Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Fenske.
Hi Casey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started at PetSmart, though not even in a training role at first. The trainer there took a liking to me and decided I was going to take her place when she left. That was really where it all began. I had the chance to work with dogs of all sizes and personalities, and I was fortunate to have managers who supported me in learning more than what big-box training programs typically allowed at the time.
When management changed, I realized that if I wanted to keep helping as many dogs and owners as possible, I would need to do it somewhere else. I was then given a great opportunity by Dr. Trevor Ashley when he opened his own veterinary practice. From there, I started Dauntless Dogs and ran classes out of the practice and even in the parking lot for several years until I could afford my first brick-and-mortar space.
Going from parking lots to having our own facility was a huge milestone, and we quickly outgrew that space. Over the past ten years, we have helped hundreds of dogs and their owners build better relationships, stronger skills, and more confidence. Now, with our new facility, we are hoping to offer even more options and continue growing that mission.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not always been a smooth road. Running any business is hard, and we have had to navigate a lot over the years, from economic uncertainty to COVID and all the challenges that came with it.
Honestly, one of the hardest parts for me has been learning how to think like a business owner. My heart has always been with the dogs and the people who love them. I care deeply about helping families keep their dogs in their homes, even when that sometimes means I give more than I probably should. Finding the balance between helping people and making sure the business stays healthy has been one of my biggest struggles, but it has also been one of the most important lessons.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Dauntless Dogs, we help dogs and their owners build stronger, healthier relationships through practical training that fits the individual dog and the individual person. We work with dogs of all sizes, personalities, and skill levels, from basic obedience and puppy foundations to more challenging behavior issues, confidence building, group classes, day training, and private training.
One thing I really pride myself on is continuing to learn from trainers from all different backgrounds. There are so many methods, tools, and approaches in the dog training world, and I do not believe in limiting myself to only one school of thought. Every dog is different, every owner is different, and what works beautifully for one team may not work at all for another. The goal is to find what is effective, fair, and realistic for that specific dog and family.
I am always willing to learn, even from things that may seem unusual or like something I may never use. There is almost always something valuable to take away. I think that openness is a big part of what sets us apart. We are not trying to force every dog into the same box. We want to be prepared for whatever comes through our doors and have enough knowledge, flexibility, and experience to help each team in the way they actually need.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would not call myself a huge risk-taker. Most of the bigger risks I have taken with the business have been fairly measured, and they usually come down to the facility and knowing when it is time to expand.
Our newest move was definitely a risk, but it was not a reckless one. We were in a position where rent was increasing, and we had reached the limit of what we could offer in our current space. We were at capacity for many of our services, and if we wanted to keep growing and better serve our clients, staying where we were would have held us back.
So while moving was the smart choice, there is always still risk involved. There is always that worry in the back of your mind that it could fail or that the new space may not work out the way you hope. But I also know that growth usually requires some level of discomfort.
My general outlook is that calculated risks are part of building something worthwhile. You do your research, you make the best decision you can with the information you have, and then, to some degree, you have to accept: que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be.
Pricing:
- Beginner Classes (5 months +) – $479
- Puppy Classes (Under 6 mo) -$329
- Daycare – $45/day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dauntlessdogtraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dauntlessdogsmd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DauntlessDogs
