Episode 29. How Billie Groom of UPWARD Dogology is Helping Dogs with a “Checkered Past”
While Billie Groom didn’t grow up with pets, the dogs started finding her when she was in her 20s. Billie’s passion was ignited when she stumbled upon a dog hiding under a log on a beach and found her a loving home.
After traveling through the U.S. in a renovated bus and running an informal dog rescue in North Carolina, Billie returned to Canada and fell into starting a dog walking company.
While running her business, Billie found she had a knack for working with dogs with behavioral issues and found herself helping pet parents improve their dog’s problematic adolescent behavior and assisting dogs with a “checkered past.”
Billie’s UPWARD Dogology has helped hundreds of families who are often in a crisis due to their dog’s behavior. Billie’s methodology differs from traditional training methods and is based on the principles of cognitive behavior therapy.
Billie & I discuss:
The dogs who find Billie and how finding a dog changed Billie’s life (even if her teacher didn’t think so);
Billie’s passion for finding the right homes for dogs;
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? I give an example from a recent therapy session;
What is a dog with a “checkered past”;
Why Billie works with dogs older than 6 months of age;
Difference between traditional dog training methods and Billie’s methodology and when to use each;
How Billie stumbled upon using CBT for dogs and reverse engineered her methodology;
Billie’s track record of success keeping dogs in homes;
Her biggest struggles and greatest rewards in her work;
How traveling through the USA in a bus with your boyfriend sounds more romantic than it really is;
Why the majority of Billie’s clients are women; and
What the future holds for Billie and UPWARD Dogology.
Where to find Billie & UPWARD Dogology:
Website: https://www.upwarddogology.com/
Dog Training DisrUPted Podcast
Billie’s Podcast Episode about street dogs in Costa Rica interpreting traffic light signals
Billie’s Podcast Episode about why most of her clients are women
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upwarddogology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upwarddogology/
Links Discussed:
American Psychological Association definition of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Canine Enrichment (Affiliate Link)
Help celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Believe in Dog Podcast!
Send me your story! Is there a dog in your life – past or present – who has helped you through a hard time (like COVID!) or taught you lessons about life or yourself? Or a dog who has inspired you to do something special in your life? Send me your story for the 2nd Anniversary of Believe in Dog! Send me an email or DM, or voice message with your story by October 20 to be included in the 2nd anniversary episode.
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Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com
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