Chic Spotlight: Virginia Simpson, Owner of Unleashed Canine Obedience
Cincy Chic: Can you tell us what inspired you to start Unleashed Canine Obedience?
Virginia Simpson, Owner of Unleashed Canine Obedience: I have always been a big animal lover and knew that I wanted to live my life surrounded by them, but didn’t have the stomach for the veterinary side of the house. So, I went to college and got a degree in Psychology not really knowing what career path I would take. Later, I joined a foster care organization that rescues displaced and abused animals, and seemed to have an affinity towards rehabilitating and training the dogs. It became very clear that the reason many of these dogs were in the state of affairs they were in, was due in part to a lack of training. And it wasn’t that all the people who gave them up were bad people; they just didn’t know how to solve the problems. I started attending seminars, reading books, practicing with all my foster dogs and dog training quickly turned into a major passion! I obtained my certification, mentored under some world class trainers and eventually took the leap to open up Unleashed. It has been an amazing adventure so far and I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize that this is my life!
Cincy Chic: Can you tell us what you do there?
Simpson: At Unleashed, we are dedicated to helping break down the language barrier between dogs and their owners in a very fluid and fun way. When you eliminate the confusion and open the lines of communication, new relationships and bonds are formed that open people up to some fun experiences with their pets. The vast majority of our clients are not out to do obedience trials, but just want a well-behaved dog that won’t jump on their friends, comes when called and that can sit still when asked. So, we help our clients work and train in real-life scenarios with real-life distractions so that the training will actually transfer into their world. We approach each dog and client as individuals and always work hard to create well rounded programs that deal with all aspects of the dog and their person.
Cincy Chic: Do you have any dogs? If so, can you tell us about them?
Simpson: I do have dogs. Lots of them! I actually own 3 dogs: Zeke (German Shepherd Dog), Peanut (?), and Reese (American Eskimo/Sheltie mix). And I am currently fostering 4 dogs: Crystal (American Eskimo), Marley (Jack Russell), Sasha (Min Pin) and Roo (Chihuahua). Add in 3 cats and you can call me crazy! Currently, my fosters are mostly small dogs and don’t take up much space (*grin*), but I gotta tell you, coming home to seven little guys that are simply overjoyed to see you every day is a pretty amazing feeling! I truly love my life!
Cincy Chic: Do you offer any other services for other animals?
Simpson: While I am a huge animal lover, dogs are currently the only ones I work with in a professional capacity. They (and other dog owners) are the beings I seem to have an affinity for.
Cincy Chic: Can you tell us about your training programs?
Simpson: We offer our clients a whole range of training programs such as private consultations, group classes and board and train programs to choose from. Our board and train programs actually come with a life time guarantee to ensure that everyone receives all the support they need to achieve their training goals. We work around our clients’ schedules as best we can and work hard at being available for questions and any follow-up needed! We believe that our clients and their pups become our best form of marketing, so a lot of time and effort goes into client satisfaction.
Cincy Chic: Will you give us a little background on all the trainers?
Simpson: I currently have one other trainer working for me. John Bise is a fantastic dog trainer! His experience consists of fourteen years working with law enforcement K9s as a handler/trainer. He has received multiple awards in his fourteen years on the force for both of his dogs and has attended several K9 seminars and schools as well as extended personal training. He is a proud member and Vice President of the Greater Cincinnati Schutzhund Club for the last three years. He has trained two of his personal dogs in the sport of Schutzhund from the age of eight weeks old. With the club he has attended additional seminars and K9 training in tracking, obedience and protection and has also participated in Schutzhund competition trials. John takes great pride in training all breeds of dogs from working/sport as well as personal companion dogs.
Cincy Chic: What is Camp Bow Wow?
Simpson: One of the fun elements of my board and train programs is that when my clients’ dogs are not actually training, they get to participate in Camp Bow Wow’s programs. Camp Bow Wow is a doggy daycare/boarding facility here in Cincinnati and happens to be one of the best facilities in the area in my opinion. I actually travel to Blue Ash every day from Northern Kentucky because I love it so much! The people are great and everyone is a huge dog lover. The safety protocol is top notch, large indoor/outdoor play areas and when I leave my training dogs here in the evening it is with the knowledge that they are being well taken care of and having a great time! They get to play with other dogs during the day, sleep in a spacious cabin at night on their cots with their campfire treats and receive all the love and affection they can stand! And mom and dad can check in on their camper on their computers using the camper cams!
Cincy Chic: Any other information you like to share with Cincy Chic readers?
Simpson: Please feel free to visit our Web site or call (513) 317-7484 any time, if you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule a visit!
