Hidden Gems: Meet Paul Carl Holzhauer III of South Central Texas Dog Boarding & Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Carl Holzhauer III.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got into this business because I kept seeing good people with good dogs who were really struggling. The way we relate to dogs is just different now, they’re less like pets and more like extensions of our family. And just like with any other family member, there needs to be structure and clarity in the relationship.

Early on I tried what I think of as a “tugboat method”. I would jump in and try to direct or even rescue people and their dogs after things had already gone sideways. But eventually I realised that approach wasn’t viable long term. So I stepped back and focused on how dogs really learn behaviour, psychology, the importance of routine and accountability. And with all of that in mind I built a structured approach that works in real life situations. 

As my training business grew, the boarding side followed. Boarding can be chaotic and stressful for any dog, no matter how well trained they are, which led me to forming a “boarding-with-structure” model. The dogs know what to expect, they learn the routine fast, and that lets us all settle into a less stressful, more fun and educational boarding experience. Now I offer all of my training clients touch-ups with their dogs when they board with me. 

I’d like to think that at this point I operate less like a tugboat and more like a lighthouse. I stopped chasing problems and learned to provide a steady, consistent, and reliable place for my clients and their dogs to learn. When people need help, they know where to find me. I’m here as a resource for real dogs and real lives.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In order to be successful in this business I had to rewire the way I thought about and related to dogs. I had to unlearn a lifetime of habits about how we interact with our pets, and to be honest, I still find myself learning new things every day. 

Outside of the changes I had to undergo psychologically, the infrastructure to get this business started was a huge undertaking. Most board and train facilities operate in two ways; they’re either completely outdoors, or run out of someone’s house. Neither of those were an option for me. Keeping dogs kenneled in a room in my home seemed like a confusing and stressful situation for me and the dogs. And keeping them completely outside was a no-go considering the weather extremes we get here. But I live on a farm, and had plenty of land to work with. 

So I started with building a separate, climate controlled structure next to my house. After that I had to make sure I had a secure area outside that was large enough for the dogs to train, hang-out, and play. All together the mental and financial toll of the infrastructure was a real challenge. It’s absolutely been worth it though, and I’d do it all again.  

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about South Central Texas Dog Boarding & Training?
First and foremost I’m a dog trainer. I specialize in a balanced approach to dog training that blends the needs of the human with the needs of the dog. I started out only offering training, but at this point I offer boarding, training, a blend of the two, as well as day training services. 

I think there are a few things that set me apart from my peers in this space. One is that I really do strive to meet my clients and my dogs exactly where they are. I don’t run a factory, there is no one-size-fits-all method to working with complex animals. I find what works for each new person and dog, which keeps my job fun and engaging. Second, is that I am in the ideal place to run a business like this. The dogs I train love it out here as much as I do. There’s not one facility in the city that could replicate the joy these dogs get out of spending time running and playing on the farm. 

I think it’s really important for people to know that letting a dog “be a dog” doesn’t mean letting them do anything they want. An anxious dog thrives with structure. A dog that loves to roam is safer and more confident with boundaries. We are happier and healthier when we know what’s expected of us and how to fill our roles, the same goes for your dogs too. 

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am all about taking risks. I’ve spent my entire professional life working with startups in one form or another. Whether that was in the music field, tech, or agriculture. 

When I bought this farm I did it with the intention to raise cattle, goats, and chickens. Which is exactly what I did for years. I was raised in the city and I had to learn from the ground up how to operate a farm and take care of hundreds of animals. It was the biggest risk I’d ever taken. 

Once I’d been farming for years and realised that I wasn’t getting the same fulfillment anymore, I had to pivot. Changing careers in your late 30s isn’t the easiest decision. But I really do believe that life is about making decisive changes that fit who we are, where we are. 

Pricing:

• $65 per night structured boarding
• $40 per day Day Training 5 days a week 6 Week Program
• 2 Week Board & Train Polish $2000
• 4 Week Board & Train Foundation $3,400
• 8 Week Board & Train Behavior Modification $6,800

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sctxdogboardingandtraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sctx_dog_boarding_training?igsh=MTM1dHZyczIwem94bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr