How to Start a Dog Training Business in 2024: 10 Expert Tips
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Work can seem less tiresome if you do something you love. If you’re a dog lover, few jobs can be more rewarding than becoming a trainer. It’s also a wise career move. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),1 the job outlook is excellent, with the agency forecasting a 29% increase in workers.
You can also have the satisfaction of running your own business. That gives you a lot of freedom to do things your way. However, it also comes with its challenges, including stuff unrelated to canines, such as marketing and taxes. Our first tip addresses this aspect so you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
The 10 Tips on How to Start a Dog Training Business
1. Find a Mentor to Teach You the Ropes
We strongly urge you to find a mentor before you start making financial decisions. An experienced dog trainer can give the inside track on many aspects of running this kind of business that you only learn on the job. Books and articles can only tell you so much. Your mentor may also be able to give you some leads that touch on other tips in our list.
Many qualities can help you succeed in this profession. A mentor can help you develop problem-solving skills and learn what other ones are necessary. After all, it’s one thing to imagine what being a dog trainer involves; it’s another matter to understand what truly matters. This individual can also help you build your network.
2. Consider Getting Certified
The chances are that you won’t need to be certified. However, it’s worth the effort to check into the benefits. First, it’ll help you stand out from your competition. The solid job outlook also means others will be vying for gigs. Organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)2 can provide the necessary education and resources to jumpstart your career.
You’ll find plenty of ways to build your credential through various paths, such as apprenticeship programs, in-person workshops, or online courses. Getting certified offers another way to grow your network and earn referrals.
3. Find Your Niche
You may find it helpful to specialize in a niche within the dog-training spectrum. It is another way to sell yourself as an experience. Some people choose to stick to the basics with leash training or branch out into more specialized forms, such as clicker use or hand signals. If you have experience showing dogs, you might think about training pups for obedience trials.
Other things to consider include whether you want owner participation in training. Do you want to offer private consultations or group lessons? Some pet owners want to be involved, whereas others want a trained dog. Remember that most people think of their pets as family members.3 They want the best for their canine companions. Specializing in a niche conveys a strong message and brands you as an expert.
4. Research the Rates You Can Charge
Just because you’re doing something you enjoy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a fair wage for your time and effort. Training is hard work at times, especially with challenging pets. According to the BLS, the estimated annual earnings for a professional dog trainer is $31,280.4 Of course, several factors play a role in what you can make. The first three items on our list are an excellent start.
We suggest figuring out how much time you would invest in training a dog. You should also consider your costs, whether it’s equipment, treats, or rental for a space to conduct sessions. Tallying these items will help you determine what you should charge to recoup your costs and make a decent living.
5. Determine the Best Location for Your Business
They say that location is everything when it comes to business. That’s why it pays to research your target audience. It doesn’t pay to set up a shop somewhere where there aren’t a lot of pet owners. We suggest determining where other pet-related businesses exist, such as groomers, veterinary clinics, doggie parks, and pet daycare. They’ve already done the legwork to find the best places.
You should check with your local city hall about any license requirements you may need to fulfill. Zoning issues and other legalities may dictate whether you can run your business out of your home.
6. Develop Your Brand Before You Start
While you have to do the legal stuff, the fun part is deciding on a name and what your brand entails. We suggest getting your logo and website professionally designed. Remember that they are the first impression you make to potential customers. A DIY site screams amateur. You want the elements of your brand to reflect the positive experience you want to offer pet owners.
A professional web designer has a keen understanding of how to make sites visually appealing and engaging. Surprisingly, one study found that website visitors make decisions about the ones they go to within 50 milliseconds of the first exposure. Your site must also balance being interesting and not coming across as impersonal.
7. Set Up a Separate Bank Account
Even if you’re self-employed, do yourself a favor and set up a separate bank account for your business. It’ll make accounting and taxes infinitely more manageable. It’ll also help you make informed decisions. You can determine if you’re making money or indulging in a hobby.
You should consider creating a limited liability company (LLC). This legal entity protects you from personal losses and keeps the financial focus on the business. It’s a wise plan whenever you’re dealing with a wild card, like live animals. Dogs can be unpredictable at times. It only makes sense to take care of yourself.
8. Create Social Media Profiles
People often read reviews before buying stuff. The opinions of others matter because we see them as less biased than a business bragging about its products and services. Social media profiles allow you to interact with your customers in real time. Customers expect quick responses to their concerns. Having an active presence makes it possible for you. Don’t let your profiles act simply as billboards.
Social media provides a perfect way to advertise your services with pictures and videos of your success stories. We love dog stuff. Everyone does. We also recommend claiming your site on Yelp. Remember that people usually post reviews if they’re either delighted with their experience or angry about it. While you can’t remove bad reviews, you can address them publicly.
9. Promote Your Services
You must promote yourself if you hope to succeed as a dog trainer, even if you feel uncomfortable with it. We suggest introducing yourself to the local vet clinics and other pet-related businesses. Make sure to bring flyers or business cards with you. Keep the latter with you at all times. You never know when you’re going to run into a new client.
You can also send press releases to the local radio stations and newspapers. Many are always on the lookout for the next big thing. Make their jobs easier and hand it to them. Even a small blurb can generate some valuable leads.
10. Set Up a YouTube Channel
Don’t underestimate the power of on-demand videos. Visuals work exceedingly well. It also gives you another way to spread the word about your business. We recommend offering visitors something for free, such as training tips for new dog owners. It’s an excellent icebreaker to get people interested in your services. Again, a professional presentation is vital.
You should also regularly add new content. It doesn’t have to be every day, but it’ll improve your engagement with visitors if you share your insider tips frequently.
Conclusion
Starting a dog training business is a great way to make money doing something you love. The chances are you’ll find your work rewarding as you help pet owners bond with their dogs and improve the quality of life for the canines and the humans. You can empower people to get better results with their training efforts. The best way to succeed is with patience, good customer service skills, and drive.
Featured Image Credit: ImYanis, Shutterstock
