Confronting Imposter Syndrome in Dog Training

In this episode, Jo and Vicky explore the prevalence of imposter syndrome within the dog industry and discuss potential solutions. Many dog professionals continually seek to expand their knowledge through conferences and courses but often struggle to apply what they have learned. This can lead to a loss of confidence and open the door to imposter syndrome. Peer pressure, the way accreditation works and how course creators upsell are also fuelling the growth of imposter syndrome within the industry. Jo and Vicky provide insights and strategies to help you to avoid and overcome imposter syndrome. Enabling you to confidently apply new knowledge that improves your services. KEY TAKEAWAYS When you use too many training approaches (disciplines) you spread yourself too thin and imposter syndrome starts to creep in. It is better to specialise. You don´t have to take every course out there to become an expert. Believing that you need to do that when you don´t have time to do it can contribute to imposter syndrome. There is a lot of knowledge crossover between courses. Trying to beat imposter syndrome by becoming a serial course taker will waste a lot of your time. If you let imposter syndrome creep in, it will cripple your business. You won´t be willing to put yourself out there, which will greatly restrict the effectiveness of your advertising. Most business owners struggle to implement what they have learned. Often, because of the way the information is presented. Shoehorning something you learn into your existing services is rarely effective. The strategies you learned become too diluted to have much impact. Making too many changes at once is counterproductive. You have to put the implementation of some of the new strategies you like on the back burner. Let your business purpose dictate which new approaches you adopt, rather than peer pressure. BEST MOMENTS “I’m sitting there and I’m going it’s great I just love this, but How the f**k do I implement that?” “This just highlights the big gaping hole of things that need fixing in this industry.” “It´s like learning the theory without the practical application.” “This comes back down to having a strategy and a purpose for your business.” “There shouldn't be such a thing as imposter syndrome when it comes to dog knowledge... the education out there is epic.” “You need to be a specialist in one or other of the disciplines rather than trying to be that jack of all trades.” “Imposter syndrome isn't about a lack of knowledge or skills. It’s about that judgment.” EPISODE RESOURCES ACE Free Work - https://animalcentrededucation.teachable.com SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.