Bob Wiegand loves dogs, and he loved his former careers in the automotive and advertising industries. However, when COVID-19 hit, those industries weren’t always loving him back.

So, the Omaha-born businessman decided to make a move. Looking to start his own business, Dog Training Elite jumped into his lap, just like a good dog would do.

That may be a bit of a stretch, but after 18 years in the outdoor advertising business, it seemed Wiegand had found the perfect fit, even if it wasn’t something he had previously considered.

“I have always liked dogs and had them growing up and when I was married,” Wiegand recalled. “Until here of late, I had not had a pup for years until two and a half years ago when we got Millie our Miniature Golden Doodle.”

Dog Training Elite Omaha works with dogs and their owners to meet their needs and includes PTSD support, psychiatric support, autism support, and diabetic alert training. The Omaha branch opened in April with plans to expand with another local location before opening in Lincoln.

 So far, Wiegand is handling the paperwork, the sales, and the training. Given his sales background, the business side has been easy, and given his love of dogs, working with the canines has not been too difficult either.

“When I get to the stage of hiring an assistant trainer, I will first ask all my clients if they know of someone who would like to train dogs and if need be, post an ad,” Wiegand stated.  

The business launch has been smooth, he offered, and he’s had a connection to all the dogs he’s trained, so far.

“I approach each dog differently as the owners are all looking for basically the same thing – a good well behaved house dog,” he stated, but “they are all different. Each one has their own needs and how to train that into the dog may work for one but not the same for another.”

That means constant changing and learning.

            It’s just part of the fun for Wiegand, who enjoys playing a little golf, riding his Harley, and BBQing for family and friends.

“My next big trip is getting planned now, heading to Jamaica in 2023,” he added. Also in the works is a trip to Sturgis for the motorcycle rally next August. Wiegand likes a cigar and trying different kinds of Bourbons. He also enjoys visiting his daughter who lives in Arizona.

Kelly Rosequist, CEO of Dog Training Elite, said Wiegand was a great candidate to open a franchise because of his successful business history and his desire to give back to the community.

“Bob was passionate about giving back to his community through Service Dog Training and helping the dogs and owners in his community gain more freedom through training,” she said. “We expect to see Bob grow and expand in the Omaha market.”

Rosequist saw great opportunities in the Omaha market for the company.

“Omaha was a great market due to its steady growth and economy,” Rosequist offered. “When looking at markets for expansion we also look at areas with a strong sense of community and dog friendliness.”

She’s looking for Wiegand to expand, and that’s just fine with him.

For now, he’s based in Omaha and serving the immediate area: “Pretty much within an hour to hour and half from Omaha,” he acknowledged.

 “I would like to get into Lincoln . . . and the surrounding towns,” he said, glancing down the road. 

Which is exactly what Rosequist is hoping to see.

“Dog Training Elite is absolutely looking to expand into the Midwest and already is flourishing in many Midwest markets,” she confirmed.

For more information: dogtrainingelite.com/Omaha.