Saturday Business Interview, Featuring Canine Initiative Training
We have some fantastic local businesses that are going to be featured, typically on Saturdays. We try to keep the questions consistent from interview to interview (with some changes possible). I hope you enjoy this series!
I am so excited to showcase Canine Initiative Training (CIT) for our Saturday Business Feature series! We were so fortunate to meet Will Anderson, the owner of CIT, at the Republic Gymastics Back to School bash this past fall. We were in need of someone to help us with dog training at the time, but thought we could manage it on our own. We had taken our Labrador (75+ pound puppy!) to a puppy class and we thought once he graduated and/or got past the puppy stage that most his behavioral issues would get better….turn the dial to his first birthday – super energetic and weighing in around 90+ pounds…His size alone created several issues when he would jump up on people and when I attempted to walk him in to the groomer or around our neighborhood. Think of an over-excited 90 pounder jumping up to greet you – seems awesome but can get dangerous around newcomers and around small kids. When they say “you have your hands full”, they haven’t seen you trying to walk your over-excited 90 pound dog, and all 3 kids to a pet store. Needless to say, we are beyond thankful and happy to have come across Will and CIT! We have met with him for a few sessions now and already see the difference. We know our pup still needs some more training but at least now we feel confident that we are going down the right path with a plan from CIT! I’m sure if we were dealing with these issues, there were bound to be other Mamas out there Mamas out there needing help as well. I really loved hearing the story about how CIT started and Will’s background – I hope you enjoy today’s interview!
Meet Canine Initiative Training Owner: Will Anderson
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I am originally from New Orleans and moved to Katy in 1997. I have lived here off and on since.
Do you have any children? If so, what are their ages?
My girlfriend has an 8 year old Chloe, and a 3 year old Luke that I am proud to be the Father figure for both.
Tell us about your business?
Canine Initiative Training (C.I.T.) or “Sit with a C” is all about bridging the gap of communication between man and man’s best friend and woman and woman’s best friend. We take an educational approach to teach dogs and dog owners, while training dogs to follow the commands and social expectations of their owners in a positive way.
When did the idea of creating your business start? How long have you been in business?
While studying dog training and canine psychology, I sparked the idea of opening a dog training business that could not only teach in home but branch into the schools to educate children more about dogs, understanding the body language they give off and what it means; as well as what we are saying verbally and non-verbally with how they interpret it. Creating a bond to help prevent dog bites with children and fixing bad behaviors to keep dogs in homes rather than the approach of re-homing a dog due to problematic behaviors. I opened my own business in early 2018 after training dogs since 2010.
What is one thing you can point to that helped make your business successful?
I would have to say the passion I have for what I do, and the focus on helping others has helped contribute to the success of my business.
What was your biggest challenge as a business and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge as a business for me has been growth. I have grand visions for what I want to do, and what I want to accomplish to help the dog world. I have maintained the one step at a time to build a solid foundation. I am still and will forever be growing and learning as well as trying to overcome challenges.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? What is your favorite part about what you do?
I would have to say I enjoy the flexibility of being an entrepreneur most, where I can still enjoy time with the family.
I love the fact that I can help people when they have reached their boiling point with their dog’s behavior, understand that all the stresses and problems are fixable. That with training we can fix all the behaviors they don’t like and keep their dog in the home with happiness.
What does the future look like for you and your business?
We are expanding in areas, hiring more dog trainers, and building a curriculum for those interested in learning to become a certified dog trainer. We are also continuing to branch into daycares to teach kids of all ages and hope to get into schools to do the same.
What advice would you give to others that want to start something new?
Do what you love! Do what you are most passionate about. Stay focused and disciplined with thought and action. And we can help make the world a better place, starting with our own local community. Set a grand example for our kids to follow in.
Any advice for juggling all the things in daily life?
Make a list of not just what to do, but what not to do. Take some of the things off your plate that may take up too much time and don’t help you progress forward.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through?
Christina Fischer has been a rock for me, helping me grow, understand myself and others, and teaching me patience while inspiring me to be great.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This community is full of people who love dogs and want to do more for them. Without the support of the community, I would not be able to help as much as I do.
Any special message you’d like to share?
Even if you have friends or family out of state or in another area that need help with their dog’s behavior, it is never to late to fix. Have them reach out to me via email and I will help in any way I can. I am resource for everyone that needs it. And my motivation is helping people.
