We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Valenti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind the success of Shades Of Blu and Woof Gang Rehab is the way we stand out from the industry standard. Dog Training and Dog Rescue has become such a convoluted community. There are organizations out there who are just out for your money, don’t treat the dogs or the clientele right, and don’t ensure long term success. They are in business for the quick fix of their wallet and the quick fix for the clients. None of that lasts for either party involved. Our programs are so inclusive and go far beyond the scope of what most training companies and rescues offer. Our clients remain in touch and part of our programs for the life of their current dog, and usually their next dog as well. We really strive to educate the public as well as create a community of like-minded dog owners, and together we hope to make a dent in the changes that the canine industry so desperately needs.

What should our readers know about your business?
Shades Of Blu Dog Training is my baby. I always volunteered as a Service Dog Trainer, and training at local shelters during my military service. When I got out of the Navy in 2016, I was having some trouble training my personal Service Dog. I got so into working with him, that it completely engulfed my entire life. Before I knew it I had tons of friends and strangers asking me for help with their dogs, and in the blink of an eye I had a full blown training business. In 2018 I decided to expand my efforts, after seeing so many owners failing with their dogs for reasons that could have easily been avoided had the rescues, shelters, and breeders matched them with an appropriate dog. So I founded Woof Gang Rehab & Rescue in hopes to give back to the community as well as save the lives of dogs in need. I have had many challenges along the way, for the first few years I was running every aspect of the business with no employees. It was just too much. I have been lucky enough to meet an extremely talented handful of trainers and volunteers that have allowed me the privilege of leading them, as well as expanding to open a second location in Virginia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well in the spirit of who I am, I have all dog-friendly recommendations! I absolutely love Kilowatt Brewery in Ocean Beach, Shorehouse Kitchen in La Jolla, SUP Pups paddle boarding in Point Loma, a good walk down the Pacific Beach Boardwalk at sunset, Balboa Park, Quartyard in Downtown San Diego, Cowles Mountain, Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Old Towne, Urban Wolf Dog Cafe in La Jolla, and after all of our activities, we always take the pups to South Bark Dog Wash!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a dog trainer, I am mostly self-taught, but I do subscribe to Sean Oshea’s Patron (The Good Dog Training) and highly recommend his book series: The Good Dog Way, Love Them By Leading Them. I do not know Sean or his team on a personal level but the knowledge I have gained and training style I have developed from religiously following his platforms has been a tremendous part of my story.

As a business owner, I owe a whole lot to Frank Sandoval (F2 Webservices). He designed my website and helps me market & advertise. Without him, my businesses would have never grown as fast and as successfully as they have.

As a human, I can’t thank my best friend Leah Jones (Grounded Wellness) enough. She is a Gut Health Practicioner in San Diego. She has been my rock through all the ups and downs of life, relationships, and being a small business owner. I owe my sanity to Leah.

Website: www.shadesofbludogtraining.com

Instagram: @shadesofbludogtraining

Other: RESCUE: www.woofgangrehab.org IG: @woofgangrehab

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