Navigating controversy in your pet business

Navigating controversy in your pet business

Author: Rachel Spencer August 17, 2023 Duration: 29:37

In this episode of the podcast I'm talking about how to navigate controversy in your pet business.

It's in light of a situation that has emerged regarding Absolute Dogs and commercial puppy breeding with links to other pet brands including Tug-e-Nuff which has had a lot of coverage on social media.

Because so many pet professionals have links with these organisations, from having trained with Absolute Dogs or at Devon Dogs, or having used, bought, sold or been an affiliate for Absolute Dogs and Tug-e-Nuff, it's been an unsettling time.

In this podcast episode, I'm talking about the background to this story, sharing some thoughts on the situation and the impact I've seen on people involved in this story.

And why in times like these, we should try to be compassionate and support one another.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.02 - Introduction

0.40 - Why navigating controversy is part of running a business and how this can impact on your content

1.37 - The businesses involved in the latest controversy: Absolute Dogs, Devon Dogs, Tug-e-Nuf, A-OK9, and Lauren Langman

2.08 - How this has impacted on people who have been involved with these people and organizations

3.13 - Statement from Lauren Langman

6.13 - Lauren Langman background

8.37 - Absolute Dogs background

10.20 - Devon Dogs background

11.22 - Tug-e-Nuff background

13.48 - The kind of accusations that are being made to people linked to these businesses

15.00 - Schadenfreude - taking delight in other people’s misfortune

16.34 - My personal experience of being held back by feeling shame

23.21 - Why people linked to this story shouldn’t feel responsible or shame

24.00 - Having compassion for people who are having a rough time

26.17 - Steps to follow if you feel overwhelmed

27.06 - Having pride in yourself and what you’ve achieved

27.34 - How to connect on social media

Links mentioned in this episode:

Register for the confidence building workshop on August 31st at 7pm: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/confidence-workshop

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinesses

https://www.instagram.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.facebook.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/

Listen to the Why I trained to be a coach podcast

Find out how you can work with me in my Pets Get Visible membership


There's a persistent myth in the pet industry that success requires a rigid, one-size-fits-all formula. Your Pet Business, Your Way exists to dismantle that idea entirely. Hosted by Rachel Spencer, a journalist and accredited coach with deep roots in this world, this podcast is a conversation for pet professionals-groomers, trainers, walkers, product makers-who feel exhausted by generic marketing advice and industry trends that clash with their personal values and lifestyle. Rachel brings her background as a mentor and author to frank discussions about building a sustainable enterprise that doesn't demand you sacrifice your family time, your sanity, or your unique voice. Episodes delve into practical strategies for marketing, client relationships, and entrepreneurship, but always through the lens of your individual circumstances. You'll hear from Rachel directly, as well as insights from others navigating the same path, focusing on how to grow a business that genuinely fits around your life, whether that involves kids, other passions, or simply a desire for more autonomy. This isn't about following a rulebook; it's about writing your own. Tune in for a refreshingly realistic take on creating a pet business that thrives on your terms, making this podcast a trusted resource for anyone who believes their love for animals and their personal ambitions can truly coexist.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Your pet business, Your way
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