Meet Krystin Withers | Certified Dog Trainer & Mom

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

Hi Krystin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Having my own business has been a goal of mine since before I separated from the Navy in 2011. Back then, I thought I would open a ceramic painting studio. I used the GI Bill to get my Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business and have developed a couple of business ideas throughout the years. Before starting my dog training business, I worked for another dog training company. My husband was so encouraging and supportive, often telling me I should start my own dog training business. It was all about the timing because at that time, our daughters were very young and required more of my time. I knew better than to overwhelm myself by overcommitting in too many places. When the girls both started school, I was excited to focus on my passion for helping others with their pups under my own name. Having my own business allows me to create my own schedule, prioritize family time, and explore my creative outlet.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am currently a nationally certified dog trainer through the Council of Professional Dog Trainers and an AKC Evaluator for Canine Good Citizen and STAR Puppy. Withers Dog Training, which I started in 2019, provides dog owners with “tools for a happy dog” through teaching how to form a relationship with their dog based on a balanced foundation of respect, boundaries, and bond. Using the LIMA approach (least intrusive, minimally aversive), I am proud to teach techniques that are humane and effective. My clients receive a personalized follow up worksheet after each session, noting applicable training theories, material covered in our session aka homework, and goals for the next session. This is something I have not seen done by most trainers that my clients appreciate. Much of the feedback I have heard from clients refers to my ability to understand and help dogs as well as effectively communicate with people and build meaningful relationships, which is very humbling to hear. I have high expectations of customer service, and the standards I have set for myself are no less. I am committed to continual education and achieving more certifications as a dog trainer and behaviorist. I love to work with puppies early on and proactively teach the basics and prevent issues, but a lot of what I do also involves troubleshooting unwanted dog behaviors and working with dog owners who feel lost and defeated. I try to be available to my clients throughout the training process, so they do not feel alone or helpless. And perhaps the most rewarding part of the job is working with fearful dogs and witnessing them grow in confidence and build trust in people. Overall, I want the best for the dog and the human, and I want everyone to enjoy a healthy dynamic within their home. Building clientele over the years has taken lots of patience but I have really been blessed with some wonderful clients, many who have turned into friends. I was never the business student that wanted to grow my company using social media and algorithms. I am more interested in building intentional relationships and providing a higher quality of service. Dog training may never make me rich but I am extremely fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to have a career I am passionate about, and that, for me, is ultimate success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have such a love for this city and have definitely acquired some favorite spots. Whenever I get off a plane, my usual first stop involves coffee so I’d most likely suggest Moniker Coffee in Liberty Station. After walking around a little, I’d suggest eating at Breakfast Republic or anywhere with outdoor seating. There is a great park for kids right on the water and a nice walking path as well. We would have to get ice cream at Hammonds! Finishing off day one in Point Loma, I’d say we’d have to end up at The Pearl Boutique Hotel for their Wednesday night dive-in movie and some craft cocktails. One day we’d definitely hit the beaches, starting out with an early surf session in Del Mar followed by breakfast at Pacifica Breeze Café or Stratford Court Café. This is also a great area to walk up and down the Coastal Rail Trail and explore Solana Beach. And eat, again, at the Naked Café or Pizza Port. If we didn’t eat pizza for lunch, we would pick up a giant pizza at Mr. Moto’s in Pacific Beach and take it up to La Jolla to watch the sunset and explore the tide pools. We’d have to spend a day exploring our mountain towns, so we’d start with a hike up Cuyamaca Peak, just past Julian. On the way back, we’d take the time to explore Julian and partake in whatever seasonal activities are going on. We could stop for food at Farmhouse 67, Jeremy’s On the Hill, or Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza (previously Wynola Pizza). If we are lucky, we hit Ramona on a Thursday evening to watch the old cars cruise main street and get ice cream treats at Valencia De La Creme, followed by some country line dancing at The Barn. Heading back toward the coast, we’d have to check out the Poway Farmer’s Market and the Old Poway Park to ride one of the trains. Breakfast at Wholly Crepe consists of a sweet AND savory crepe. After exploring the park, we’d hang out at the Hop Stop and enjoy live music and yard games then we’d have to hit Wahine Kai for some authentic Hawaiian shave ice. I recommend guava, banana, coconut, on top of vanilla ice cream, topped with sweetened condensed milk. A perfect week absolutely involves a visit to the Rancho Bernardo Inn where we would have a spa day, get a massage, and relax by the pool for the whole day. Dinner at the Avant is quite an experience, paired with hand-crafted cocktails. The RB Inn is also a place to have a nice slow morning, enjoy breakfast at the Fireside Lounge, and watch the golfers pass by. In the afternoon, we would visit June Shine Ranch and taste all their delicious flavors of hard kombucha. We’d need to spend another day on the water so we would drop in stand up paddle boards in Mission Bay and enjoy our San Diego weather and views. We could take a break and visit the Catamaran for coffee, ice cream, and lunch, and maybe even attend their summer evening Luau or movie on the grass. Since we are in the area, we’d have to get breakfast at the Mission and walk or ride beach cruisers up and down the board walk and get ice cream at Handel’s. On the last day, we’d visit Coronado and have breakfast at Little Frenchie before walking around and visiting shops. Finally, before boarding a plane, we must stop at Gelato Vero for some gelato, preferably spumoni and espresso, and then Lucha Libre for one of their mouthwatering burritos. You’ll notice my itinerary involves a lot of drinks, pizza, and ice cream but I also love staying active, too. It’s all about balance. Thanks for visiting!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my amazing husband and two lovely daughters. My husband has supported every wild dream or idea I have ever had, with a smile on his face and not a doubt in his mind. And my girls have become my little dog training helpers, and really show such an interest in each of my clients and their progress, which brings me so much joy.

Website: www.WithersDogTraining.com

Instagram: @withersdogtraining

Yelp: Withers Dog Training

Image Credits
Shelly Mullin (only last photo with Wheaten Terrier)