How to Start a Dog Training Business

Time & Money
Starting a dog training business takes a moderate amount of money, and a lot of time. You'll need to learn various skills and gain certifications in the fields of animal behavior and dog training. Initial expenses will include training materials and equipment such as leashes and treats, as well as covering the cost of insurance and marketing, which will both be required to source and maintain clients. Also consider renting out space for training or offering in-home sessions - though this will depend on your business model.

Difficulty
7/10

Weekly Time Commitment
20-30 hours

Earnings Per Month
$2,000 - $8,000

Is Starting a Dog Training Business The Right Gig For Me?

Before considering how to start a dog training business, you should conduct some honest reflection, and consider whether this is the right gig for you. Do you love animals and work well with pet owners? If so, starting a dog training business may be a good fit for you. It is a patience-based business requiring strong communication skills and the ability to train various dog breeds, as well as dogs with specific behavioral needs. Starting a dog training business is not likely to be for you if you don't think you could handle working with aggressive dogs, or dealing with demanding owners.

Preparation: How To Start a Dog Training Business

You should first become knowledgeable about dog training and gain formal certification. Many dog trainers are certified by associations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or the Certification Council for Professional Dog trainers. Find out what services are in demand in your local market so that you can corner the market. Lastly, you will need to develop a clear pricing plan and decide on a marketing strategy. Let's take a look at these steps in a bit more detail so that you can gain a clear understanding of how to start a dog training business.

Execution

Get Certified and Build Your Skills

The first step is to acquire the necessary knowledge and certification. Enroll in a dog training program to learn about canine behavior, training techniques, and safety protocols. Building a solid understanding of different breeds and their needs will help you tailor your approach and offer better service to clients.

Create a Service Offering

Decide which services you will be providing - private one on one training, group classes, puppy training or behavioral issue resolution. Create service packages for obedience training, aggression management or socialization. The pricing should reflect the time and expertise you invest in each session, as well as including options such as virtual training to reach more clients.

Market Your Business

Now it's time to start barking about your services. Get started with a professional website and social media accounts. Showing success stories, transformations, and testimonials from happy clients will help you establish trust. Other local marketing options include flyers, word of mouth referrals, and partnerships with pet stores, groomers, and vets.

Offer Ongoing Support and Training Packages

Provide ongoing support for dog owners - whether that's follow-up sessions or training packages - to maintain customers. Handing out supplementary learning materials and behavioral guides may also help owners to feel more confident about their dog's progress. This ongoing support shows diligence and care, and is likely to result in repeat business and referrals.

Bumps In The Road

Handling Difficult Clients or Pets

Much like human beings, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, and not all of them are easy to train. In fact, some will be extremely aggressive or fearful due to their previous treatment. Working with tough animals is tough and emotionally draining - especially if you don't see immediate results. Set realistic expectations with clients and have a plan for dealing with difficult situations - and know when to call it a day and refer cases on to a specialist.

Building a Client Base

Getting clients early is hard, there's no getting around it. Word of mouth is important but a reputation must be earned. Marketing and promotions will help you spread awareness of your service, and you can even offer free consultations or discounted sessions to build trust and gain clients in this early phase.

Dealing with Seasonal Fluctuations

Dog training is effected by seasonal blips and surges. For example, services may be less popular during the winter. Schedule and budget for these slower months so that you have enough money budgeted for slower periods. You can also counter these lulls with seasonal promotions or online courses to keep your business alive.

Conclusion

Starting a dog training business is not an endeavor free of challenges or stresses, but it's certainly one that is worthwhile. Not only can this gig allow you to connect with animals and enjoy time with your fluffy canine friends, but you can also make a tangible difference in the lives of pet owners. Having an obedient and well behaved dog is something that makes a pet owner's life dramatically easier, so you really are offering a valuable service by training dogs to the highest standard. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get started.