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605: Innovate & Elevate: Pet Care Synergy with Ines McNeil
June 18, 2025 · 57 min

What happens when dog training meets pet sitting? Ines McNeil, APDT Chair, dives into how the pet care industry can benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration. She explores innovative training methods, shared challenges, and evolving client expectations. Her conversation also highlights the impact of emerging regulations on pet care practices. Ultimately, she showcases how working together can transform care for both pets and their owners.

Main Topics:

Bridging Pet Training and Sitting

Navigating Industry Legislation Challenges

Innovative Dog Training Techniques

Building Collaborative Pet Networks

Enhancing Client and Dog Care

Main Takeaway:

“The more dog owners become educated, the more we can clarify which certifications really matter for a professional.” – Ines McNeil

In today’s pet care landscape, when owners take the time to understand the value behind each certification, they become empowered to choose the best professionals for their furry family members. This increased knowledge helps cut through marketing hype and highlights trainers who are truly committed to quality care. Educated pet owners spark a demand for transparency and high standards, which benefits the entire industry. By fostering a community of informed decision-makers, we create an environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded, ultimately improving the lives of both pets and their families.

About our guest:

Ines McNeil, B.S. Biology, CPDT-KA, is a dog training industry expert with over 17 years of experience. She has operated dog training businesses in Texas and New York state in addition to working for a multitude of organizations as a professional dog trainer teaching group classes, private in-home lessons, and providing board and train services. She was an early adopter of virtual dog training back in 2014 and helped hundreds to trainers make the leap to virtual training at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

In October 2014, she founded The Modern Dog Trainer, an industry-leading coaching company dedicated to mentoring dog trainers on the business side of their craft. Her mission is to ensure every community has access to skilled, modern dog trainers by empowering trainers to build successful businesses. She believes that when dog trainers thrive, more dogs get the help they need, and talented trainers gain the resources to make a greater impact. Her work for the APDT-I is an extension of this deeply personal mission.

Outside of work, Ines is a mom to a talented and curious 6 yr old. She also shares her home and life with her husband, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, a rescue Chihuahua, and a rescue cat named Kiwi ("Kitty" in toddler speak).

Links:

APDT-I website: https://apdt.com/

Webinar: Understanding Dogs Through Body Language and Behavior- https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/10007

Webinar: Audit Only- Learning Theory 101:Introduction to How Animals Learn- https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/7461

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Full show notes and transcript

 

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