Boudine Berkleef, Founder of De Puppy Specialist: From Police Detective to Canine Behavior Expert

Boudine Berkleef, Founder of De Puppy Specialist: From Police Detective to Canine Behavior Expert

• Started her career in law enforcement, later becoming a detective, and eventually managed cases involving colleagues with PTSD.
• Sought more meaningful, varied, and fulfilling work.

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In this enlightening episode, Frits Bussemaker sits down with Boudine Berkleef, Founder of De Puppy Specialist, to discuss her unconventional journey from police officer to canine behavior therapist. The conversation explores the realities of dog ownership, the nuances of dog training, and valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

01:31 — How did Boudine transition from the police force to dog training?

• Started her career in law enforcement, later becoming a detective, and eventually managed cases involving colleagues with PTSD.
• Sought more meaningful, varied, and fulfilling work.
• Grew up with dogs, developing an early passion for canine behavior.
• Followed her true calling by founding De Puppy Specialist.

03:03 — What lessons from police work inform her dog training approach?

• Learned to work under pressure while seeing the bigger picture.
• Emphasizes careful observation rather than jumping to conclusions.
• Applies analytical and problem-solving skills to understanding canine behavior.

07:26 — How did Boudine build her business, and what challenges did she face?

• Invested five years in education and hands-on experience before launching her business full-time.
• Initially lacked business knowledge and relied on support from her entrepreneurial father and her partner for guidance and practical advice.
• Overcame imposter syndrome and learned the value of building a strong support network.

08:19 — Is training more about the dog or the owner?

• Agrees with Cesar Millan’s philosophy that owners often need more guidance than their dogs.
• Focuses on educating owners to achieve lasting behavioral change.

09:39 — What real-world issues do dog owners face, especially after the pandemic?

• Discusses the rise in separation anxiety caused by pandemic-related isolation.
• Explains its impact, including destructive behaviors, owners being unable to leave home, and emotional stress for both dogs and owners.
• Specializes in separation anxiety, reactivity, and breed-specific behavioral challenges.

13:32 — How should people choose the right dog?

• Encourages choosing a breed that matches one’s lifestyle rather than appearance or trends.
• Explains different breed categories, including herding, hunting, companion, and retrieving dogs.
• Stresses the importance of honestly assessing activity level, commitment, and expectations.

17:12 — What does the process look like when a client seeks help?

• Begins with a phone consultation to understand the client’s concerns.
• Visits clients’ homes to observe both the dog and the owner in their natural environment.
• Uses remote training and video analysis for separation anxiety cases, enabling her to work with clients worldwide.

22:01 — Which skills from policing help in canine therapy today?

• Uses keen observation and the ability to read subtle body language.
• Applies active listening and thorough information gathering to create effective therapy plans.
• Believes both careers share the same goal: helping people—and now, their dogs as well.

24:36 — What training philosophies does Boudine follow?

• Prefers positive reinforcement over punishment.
• Values patience, clear communication, and continuous learning.
• Adopts the best practices from respected trainers while developing her own approach.

25:34 — What concerns does she have about modern dog ownership?

• Believes outdated beliefs and punishment-based training can harm dogs and their owners.
• Advocates building trust instead of fear.
• Encourages patience and consistency over expecting quick fixes.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Boudine Berkleef: LinkedIn

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What most dog owners don’t realize is that much of dog training is actually about teaching the owner. As Boudine says, “Most of the time, it is the owner, and much less the dog.”

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Thanks for listening!

• Boudine Berkleef is the Founder of De Puppy Specialist, helping dog owners build healthy, lasting relationships with their pets.
• After serving as a police officer, she transitioned into canine behavior therapy, combining practical experience with a passion for animal welfare and education.
• Boudine specializes in puppy behavior, positive training methods, and guiding owners through the challenges of raising confident, well-adjusted dogs.