Some refer to Casey Ray as the Cesar Millan - The  Dog Whisperer -- of the Midwest.  Like Millan, Ray  has a pack of about 10 dogs right now which he uses for assistance when he works with dogs that have severe behavioral problems such as aggression, nervousness, obsessions and phobias.  Through the use of dog psychology and pack mentality, Ray brings stability back to a once unstable dog and hope to its owner. 
 
My husband is a huge fan of the National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer television show.  But when his own efforts of  “shhhhhing” didn’t work, he decided to find a training school for our one-year old Shih Tzu, Maxwell. (Personally, I didn’t think Maxwell needed training, but then I’m the mom.)  A friend recommended Casey Ray’s Team Dog!.  Team Dog! offers a “doggy camp” which teaches basic obedience skills to furry, four-legged family members.  According to Ray, a trained dog is a happy dog. 

Founded in October 2007, Team Dog! is one of three companies Ray owns.  The Canine Rehabilitation Center of the Midwest is a dog psychology center that helps bring stability back to dogs with severe behavioral disorders. Ray’s newest venture is Sweet Dreams Doggie Resort & Spa, a boarding kennel with grooming and bathing services.  . 

Entrepreneurship comes naturally to Ray.  After college, Ray worked as the operations manager in his dad’s painting business and he acknowledges he learned a lot from his father about business.  “I also learned that working for yourself is more rewarding and satisfying than clocking in everyday to make another man a nickel. So I guess being my own boss is in my blood,” he says. 

Pet owners spend thousands of dollars on their pets during their lifetimes resulting in a robust, multi-billion dollar industry.  Yet, the recession is taking its toll on Ray’s business.  “In today’s economy, funds other than those needed to keep the animals warm and fed, are hard to come by, thus resulting in low sales for a training business such as mine.  We’ve reconstructed our programs and pricing to try and cater to any individuals who want to get proper training for their dogs.” Ray explains

Ray enjoys the smile a rehabilitated family pet brings to its owners.  Plus, he likes spending lots of time with the dogs.  “It’s a self rewarding business I’m in, I wouldn’t have it any other way!” he explains. 

Maxwell comes home from “doggy camp” this week and then Ray will face his biggest challenge – training Maxwell’s parents.  I’ll keep you updated.