Q&A DogTraining is a female-owned dog training company that focuses on helping owners build a strong relationship with their dogs while utilizing humane and force-free methods. We spoke with Masina Rose Kakese, owner of Q&A DogTraining to learn more.
Who is answering the questions and what is their position?
Masina Rose Kakese Owner/Trainer of Q&A DogTraining established in 2020
What is your business called and what does it do?
Q&A Dog Training is the only Black, female-run, humane dog training company in the lower mainland. I’m a certified professional force-free trainer that specializes in reactivity cases. I help clients build a stronger bond with their dogs through positive reinforcement, learn how their dogs communicate through body language & help them thrive through enrichment activities.
What made you want to do this work?
Of course, I’ve always had a deep love and bond with dogs & I wanted to help humans understand their dogs better. But to be honest a big driving force was to be my own boss & create a company & brand I’m proud of. I was a professional dog walker for a great company here in the city for many years but there’s only so far dog walking could take me. Getting to see a change in behaviour in the dogs, as well as seeing my clients thrive in their training abilities is why I love what I do.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I’m just here to spread knowledge to people on the ways they can train their dogs without using aversives & grow a deeper bond through positive reinforcement & understanding body language.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Lately, it’s been more millennials who don’t have children (yet) & have the time to commit to their dogs’ growth, which I’m here for!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
I offer in-home or around your neighbourhood private training sessions. You can start off with a 1-hour consultation to see if we are a good fit to continue our training journey together. You can also purchase a variety of packages offered on my website that also include consultations. I’m in the process of making some accessible online courses that will help humans understand their dogs better through learning about body language among other things.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
My service areas are the West Side of Vancouver & East Side, excluding Downtown Vancouver.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What kind of methods do you use to train dogs?
Science-proven, humane, reward-based methods
What courses have you taken?
Certified- Dog Stars Training Academy, Foundations-Victoria Stilwell Dog Training, Certified- Master Course- Aggression in Dogs, Currently Freshman- at The Academy For Dog Trainers.
What do YOU do if my dog gets it wrong?
Take a break & go back to where your dog was being successful and build up from there. Break down the training to make it digestible for your dog & you. Training should be fun for everyone!
What is the best part about what you do?
Getting to connect with people that are really committed to making a change in their dog’s life & theirs. They trust the process & have patience. When they start to see a change in their dog it makes my heart sing. Changing behaviour doesn’t happen overnight. Nothing is a quick fix.
What is the worst part?
I’d say a pretty lame part of my industry is that it’s unregulated & anyone can call themselves a trainer and charge an arm & a leg to physically punish, manipulate & instill fear into your dog. It’s so divided in this industry on how dogs should be trained & how they learn. For some reason, people think that dogs aren’t sentient beings & that’s so far from the truth. The dog training industry is mostly dominated by white-identifying women but for some reason, the trainers that get a lot of the spotlight and Netflix shows use aversives and just so happen to be cis men. Not having other BIPOC trainers in Vancouver makes things a bit lonely but I have created a solid community online of others around the world & am here with open arms to other aspiring BIPOC trainers in the city!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Probably that we just roll around with dogs all day.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are so many but I’ll keep it dog related! Mals Pals Dog Training in North Van, Shop Good Boy on Main Street & West Coast Dog Walking servicing Vancity
