Women Who Thryv: Susan Strough
We get it: as a pet owner, no one could ever care for your dog as deeply as you do. That is, no one except Susan Strough. Susan is the founder of Canines First, a Dallas-based business that provides one-on-one dog training and high quality products to support pet owners and their furry friends. Susan’s goal is to make your dog as happy as possible every day, and with her years of training expertise (and a little help from our pet CBD products), she is able to do just that.
We are thrilled to introduce you to Susan in this month’s edition of Women Who Thryv. Read on to learn more about her story and how she uses Thryv Organics CBD in her business and her everyday life.
Tell us about your business.
I am the founder of Canines First. My business has evolved over 20 years, offering daycare for dogs, boarding and training & private lessons. Every aspect brought an abundance of insight regarding the lives of pet dogs and their humans. Canines First has since narrowed its scope to exclusively offer in-home private lessons within the city of Dallas, in addition to its curation and sales of top-notch products useful to the goals of my clients.
Tell us about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.
My love for dogs goes back as far as I can remember. My father was my first mentor. Training his English Setters was his hobby in the off-season. Using our backyard, a few tools, focus and patience, he shaped each one to work in the field to his and their enjoyment. My work with dogs in earnest began after college. I attempted to transition into work outside of dogs after a few years of apprenticeship and work, only to be drawn back into the work due to the overwhelming amount of requests for help from folks experiencing distress over their dog’s behavior.
What have been your biggest challenges along the way?
Three of the biggest challenges in this work are the owner’s unwillingness to participate in the work, ideology of acceptable dog training practices and a lack of medical assistance as it pertains to canine anxiety.
What Thryv product(s) do you use and when do you take your CBD?
Thryv Organics CBD has been a work-around for that lack of medical assistance for canine anxiety. I have recommended it for some dogs throughout the day indefinitely, some for a short amount of time to assist in meeting goals and some for situational stressors. I will likely continue the use of Thryv Organics CBD for my most recent rescue on a daily basis, as we continue to work through his issues.
What has your experience with CBD been like?
My experience with CBD has been wide ranging. For some dogs, I might notice little effect but for others it can be a game-changer. Tinkering with the dosage has helped me achieve the effect I desire. CBD has been most effective with my clients whose dog’s anxiety causes a bleed through effect with other family members. Once the dog’s anxiety is lessened, everyone’s (including additional pets’) anxiety is controlled.
Any advice you can share with fellow female entrepreneurs?
Balancing your work and personal life can be a unique challenge for women. I encourage female entrepreneurs to find support in working women they admire, and hand that same support down to those on their way up.
Shop Susan’s Favorite CBD Products:
USDA Certified Organic Pet CBD Oil Drops
CBD Oil Dog Chews
Happy Hound Bundle
Follow Susan:
Instagram: @caninesfirst
Website: caninesfirst.com
