After three decades in the high-pressure world of corporate legal departments, Jutta Koch found herself at a crossroads.
Her demanding, almost seven days a week, schedule had taken its toll and culminated in burnout. That’s when she decided to make a dramatic change – trading boardroom meetings for wagging tails by becoming a certified dog trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA).
“I decided that my life had to change drastically,” Jutta recalls. “Going back to an office, working like a donkey wasn’t an option anymore at all.” Having always loved animals, especially dogs, she saw a potential path to both happiness and professional fulfillment in working with canines.
The decision to enroll at VSA came through a friend’s recommendation. “I had a friend from Brussels who did VSA training and spoke highly of it,” she explains. That endorsement led Jutta to take the leap into a new career, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“It was a fantastic experience really,” she enthuses. Jutta particularly valued her office hours with her faculty advisor, Maia Huff-Owen, whom she describes as “absolutely fantastic” and “phenomenal.”
Designing Her Own Business
Two years after completing her VSA certification, Jutta has built a thriving practice that combines dog training and consultations with specialized services. She operates a selective doggy daycare, limiting her care to just two dogs at a time (plus her own dachshund) to ensure quality attention. One client had been so pleased with her help with leash training and recall work that they now bring their dog to her daycare twice weekly.
Jutta also fosters future assistance dogs, playing a crucial role in their early socialization and training. Her involvement in this work extends beyond fostering—she also assists in the selection process of future assistance dogs when they are just five weeks old, ensuring that only the most suitable puppies are chosen for this important role.
Jutta’s practice continues to evolve as she takes on new challenges. For example, inspired by one particularly difficult case of an 18-month-old dog with severe anxiety, she pursued certification as a Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer through Julie Naismith and now can offer specialized support for complex cases. Such challenges keep her engaged and learning as she connects with other professionals worldwide to share ideas and strategies.
In addition to her certifications, Jutta is a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), reinforcing her commitment to force-free, science-based training methods and continuous education.
Zero Regrets
When asked about her career change, Jutta’s enthusiasm is contagious. “Although everyone said I’m totally crazy out of my mind, I absolutely enjoy what I’m doing now, and have zero regrets,” she declares. “I love it, I just love it. There’s no way back possible, imaginable, ever!”
For those considering following in her footsteps, Jutta strongly recommends VSA as a starting point. “It’s a wonderful foundation,” she says, noting that a VSA certification carries significant weight, particularly in the UK and US markets. She also particularly values the ongoing educational opportunities, including monthly recorded meetings.
For Jutta, the transition from the corporate world to dog training was more than just a career change – it’s been a journey to professional fulfillment that exceeded her expectations. She discovered that with the right training and dedication, it’s possible to build a rewarding second career working with dogs. In an appreciative message to the entire VSA staff, she says: “Thank you for everything I learned there… I was totally happy with the whole bundle.”
Learn more about preparing for a rewarding career as a dog trainer with VSA’s premier Dog Trainer Course.
