How to Turn Scrappy Beginnings into Serious Success with Andre Yeu

DESCRIPTION Running a dog business is hard—balancing clients, new trends, and that constant search for success can be exhausting. In this episode, we are joined by Andre Yeu, founder of When Hounds Fly Dog Training. Today, we’re talking about starting scrappy, building a thriving business, and the power of choosing your clients wisely. Andre shares how to move beyond “doing it all,” adapt to a changing industry, and stay authentic, doing so even as client expectations evolve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Winging it is a valid way to start and maybe doing training part time. Taking action before you have it all figured out is a great way to unlock real growth. You don’t have to take on every client that comes to you. Being selective builds a stronger business and can also be good for your reputation. Real change comes with mentorship. Learning from people who are further along than you fast-tracks growth and greatly improves your confidence, but vet your mentor carefully. Forget what your peers think about the way you do things. It´s your clients you need to please. But still stay open to feedback. Adopting shiny new tech or employing the latest methods doesn´t guarantee results. You need to use what serves your business. Your business needs to evolve as your clients’ needs change e.g. AI is making expert info more easily accessible, so dog owners need their trainers for the human support, empathy, and guidance technology can’t offer. Trust is built long before a sale—multiple touch points across different channels let clients feel like they know you before you’ve even met. Your story is your superpower. Sharing your face and journey builds trust in a way no logo or certificate can. The human touch is irreplaceable. As AI begins to take over, building real relationships and tailoring your service will increasingly set you apart. BEST MOMENTS "I've always set criteria for the types of clients we work with, even if we are like starving and it's famine time." "Find a circle, your tribe of entrepreneurs, that will teach you the shortcuts so that you don't have to spend as much time experimenting." "People don't mind that they connect with me on social media, and they go to my classes and it's one of my team members teaching." "I wish I had looked harder back in the day for that mentor, that coach." "Our role has to change." GUEST AND EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.whenhoundsfly.com/origin-story-andre-yeu socials: @whenhoundsfly SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [e-mail] ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/