The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

Dom Hodgson
  • 3.8 (12)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join the UK's leading and most controversial pet business coach Dom Hodgson, as he goes off the leash and shares the business building secrets that will fix your pet business. If you are a dog trainer, dog walker or a dog groomer then this show will provide the marketing education you need to put your business growth on steroids.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 442 – Dog Daycare Success Academy Q&A (Part 1): Why the Pet Industry Needs a New Kind of Coaching Experience

    Are you ambitious about growing your pet business but feel like you're missing the systems to actually make it happen? Have you been to the big industry conferences but walked away thinking, "That was interesting… but what do I actually do next?" And what if the real key to growth isn't more information — but better structure, accountability, and the right people around you? In this episode, I'm doing something a little different. Rather than me interviewing a guest, I'm the one in the hot seat. Tim Jackson — my Enrich U partner, Elite member, and Dean of Enrich U — turns the tables and interviews me about my brand-new programme, the Dog Daycare Success Academy. We recorded this during day one of an Elite Mastermind meeting here in Sunderland, just after I presented the new programme to the group. Naturally, there were plenty of questions — about why I'm evolving the Elite Mastermind, what problems the new academy is designed to solve, and why the pet industry is entering a new era where the old ways of running a daycare simply won't cut it anymore. This episode is part one of a longer Q&A where we dig into the thinking behind the programme, the changing landscape of the pet industry, and the marketing assets modern dog daycare businesses need if they want to compete and grow. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Elite Needed to Evolve – The thinking behind transforming the mastermind into the Dog Daycare Success Academy. The Missing Marketing Assets – The systems most daycare owners don't have (but desperately need). Why the Industry Is Changing – How increased competition and smarter operators are raising the bar. From Ideas to Implementation – Why structured curriculum and immersion events accelerate progress. Building a Business Asset – How the academy helps owners make their facilities more valuable, scalable, and profitable. If you want to learn more about the newly launched Dog Daycare Success Academy, click here now Huge thanks once again to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

    21 min

  2. MAR 7

    Episode 441: Introducing the Dog Daycare Success Academy: The Next Level of Coaching for Serious, Ambitious Pet Resort Owners

    Do you have the drive and ambition to take your business to the next level but struggle with consistency and accountability? Have you been to the bigger industry conferences but feel like you've outgrown the content being preached? And what if being a business owner didn't make you feel more like a business loner? In this episode, I'm walking you through my brand new coaching programme, The Dog Daycare Success Academy, an evolution of my Elite level mastermind which will now combine the magic of a tight-knit mastermind group with the content-heavy, implementation-focused coaching of my annual IMPACT events. This really is the best of both worlds and is suited to dog facility owners who are prepared to take action on the concepts being taught and take their business to the next level in the company of like-minded individuals. The DDSA is a complete, plug-in coaching program designed to give you the modern marketing assets, sales training, and promotional systems required to turn your facility into a premium destination. DDSA also gives you the accountability, focus, and structure you need to keep you on track and 'winning'. The programme also includes a complete, step-by-step Asset-Building System that moves you away from the 'pile-em-high' volume mindset, and installs a marketing engine that attracts, onboards, and retains affluent clients on autopilot. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Drive Without Structure Fails – How accountability and focus turn ambition into measurable growth. The Mastermind Advantage – Why being in the right room accelerates action and sharpens decision-making. From Volume to Premium – How to escape the "more dogs, more problems" trap and increase profit properly. The Asset-Building System – What it takes to build a business that's scalable, saleable, and less dependent on you. Modern Marketing That Converts – The promotional engines that attract, onboard, and retain affluent clients consistently. If you want to learn more about the newly launched Dog Daycare Success Academy, click here now Huge thanks once again to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

    23 min

  3. FEB 27

    Episode 440: What's it Really Like Working with Dom Hodgson? Hear directly from the owners inside my Mastermind.

    Ever wondered what a consultant such as myself could really offer to your business? Have you worked with a coach previously and think they're all the same? And how do other business owners move from "thinking about growth" to actually implementing it? In this episode, I'm fresh back from Orlando after an incredible IMPACT 2026 where I handed the mic to the people whose opinion on my services matter most — my coaching clients. Rather than me telling you what my coaching, Elite Mastermind, Accelerator programme, or the brand-new Dog Daycare Success Academy can do for your business, you'll hear directly from the owners inside the room who use them. You'll hear from multi-location operators aligning leadership teams and rolling out induction programmes across six stores, alongside single-site daycare owners raising prices by 30%, cutting capacity, and increasing profits as a result.  You'll also hear how enrichment add-ons increased average customer spend for one owner from $50 to $75 (and even $95+ per visit), how 90-day customer value jumped from $150 to $900 for another, and why documenting systems, raising prices, and stepping into the CEO role completely shifted how each of them felt about their businesses. In this episode, you'll discover: From Analysis to Action – Why accountability inside a mastermind collapses months of hesitation into real progress. The Induction Programme Impact – How structured onboarding dramatically increases customer lifetime value. Raising Pet Biz Prices with Confidence – Why revenue can rise while occupancy drops — and profits soar. Operator to Owner Shift – How stepping out of "worker bee" mode unlocks scalability. The Power of the Room – Why being surrounded by ambitious, like-minded owners accelerates growth. If you want to learn more about the newly launched Dog Daycare Success Academy, click here now Huge thanks once again to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here: https://pawpal.uk

    18 min

  4. FEB 20

    Behind the Scenes at IMPACT 2026, The Disnify Your Pet Business Success Summit

    What really happens when you get 60+ ambitious pet business owners in a room together and get to work? Can two days away from work genuinely change the direction of your business? And why do so many owners leave events like IMPACT 2026 with clarity – and the action plan – they've been chasing for years? In this episode, I'm recording LIVE from Orlando after an incredible week that included a mastermind meeting, theme parks of both the Disney and Universal varieties, and — most importantly — IMPACT 2026: How to Disnify Your Dog Daycare. After months of preparation, ticket pushing, and speaker sorting-out, the event delivered in every possible way. You'll hear directly from attendees as they share their biggest takeaways such as launching induction programmes that are guaranteed to boost retention, finally understanding the keynote speaker's EBITDA framework to prepare their businesses for sale, and the importance of stepping out of "worker bee" mode and into true CEO leadership. The room was packed with engaged, growth-focused owners who truly committed to taking action on what they learned. I also share details about the launch of the Dog Daycare Success Academy, the next evolution of my coaching programme, and why this new structure is designed to help serious daycare owners build stronger, more scalable, systemised businesses. In this episode, you'll discover: The Induction Programme Breakthrough – How better onboarding increases retention and revenue. From Operator to Owner – Why stepping into the CEO role unlocks growth and freedom. EBITDA and Exit Strategy Thinking – How building for sale makes your business stronger today. Systems for Everything – Why documenting what's in your head is critical for scalability. The Power of the Live Event Room – What happens when ambitious pet pros challenge and inspire each other. If you want to learn more about the newly launched Dog Daycare Success Academy, click here now If you want to be the first to find out when tickets are released for IMPACT 2027 then click here now To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now  Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

    16 min

  5. FEB 13

    Disney Money-Making Lessons You Can Plug Into Your Dog Daycare: Upsells, Perks, and Selling What Clients Actually Want

    Is "luck" really holding your pet business back — or are you simply missing the right systems and opportunities? What can Disney teach you about making more money while creating better client experiences? And how can small tweaks to your offers dramatically increase client spend, loyalty, and retention? In this episode, recorded while I'm preparing for IMPACT 2026, I'm continuing my deep dive into business and marketing lessons from the House of Mouse. Using real examples from Disney parks, hotels, and dining experiences, I break down how world-class businesses maximise customer value without it feeling pushy or salesy. I explore why offering premium upsells isn't about squeezing more money out of clients — it's about giving them better choices. I also unpack how perks and incentives drive repeat business, why testing promotions is critical for growth, and why many pet business owners accidentally become the bottleneck in their own marketing by assuming clients "won't go for it." In this episode, you'll discover: The Power of Premium Upsells – Why offering higher-tier services increases revenue and improves client satisfaction. Perks That Drive Loyalty – How small, strategic bonuses encourage repeat bookings and memberships. Give Clients Options, Not Limits – Why combining add-ons and service ladders maximises lifetime value. You Are Not Your Client – How assumptions about what clients want can hold your business back. Storytelling That Sells – Why detailed, emotional service descriptions dramatically increase perceived value. Seriously, if you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… then my Elite Pet Business Mastermind is what you need. If you want to be the first to find out when tickets are released for IMPACT 2027 then click here now To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now  Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

    28 min

  6. FEB 6

    Episode 437: Disney Business Secrets: Lessons Dog Daycare Owners Can Steal from the Happiest Place on Earth

    What can a theme park teach you about building a more profitable, memorable, and sellable pet business? Why do some companies create loyal fans while others struggle to hold attention? And how can small experience-driven details dramatically increase client loyalty and lifetime value? In this episode, I'm deep in preparation mode for IMPACT 2026 and heading back to Orlando, which means Disney is front and centre in my thinking right now. So, I'm sharing some of the biggest marketing and business lessons I've picked up from my visits to Walt Disney World — and how these same ideas can transform the way you attract, wow, and retain clients in your pet business. I dive into the concept of building anticipation before clients experience your service, why successful businesses are designed to last long after the owner steps back, and how creating special moments for your most loyal clients builds deeper emotional connections and stronger word-of-mouth marketing. In this episode, you'll discover: The "Beyond the Berm" Effect – How building anticipation before clients enter your world increases perceived value and excitement. Built to Last Systems – Why sustainable marketing, staffing, and operational systems create long-term profitability and business stability. Designing for the Future – How building assets and infrastructure now increases your business value and saleability later. Creating Superfans – Why rewarding and recognising your most loyal clients builds deeper relationships and stronger referrals. Experience Layers that Drive Loyalty – How small, thoughtful touches create unforgettable client experiences. Tickets for IMPACT 2026: How to Disnify Your Dog Daycare Business are almost gone, with sales closing soon. Tickets are still available for IMPACT 2026: How to Disnify Your Dog Daycare Business, happening February 16th–17th in Florida. This event is designed to give you the real-world Fast Pass for your business To grab your ticket go www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 Seriously, if you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… then IMPACT 2026 is the event you've been waiting for. And if you want one of the first 50 tickets — and the $500 savings that comes with them — go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now  Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

    20 min

  7. JAN 30

    Episode 436: Why Live Events And Real Client Connections Create the Strongest Pet Business Brands

    What separates pet businesses that are simply "good" from those people talk about, remember, and proudly recommend? Why do LIVE (in-person) experiences build deeper trust than any advert, post, or email ever could? And in an increasingly automated (and ai obsessed) world, how can you still creates real connection with your clients? In this episode, I'm just hours away from the early-bird deadline for IMPACT 2026, and I'm joined by my Enrich U partner, Elite Mastermind member, and IMPACT speaker, Tim Jackson. Together, we dig into one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — growth tools in the pet industry: live experiences. I share how events have shaped every major turning point in my own business journey, from handing out leaflets in a pet store in the early days, to touring the UK with seminars, to running masterminds, summits, and experiential business events today. Tim shares why attending Impact and other events like it consistently leaves business owners more confident, more inspired, and more ready to take decisive action. We also explore why, in an era of AI, automation, and digital noise, real human connection, storytelling, and shared experiences are becoming the ultimate differentiator for premium pet businesses. In this episode, you'll discover: The Experience Advantage – Why live events build stronger client and community loyalty. Information and Implementation – How interactive environments turn ideas into action. Human Connection in a Digital Age – Why real-world engagement is becoming more valuable, not less. Brand Elevation Through Experience – How standout businesses create stories clients share. What Makes Impact Different – Insights from inside the room with past attendees and speakers. Early bird tickets are still available for IMPACT 2026: How to Disnify Your Dog Daycare Business, happening February 16th–17th in Florida. This event is designed to give you the real-world Fast Pass for your business To grab your ticket go www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 Seriously, if you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… then IMPACT 2026 is the event you've been waiting for. And if you want one of the first 50 tickets — and the $500 savings that comes with them — go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now  Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

    21 min

  8. JAN 23

    Episode 435: The Fast Pass: How to Leapfrog Your Dog Daycare Competition and Build A Premium, Destination Brand.

    Do you feel like you're doing everything "right" — yet still progress in your pet business is slow and frustrating? What if business growth didn't have to be a long, slow climb, but a sprint to the top of the pile? And what would change if you could skip the line and position your pet business at the front of the pack? In this episode, I'm back at my desk after a busy few weeks of travel, meetings, and event planning to share a simple but powerful idea: the Fast Pass. Borrowed from theme parks like Disney and Universal, a Fast Pass lets you bypass the queue and get where you want faster. I explain how the same principle applies to business, why time is the most valuable resource you have, and why the traditional "do your time and wait your turn" approach to success is outdated. I dive into what really accelerates progress: strategic partnerships, expert positioning, premium pricing, marketing assets that build authority, and creating an experience that makes affluent clients choose you — even when competitors are cheaper or closer. I also share my own journey of leapfrogging crowded markets by niching early, writing books, speaking on stages, and building a recognisable brand — and how these same principles apply to any dog daycare, trainer, walker, or groomer. In this episode, you'll discover: The Fast Pass Principle – Why speed of progress matters more than years of experience. Marketing Over Mechanics – Where real business growth happens once your service is "good enough". Positioning at the Front – How premium brands avoid price-driven competition. Authority Assets – Why books, media, events, and storytelling accelerate trust. Strategic Partnerships – How White-Hot Centre relationships pour fuel on your growth. Early bird tickets are still available for IMPACT 2026: How to Disneyfy Your Dog Daycare Business, happening February 16th–17th in Florida. This event is designed to give you the real-world Fast Pass for your business To grab your ticket go www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 Seriously, if you're tired of being busy, burned out, and underpaid… and you're ready to transform your daycare into a premium, experience-heavy, profit-driven powerhouse… then IMPACT 2026 is the event you've been waiting for. And if you want one of the first 50 tickets — and the $500 savings that comes with them — go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/impact2026 To grab a copy of my latest book Mission Enrich, click here now  Huge thanks to our sponsors PawPal, who's amazing services you can find more about here:

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Join the UK's leading and most controversial pet business coach Dom Hodgson, as he goes off the leash and shares the business building secrets that will fix your pet business. If you are a dog trainer, dog walker or a dog groomer then this show will provide the marketing education you need to put your business growth on steroids.

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