Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Burwell.
Jim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Dog Training in Houston for 30 years. Trained well over 10,000 dogs and clients. Founder, Rover Oaks Pet Resort – Houston. I’m a Houston dog trainer. The first thing you need to know about me is that I am passionate about keeping dogs in their forever homes. If you know nothing else, this tells you who I am. Since you’re here, I’m happy to share with you how I became a dog trainer who is in love with what I do.
Everything Started with Charlie
I never intended to build a career as a dog trainer in Houston. Heck, I didn’t even intend to get a dog. But one evening in 1986, I found myself in a tuxedo, with an 8-week-old golden retriever I’d “won” by successfully bidding in a charity auction. I named my new pal Charlie. Over time, Charlie proved to be headstrong and tenacious. But I was equally determined. And through obedience training, we both learned, and our bond grew. That’s when my life began to change.
Business Changed from Banking to Barking
I worked in Houston’s corporate America for two decades as a commercial banker and owner of a successful sign and graphics company. But I grew tired of suits, ties and board meetings so I started looking for a new and more fulfilling career opportunity.
Being Charlie’s dad gave me the idea! Through Charlie, I found new motivation, new inspiration and a new business opportunity. Charlie inspired me to change to a dog-training career in mid-life, and what a change it was! I thought a new career as a dog trainer would ideally give me greater independence and, just possibly, allow Charlie to go with me to work! I was right!
A career in dog training offered these benefits and more. As a dog trainer, I experienced the satisfaction that comes from seeing well-trained, happy animals bring joy to their owners, and also to help abandoned, lost and rescued dogs find their way into good, permanent Houston homes. I am largely self-taught, as there were few or no professional dog training schools when I started.
I started small by training the dogs of friends and family. All the while, I diligently studied dog-training books and videos and attended seminars to learn everything possible about dog behavior training and canine-human interactions. I devoured books by Bill Campbell, famous dog behaviorist, Ian Dunbar and more. I was determined to be the best Houston dog trainer I could be.
I’ll Tell You a Secret
I was looking for the proprietary “tricks of the trade,” which I assumed were being passed privately from dog trainer to dog trainer. But, I gradually learned that there are no tricks to dog training. I worked hard at becoming an expert dog trainer.
Success came instead from months of intensive study, many hundreds of hours of practice, and a thorough understanding of pet dogs and their relationships with owners. So because of Charlie, a gala, probably a glass of scotch, the rest of my life unfolded pretty much like this: My grass-roots, in-home dog-training business that began in 1988 grew from Texas Dog Training, to founding Rover Oaks Pet Resort, to becoming Jim Burwell’s Petiquette. I have been active in many professional dog training opportunities and search and rescue organizations like these:
PAST PRESIDENT of Lone Star Search and Rescue Dog Association
DOG TRAINING FOR TV COMMERCIALS AND THEATER -Among my students: “Sandy,” the dog featured in the musical production of Annie in 1998 at Houston’s Wortham Theater
TRAINING OF “RADAR” -celebrity dog owned by NBC’s affiliate station, KPRC-TV, in Houston. Radar appeared on the weeknight news with anchor weatherman, Frank Billingsly.
TRAINER-of the Goldendoodle for Houston’s Ronald McDonald House
SELECTED AS “BEST DOG TRAINER IN HOUSTON”-by the readers (500,000+) of the Houston Press
Working to Remain the Best at Dog Training in Houston. In 2003, I met and married my wife Leila. She works with me in the business. She’s awesome at speaking with clients and helping them see how we can help them with their dogs. She’s also responsible for all the marketing of our business.
Great, 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?
People respecting dog training as a business – not a hobby and Getting dog owners to realize the value of daily structure and training in their dog’s lives as an easy way to prevent dog behavior problems.
Please tell us about Jim Burwell’s Petiquette.
I’m a professional dog trainer. I work with dog owners exclusively in their home to help them resolve their dog’s behavior problem.
What set’s me apart from most all trainers in Houston is: over 30 years of experience; and, I consider the relationship the dog has with the owner and the environment as part of the solution to their dog behavior problem – I don’t just focus on the dog.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
If childhood includes high school, then favorite memory would be playing rhythm guitar in a rock and roll band called “The Catalina’s”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petiquettedog.com
- Phone: 713-728-0610
- Email: info@petiquettedog.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimburwell.dogtrainer
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
