job. I left my career in Television News Production with the plans of founding a dog rescue in my dog’s name: Candace’s Pack Dog Rescue. I wanted to help give shelter dogs another chance by rehabilitating their health and helping them with behavior issues, the same way I did for Candace. Battling depression from all the changes in my life at that time, I decided to fly to California to take part in a hands on dog training and behavior workshop. I connected with a bunch of amazing trainers from all over the country in that workshop and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am very proud of the few dogs that our rescue saved, however the burn out was very real and Candace’s Pack Dog Rescue was closed in 2023, the same year that Candace passed away. One of the greatest joys of my life was the experience of having Candace help me rehabilitate the dogs in our rescue. While the rescue was in operation I got a lot of requests for dog training. I originally created my dog training business as a way to fund my nonprofit. Perhaps the most proud I’ve ever been were the times I got to bring Candace with me on dog training sessions and have her help other dogs. A former anxious dog with very low confidence, now confident enough to help me help other dogs. It was truly a full circle moment. For years now I’ve had the pleasure of helping so many people and families improve their relationships with their dogs and I consider myself very lucky to do so.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely was not a smooth road. I dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome. A lot of second guessing myself and undervaluing my expertise. I was very intimidated by complex cases. I remember in the beginning not being confident enough to label myself a “dog trainer”. But I had a lot of support and stayed connected with more experienced trainers, I picked their brains, I asked a lot of questions and kept traveling to train at workshops. This is why there should be no egos in dog training!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What I do is customize a plan to specifically fit your lifestyle and your dog. I assess: what is your relationship like? what is your dog’s perspective of you? Is there anything you can be doing better? I want to make sure that my advice fits your lifestyle. I teach you how to have the best possible relationship with your dog. I ‘m not teaching tricks, i’m teaching real life practices designed for everyday people. I would say that I have two specialties. When somebody contacts me because their dog is super shy, nervous, anxious, or low confidence, that really hits home because it reminds me of my Candace. The patience and understanding it takes to help these dogs comes from first hand experience for me. My second specialty would be dog swimming! The feeling of helping a dog that might be so fearful of the water and watching them become more confident is incredible. If you own a pool and a dog, and your dog does not know how to get out of the pool, then that is a safety issue! One other thing that sets me apart from others is that most of my clients start out virtually. One may say “how are you going to train my dog virtually”? No no no, I’m not training your dog, I’m training YOU! One of the things I’m most proud of brand wise is that I’m the only trainer in the Gainesville area that was doing monthly pack walks. I have highlight videos on my social media of many of my pack walks. I was always so proud of my clients for showing up and doing the work. I was so proud of them for not being afraid of the potential of being embarrassed in public. Many times I received compliments from people that were not part of our group and it was always a pleasure showing off my clients. The other thing I’m proud of brand wise are the videos on my social media. I have tons of free educational material and anybody can learn from me no matter where you are. I would like anybody who’s reading this, that has a dog with behavior problems to know that you are not alone. There are simple things you can do to help your dog and improve your situation. It all starts with a virtual call and many many times after that call, my clients don’t need me anymore because I provided them with the missing gaps and changes they needed to implement to improve their lives with their dogs.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think whenever you put yourself out there on social media it’s a risk. Not everybody is going to agree with your methods, philosophies and even something as arbitrary as dog training tools. People could easily label me as “this” or “that” on social media. But I put myself out there confidently and explained things the same way I would to a client. In fact many of my videos are from actual client training sessions. So the biggest risk ive taken is putting myself out there for criticism and negativity. Thankfully most people have been great!
Pricing:
- My Initial Virtual sessions are only $77 For more details and to book with me directly please check out my website www.JPDogFitness.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JPDogFitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpsdogfulfillmenttraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpsdogfulfillmentservices
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_X5mbTM6x19tPevGJGc2sw/featured
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=JP%27s+Dog+Fulfillment+%26+Training+Services,+LLC
