Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Conway.
Hi Dana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Loose Leashes Dog Training was born out of my love for animals and the need for dogs to get the help they need to become good dogs AND help make good pet owners. A few of the characteristics that describe me are passionate, patient, persistent and most of all, pet-lover. I know each animal is different, and I work with them to provide the specific guidance they need. My clients range from new dog owners that have puppies or have adopted dogs that are older, or the dog that develops behavior issues as they age. I’ve even been honored to have won The Daytona Beach Journal Best of the Best in Dog Training for the last four years and currently in the Top 3 for 2025 (winner won’t be announced until mid-August).
I have been rescuing dogs since I was 10 years old when we found a mama cat with babies in our yard and we contacted the local rescue to help us. That was the beginning of my life in the animal rescue world. Long story short, my mother became the president of that rescue, and I helped her for the majority of my adolescence until adulthood. When I moved to Florida, I started a rescue here and continued as an elementary school teacher. I volunteered at the Humane Society where I worked with the most unadoptable dogs that had no manners at all and were aggressive. Then I volunteered at Second Chance Rescue, did the same there, and I have been a huge part of Sophie’s Circle, Inc. for seven years now. Basically, my entire life has revolved around dogs, and the most troubled ones were always the ones I wanted to work with most, because seeing the light just go off in their head is simply invaluable. Ten years ago, I decided to start my own dog training business, using everything I’ve learned over the years.
As a result of all I’ve learned, I had an idea to write a children’s book to educate children that there are no bad dogs, but only dogs that need training. With the help of good friends, the book “Bad Dog, Good Dog” was published. All proceeds from the book go to the rescue that I am affiliated with, Sophie’s Circle. I am lucky enough to read my book to different schools along with my dog Lesh, the main character who was a rescue that I rehabilitated and trained.
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 pretty smoothe. I can honestly say that sometimes I struggle more with the humans than the dogs. Dogs are pretty easy to train- but sometimes it’s hard to teach a “older human newer tricks.” Almost every session ends with the dog owner saying to me, “I guess you were training me more than my dog!” And I say, “You said it not me!”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I taught Elementary school for about 10 years and then went to training dogs and their owners. It is kind of similar, It is all about providing structure, rules, boundaries and limitations, and of course having fun!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I cant see myself doing anything besides training dogs. I may start doing some board and trains as well as more groups classes now that I have moved to a bigger facility, I have a few more classes that I would like to start.
Pricing:
- Sessions are about $200
- social groups $40
- Classes range from 10-50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Looseleashesdogtraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/looseleashesdogtraining/
- Facebook: Looseleashesdogtraining
