Every pet professional has a story.
More often than not, that story starts with a dog.
For Mark Skelly, founder of Skellywags Dog Training, that dog was Bert.
In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Mark shares how a reactive Border Collie became the catalyst for a completely different career and a philosophy centred on connection, compassion and curiosity.
Bert Changed Everything
Like many dog professionals, Mark didn’t set out to become a trainer.
Instead, Bert’s struggles around other dogs prompted Mark to search for answers.
The journey led him away from traditional methods and towards positive reinforcement, scent work and relationship-based training.
Looking back, Bert wasn’t the obstacle.
He was the teacher.
It’s About More Than Dog Training
Throughout our conversation, Mark repeatedly returned to one theme:
The relationship comes first.
Rather than rigid lesson plans or ticking off obedience exercises, Mark focuses on understanding each individual dog and the human standing beside them.
Every session is built around the needs of the team in front of him, not a predetermined checklist.
Looking After the Humans Too
One of the things I loved most about this conversation was Mark’s recognition that dog training is often as much about supporting people as it is about supporting dogs.
Many owners arrive feeling overwhelmed, isolated or judged.
Sometimes the biggest transformation isn’t what happens to the dog.
It’s the relief the person feels when someone finally understands them.
Social Media Isn’t Real Life
Mark also spoke honestly about the pressures many pet professionals experience online.
Comparison, criticism and constant noise can quickly erode confidence.
His advice?
Build genuine community.
Protect your wellbeing.
Don’t let algorithms dictate your self-worth.
Building a Sustainable Business
We also explored the realities of running a modern pet business.
From adapting classes during heatwaves to creating online learning resources and writing his first book, Mark shared the importance of evolving your business whilst staying true to your values.
Final Thoughts
This episode isn’t simply about dog training.
It’s about trust.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about remembering why we started in the first place.
If you’ve ever questioned yourself, compared yourself to others or wondered whether you’re doing enough, I think Mark’s story will leave you feeling encouraged.
And perhaps, like Bert did for Mark, it’ll remind you that sometimes our greatest teachers have four paws.
Listen to the full episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Useful Links
š Nathan Dunleavy Website
šæ Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan
š Free 5 Steps Guide
šæ Free Pet Pro Reset Experience
š Join the free Facebook Community
Connect with Mark
š SkellyWags Dog Training Website
š SkellyWags Dog Training Facebook Page
šø SkellyWags Dog Training Instagram Page
