Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Hahn.
Hillary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story with dog training began May 12, 2022. My boyfriend and I were relaxing in our backyard enjoying a day off when his little brother sent an absolutely horrific photo of a tiny puppy that had been found with her mouth tied shut in a box outside where he worked. The dog warden had been called but due to a high volume of calls that day, it would be quite a while before anyone was going to be able to come get her and give her the care she so obviously needed. We decided to go scoop her up and get her to Cincinnati Animal CARE so that she could start getting help and truly, the rest is history. Her story made national news! PETA even got involved! The shelter took pristine care of her and as soon as she was available to foster, we were first on the list! Her adoption was a no brainer and she, Cooper as we have named her, will be turning three this May!
Prior to adopting Cooper in May (and then adopting a sister for her 7 months later named Prudence), I had only ever owned one dog. A family dog from my childhood that my siblings and parents all took care of together. A perfect, little ShihTzu we had rescued named Annie. A ShihTzu. A tiny, little, laid-back, easy going dog who was angelic and never had any behavior problems one day in her life. May she rest in peace. Now… I had in my care Cooper (a 4ish-month-old WILDLY INSANE Boxer/ Pitbull puppy with teeth like a dragon and puppy rage like a Hyena) and her sister, Prudence (a 3ish-month-old Border Collie/ Hound mix who SCREAMS when she doesn’t get enough exercise and will gladly lick her feet completely off if you haven’t given her enough mental stimulation that day). So I did what any well-meaning person would do, I read every dog training book I could get my hands on, watched every YouTube dog trainer video I could find and signed them up for every single group training class I could afford!
Somewhere along the way I completely lost myself in the joy of caring for our two dogs and decided that I wanted to go back to school and become a certified dog trainer myself! So that’s exactly what I did! As of September 2024 I am an ABCDT certified dog trainer from Animal Behavior College where I also earned additional certificates in; Pet Nutrition & Diet and Training Shelter Dogs. I also earned a certificate through The American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First Aid and finally I studied and earned my certificate by the American Kennel Club to evaluate dogs for the S.T.A.R Puppy Program, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, Urban Canine Good Citizen, Video Home Manners and Trick Dog Tests!
Upon my graduation I also launched my own dog training business called “Adventure Buddy Dog Training” where I have been having an absolute blast meeting with and working with new clients all over the tri-state area!
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?
I would say that my greatest challenge so far has been the emotional aspect of this industry. I have volunteered many, many hours at my local animal shelter and taken lots of dogs on day trips and it is unbelievable to learn that a dog you have grown so fond of was euthanized over the weekend due to them not finding a home in time and deteriorating in the shelter environment. I haven’t been into the shelter to volunteer much in months because I so deeply wanted to foster my last day trip dog and I simply cannot do that where I live. The weight of getting so attached to those dogs and then just knowing that you truly cannot save them all is just something I needed a break from.
Other obstacles i’ve faced has been finding clients! I use social media to promote my work with my own dogs and with the handful of clients i’ve gotten so far, but it’s definitely been discouraging to struggle finding people to work with. In the spring I am very excited to share that i’ll begin attending small craft markets to sell my handmade dog toys and thrifted dog supplies to help promote my training work as well!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Adventure Buddy Dog Training?
I specialize in training dogs that thrive in their homes, communities and especially on outdoor adventures. It is deeply important to me that my own dogs live beautifully, full lives and I am passionate about helping individuals and families train their dogs to do the same! I am especially interested in helping families that adopt dogs make smooth transitions from the shelter to their homes and proudly offer a 20% off discount to any client that rescues their dog. I currently only offer private lessons to ensure that all of my students get my undivided attention to meet their unique needs.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents have been huge supporters! My dad helped me pay for school and encouraged me all throughout my program and my mom adopted an adorable, little dog that I noticed while volunteering at the shelter and has let me spend lots of time with him, helping me hone my training skills! My friends Jensen O’Dell and Abby Baverman have also been huge supporters by letting me work with their dogs (Jonny and Maddy) which has just been so helpful for me to practice on different breeds!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adventurebuddydogtraining.com
- Instagram: @adventurebuddydogtraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558820498821
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventureBuddyDogTraining
