The Story of Cleo: A Childhood Lesson That Shaped My Life & Business

Watch video: How a Ceramic Dog Taught Me a Life-Changing Lesson | My Journey with Cleo

Growing up, I wanted a dog more than anything. I begged, I pleaded, I promised to be the most responsible kid on the planet if only I could have my own furry companion. But my mom? She had other plans. Before I could earn the right to have a real dog, she handed me something unexpected: a ceramic dog.

The Ceramic Dog Challenge

At first, I thought it was a joke. A ceramic dog? Seriously? But my mom was dead serious. She told me that if I wanted a real dog, I first had to prove I could take care of this one. Feed it (literally put food in a bowl), walk it, and even make sure it was “safe” when I left the house. I thought, "Okay, this is weird, but I’ll do it."

It didn’t stop there. My mom took the challenge to the next level. When I wanted to bring my ceramic dog, Cleo, to a friend’s house, I had to call their parents to get permission. Once I was there, my mom would call the house and have them play along—shouting, "Cleo’s peeing on the rug!" just to see how I’d react. It was all part of her bigger plan: to teach me responsibility, commitment, and effort. Yes - I went out each time, stopped what every we jamming about and took my dog for a walk.

What Cleo Taught Me

At the time, I just wanted to pass the “test” so I could finally get a real dog. But looking back, Cleo taught me something much bigger than just how to care for a pet. My mom was teaching me that commitment isn’t just about saying you’ll do something—it’s about proving it through action.

Caring for Cleo showed me that when you put in real effort, even for something that feels silly, it prepares you for the real deal. When I finally got my first real dog, I was ready. And that lesson stuck with me through life and into my career.

How This Lesson Shaped My Business

Today, as a dog trainer and the owner of BetterDog, I see the same principle play out every day. People want a well-trained, obedient dog, but the truth is—it takes commitment and consistency. 

Just like my mom made me prove I was ready, successful dog training requires showing up, putting in the effort, and following through. There are no shortcuts.

That’s why at BetterDog, we focus on helping both dogs and their owners commit to the process. When you put in the work, the results speak for themselves. Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about building trust, respect, and a lasting bond with your dog.

Final Thoughts: Commitment Always Pays Off

My mom could have just given me a dog that day, but instead, she gave me a lesson that shaped my entire life. Whether it's training a dog, starting a business, or achieving any goal, the principle is the same: when you’re committed, the results will follow.

So next time you set your sights on something big—whether it’s raising a well-behaved pup or tackling a personal challenge—ask yourself: Are you really committed? Because if you are, you’ll put in the work. And when you do, just like with Cleo, you’ll be ready for the real thing. Thanks mum! PS. My friends teased me at first, but they were real friends and would take Cleo out for walk when they went for a smoke.