Today we’d like to introduce you to Vincent Somma.
Hi Vincent, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been a dog lover, and as a child, you could frequently find me sleeping and playing with the family Great Danes and Newfoundlands. However, my journey to becoming a dog trainer was not very direct. In 2010 I moved from Pittsburgh to Chicago to play hockey and thought that was the pathway my life was going to take.
Fortunately, God had a different plan for me. I was severely injured in 2011 and had two serious Traumatic Brain Injuries that not only ended my playing career but also limited my ability to live a fulfilling life. I struggled with daily functions and was sucked into a black hole of anxiety and depression because of it. After 1.5 years of trying to recover, my parents (who are the greatest parents you could ever ask for) decided it would be a good idea to get a dog. There was a caveat to that, however. In order for me to get a puppy, I had to go stay and spend time with my uncle in Columbus Ohio, who trained dogs professionally in the ’80s and ’90s. Done deal.
I was absolutely fascinated by what my Uncle Andy was teaching me, and fascinated by how fast dogs can learn. How quickly dogs, some of whom have had a terrible past, can have an amazing future with proper training. I was ready, and I picked up my English Mastiff puppy, Trigger. This boy was the greatest thing to ever happen to me, and he truly saved my life. He gave me a purpose, a reason to learn, to get up, and to keep moving. I owe everything that I am, and everything that I have to that sweet boy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like every small business, there have been challenges that we have had to overcome over the last 10 years, but the beginning of the government lockdowns was by far the hardest struggle we have had to go through. Dogs were getting adopted left and right from the animal shelters and rescues, and needed help and training asap.
Due to the lockdowns, as well as competitors that would report us for trying to help struggling dogs during this time, it was very stressful and difficult. Dogs are our family members, and their mental health is so important to me, so there is nothing that I will not do in order to help a dog and its family.
We’ve been impressed with Say It Once Dog Training, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Say It Once Dog Training is the highest-rated family-owned dog training business.
We have over 1000 5-star reviews, and we are continuing to grow. We specialize in private training sessions at our client’s homes, where we train both the dog and the entire family. Our business slogan is that properly trained humans can be a dog’s best friend, and we believe that to our core! Let us help you and your dog reach your maximum potential through proper training.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
This one is so simple, the people. Nashville has a feeling, that unless you live here you cannot explain. The people are what make this city so great, and our dogs are what make the people great.
Nashville is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world, but if you don’t have a well-behaved dog it can really limit what you can do with them. Our goal is to train you, and your dog, so that you can enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer your dog.
Contact Info:
- Website: sayitoncedogtraining.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sayitoncedogtraining
- Facebook: facebook.com/sayitoncedogtraining
- Youtube: youtube.com/sayitoncedogtraining
