Here’s what else Morgan had to say about turning her passion into a growing business, and why even well-trained dogs whine and dig. 

Nature of the business?
Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC specializes in offering 60 minute, daily, off-leash dog group hikes – because a tired dog is a good dog.

I am a certified professional dog walker and the first service to specialize in offering daily group dog hikes here. I specialize in positive reinforcement, developing packs that have good group dynamics, and I offer a holistic approach that meets dog’s exercise and socialization needs.

Every hike includes pick-up and drop-off service at the owner’s house or work place. Dogs come home calm, relaxed, well exercised, and ready for a nap.

As you can imagine, taking up to six dogs off-leash takes skill and that is why Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC uses a certified dog walker who has been highly trained in pack management, dog communication and body language, aggression in all its forms, what aggression means and how to prevent it, safety and prevention protocols, and basic training such as building reliable sits, recalls, and polite leash behavior.

Every group dog outing is to local, public access area trails and parks where dogs can romp, explore and even splash in the water while their owners are hard at work. This is a holistic approach that serves all dogs’ core need for exercise and socialization. Outing groups consist of a maximum of six dogs and one certified dog walker.

Dogs ‘N Sync provides complimentary home visits for new clients to meet them and their pet and get information about their pet’s specific needs.

Why start this business?
Because of the long work hours and busy lives people lead today, their canine companions spend  long, lonely hours at home bored, sleeping even overeating. Most dogs do not self-exercise or play when they are left alone.

A backyard dog can become very stressed or anxious. A dog exhibits stress by barking, digging, chewing, whining, escaping, howling, and being hyperactive. A lot of these issues can be resolved with consistent socialization and exercise. There is a strong connection between lack of exercise and behavior problems in dogs. Dogs were bred to perform specific jobs, because they are not required to do these specific jobs now, they need an outlet for their energy, relief from boredom, and time to display the particular characteristics of their breed.

Dogs’ genetics have prepared them to work, but many dogs are spending their lives confined in monotonous back yards. When dogs don’t get the exercise they need it causes problems for dog owners and for their communities. Regular exercise is the key ingredient to good health, good mental agility and longevity for our dogs. A well-exercised dog translates into a happier pet, happier people, happier home and fewer medical expenses. It means coming home to a calm dog and a dog who is nicer to be around.

Where did the startup funding come from?
From my savings

How long have you been in business?
Just over one year, I started in the spring of 2007 doing private dog walks and pet sitting. The biggest thing I learned was that dog’s need 60 minutes daily of really good exercise every day and they need to be together to become really socialized dogs. I went to dogTEC Dog Walking Academy early this spring and obtained my certification as a dog walker and my certification in dog first aid.

In March, I started doing off-leash 60 minute daily group dog hikes.

Biggest challenges in running a business?
Marketing my business has proven to be the biggest challenge.  Unfamiliarity with the concept of dog walking, not to mention, a trained dog walker who is certified and takes groups of dogs on off-leash daily dog hikes has been an unexpected challenge. Here in the Billings area we live an urban lifestyle with yard space for dogs and we tend to think, “My dog is so lucky, “ we have a nice size backyard with assorted greenery, trees, bushes, grasses, and possibly a deck area or patio. We let our dog Spot out in the yard “to play” and then we are surprised when Spot wants to come right back inside. Dogs don’t have the same opinions about backyards that we do. To Spot the backyard that is surrounded by fencing, no matter how awesome the yard is, it is no more than a fancy kennel where he is confined. Spot wants out of the walled house and yard. Dogs are naturally born walkers, movers, and travelers. That is why it is so important for Spot to go on a long walk every day.

What was done to over-come those challenges?
I am trying to educate dog owners in every way I can about dog exercise needs and the strong correlation between backyard dogs and dogs with behavior problems. If dogs are not getting the exercise they need, what are they doing to burn up all that natural energy? Many are barking, chewing, whining, escaping, howling and being hyper-active.

What is being done to expand the business?
Currently I am establishing a core group of dogs that I take on regular group dog hikes. Since the business is so new, right now I just want to educate our community on the benefits of dog walking and have more people interested in my service.

Your best business decisions?
Going to dogTEC Dog Walking Academy in the California Bay Area where I received excellent training and learned the skills necessary to develop a pack with positive group dynamics and where I learned pack management.

Your worst business mistake?
Being inexperienced at marketing and having to learn as I go.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?
Provide excellent customer service and stay organized.

Number of workers?
Myself.

What is your five-year plan for the business?
Establish Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC, develop my customer base, monitor progress, develop long-term relationships, and continue to focus on marketing.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?
I would like to talk to someone who started a business with an idea that was completely new to this market and ask how they moved forward.

If you weren’t doing what you are doing now, what would be your dream job?
I am doing my dream job right now. I am doing something I have a passion for. I am a dog lover who really enjoys being around dogs, and I like to be outside where I can enjoy the outdoors. I appreciate all of the exercise, and I like being able to offer a valuable service to my community.