Building the Next Chapter at Solgave Animal Solutions
Winter is usually quieter in our industry.
Travel slows. Schedules shift. The pace softens.
For us, this winter became something different.
While things looked calm on the surface, we were deep in construction mode behind the scenes — refining systems, strengthening training, and building infrastructure that will shape the next several years of Solgave.
Today marks an important milestone in that process.
Partnering With Professionals
This week, our team met at Veterans Park in Fayetteville for the first session of what will become a three-part professional dog walking course in collaboration with Northwest Arkansas School of Dogs.
Our focus for Part One included:
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Handling dogs that pull
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Managing leash reactivity and trail triggers
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Safe and structured meet-and-greet protocols
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Professional walking standards in public environments
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Open Q&A with a certified trainer
We have always believed in hands-on shadowing and field mentorship. That remains a cornerstone of how we train new team members.
But as we continue to grow, we recognized the need to formalize our education even further.
A New Training Standard
Over the winter, we completed a fully digital Operations Manual — a living document that will be updated annually (and often twice a year as we refine processes).
We’ve also expanded our testing protocols. New team members will now complete:
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A 50-question exam (with a required 90% passing score)
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A structured one-hour video training course
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Field shadowing and live evaluation
This means that before a new walker ever steps into a client’s home, they will already understand the standards we expect in professionalism, safety, and communication.
Years ago, Solgave included in-house behavioral training services. While that was part of our early story, today we take a different approach: we partner with respected professionals to ensure our team stays sharp and well-informed without claiming to be something we are not.
That clarity matters.
Scaling the Right Way
As many small business owners know, growth is rarely linear.
Costs have risen across the board over the last few years — fuel, utilities, equipment, insurance. Because of that, I continue to personally handle a walking route while managing the business. It keeps us stable and grounded.
But the long-term vision is clear:
A fully empowered, professionally trained team operating at a high level — allowing leadership to focus more on development, client experience, and future expansion.
We are not where we were five years ago.
We are not where we were two years ago.
We are not where we were even one year ago.
And we are not finished.
What This Means for Our Clients
For current and prospective clients, this investment translates to:
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More consistent walking standards
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Stronger safety protocols
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Better communication
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Continued professional growth
We are committed to matching — and in some ways exceeding — the standards of the most respected companies in our field, while maintaining the heart-centered, personal approach that defines Solgave.
This first course is Part One of Three.
Part Two will take place this fall.
Part Three is planned for next spring.
Each step strengthens the foundation.
And we’re grateful to be building it here in Northwest Arkansas.
Thank you for growing with us.
Free quote for any potty break, dog walking, or in home pet sitting and overnight can be done via clicking “Book Now” anywhere on our site.
— Jared
Founder, Solgave Animal Solutions
