Meet Olivia Shrader of Pawlite Pups

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Shrader.

Hi Olivia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small town in Southern Maine, with one dream in mind, to be a Pastry Chef in a big city. At seventeen, I was in Charlotte studying at Johnson and Wales University, and by twenty, I had achieved the title I had always wanted, but financially, I needed a second job. I started walking dogs and working part-time as a dog bather, after my overnight bread shifts for the next 5+ years. I continued my career in the Culinary & Hospitality industry through the beginning of the pandemic until I up and quit my job (with a generous month’s notice, of course), with no backup plan and no career path in mind. It was terrifying, yet invigorating, but mostly terrifying. During this very stressful time, my dog out of nowhere became very aggressive towards my partner and protective over myself and the things he loved the most. I knew I needed help.

After talking to a trainer, I began implementing a structure, boundaries, and communication with my dog into our daily lives and that is where my interest in dog behavior began. It was during this time I began walking dogs again, observing their behavior and learning what they were actually communicating to me as much as I could. After a year of being a part-time dog walker, along with other jobs to make ends meet, I knew I needed to find more stability in my life. It wasn’t until a colleague pointed out that I was a “natural” with dogs and their clients, that I began to see it and believe it too. Soon after I was on my way to Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers in Alabama. When I first became a certified dog trainer, I didn’t see myself running my own business, until I came to realize it was the only right choice for my long-term happiness. Working with dogs and educating clients has brought a deep level of fulfillment into my life that I’m so grateful to have finally found. I LOVE my job, and I wish everyone could say that!

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?
It has been a winding, bumpy road with a few giant potholes to get out of, to get me to the point that I am at today.

Most of my adult life was and still, is spent in a male-dominated industry, which early on was challenging, I’ll never forget getting hired as a pastry chef at a restaurant and the first year being the only woman who worked in the entire building. I quickly developed a thick skin, an insane sense of urgency, and a dozen health issues.

From 2012-2017 I lived in Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, and South Carolina, landing back in North Carolina in 2018. When I eventually got on my current career path it started off with me having COVID in Alabama alone at school, continuing to me leaving what I thought was my dream training job, to now owning my own business.

Though the path to get here was not the one I ever expected, I’ve grown immensely through every challenge and am grateful to be where I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pawlite Pups, LLC offers dog training tailored to you and your dog’s needs through one-on-one customized in and out-of-home sessions, from a certified dog trainer. At Pawlite Pups, we believe that the foundation of all good relationships begins with trust, communication, and mutual respect. Our mission is simple, to help build stronger relationships between dogs and their humans through research-driven balanced training. I am proud to provide my clients with dog training programs that are transparent, communicative, and done with love & patience at the forefront of all sessions.

Before taking on a client we will meet in their home for a free consultation to determine the best training path for them and their dog. I currently offer individual training sessions, a puppy preparation session for new dog owners and those with dogs under 16 weeks old, in addition to three training programs; Basic Obedience, Puppy, and Behavior Modification. In each program, we will cover basic commands and tackle all the unwanted behaviors, but more importantly, the focus will be on building a communication system between you and your dog, and passing on education about the why behind the behaviors.

One thing that sets Pawlite Pups apart from the rest is our adaptability. Though the programs I offer do have some structure to them, I truly never train two dogs the exact same way. The dog will let me know through body language and action the best way to move forward throughout training sessions. Additionally, I think my clients appreciate how passionate I am about creating a training routine that fits seamlessly into their unique schedule while making sure their dog’s breed fulfillment needs are met daily.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I like to think that luck has nothing to do with it.

Pricing:

• Pawlite Puppy Prep- $125
• Individual Sessions-$150
• The Pawlite Pup- Basic Obedience-$829
• The Pawlite Puppy- $899
• The Distinguished Dog- Behavior Modification- $1129

Contact Info:

• Website: pawlitepups.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawlitepupsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawlitepupsllc