7 Steps to Become a Dog Trainer

If you’re thinking about changing your career and looking to become a dog trainer is close to the top of your list, here’s how to make it happen.

It’s no good just being good with dogs, you need to be good with people and understand how to teach them too.

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Check out my quiz, to see if what you want from a job is matched by what you need and get as a dog trainer.

Step 1- Find the right course for you

You need to find a course that offers practical training as well as the theory. There are many courses out there that offer the theory side of things, but fewer that offer the practical aspect.

Being a dog trainer is a very, practical, hands-on job. You must be able to teach people as well as train dogs.

Be sure the course will train you in all aspects of the job, such as lesson planning and how to set up a small business.

Even if you’re thinking you will do one to one training, you will need to build a reputation and most likely, run some classes in the early days to get going.

Step 2 – Do your research

Find out about the person running the course. By this I mean the people who are actually teaching you on the course. It may not be the head of the organisation that runs the course.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a call and a chat with the person who runs the course. This should be directly with the person who will be teaching you. You need to know you are a good match with each other.

Ask for a visit if you feel that is helpful.

Ask to speak to former students and find out how they found the course and the follow on support.

If you would like a chat with me please just get in touch. 

Step 3 – Sign up for your course

Get started. If you’ve decided this is really what you want to do, then get going. Life is short, none of us have time to waste. It’s so easy to find excuses why we can’t do something. If you’re constantly finding excuses for not doing it, then question, is it really what you want to do.

You can find out more about the course we offer, using this link here.

Step 4 – Research possible venues

Using the support you get from the course you sign up with, start researching possible venues. There are lots of options for getting started. Sometimes you are better using venues on a sessional basis as this gives you chance to get to know your market in different areas. Some will be more profitable than others. Some venues may be more suitable than others.

Setting out, using sessional venues such as local parks (the the councils permission) or scout hut grounds, means you get to find the pros and cons of venues too. When you start looking for a more permanent home, you have a clearer idea of what it is you want.

Step 5 – Get Ready

Start telling people with dogs, what it is you’re doing. Be confident that your classes are going to be full of effective, positive training methods and that you will be able to help them train their dog.

In the first instance you are looking to work with dogs and puppies that are friendly and sociable and just need basic training. Don’t try to run before you can walk. Get the basics in place first. Just like anything we do, we need a solid foundation to build on.

Prepare some business cards so you can hand them out to people. Start taking contact details for people who express an interest.

Start getting your website and/or social media pages ready. Get family/friends to share your post and page so you start to build a following.

Often people are nervous when they look around and see other trainers in the area that have been running for a long time. Don’t be. You have the advantage that your training methods are up-to-date and fresh. You have the advantage that you are part of a community, using your peer group to support you.

Have a venue and a start date. Get 3 or 4 people booked in. This might be friends or family. Anything to get you started. Take money from paying dog owners.

Step 6 – Complete your training course

Complete your course. Be sure to get all that you need. Ideally the course you choose will allow you to return for further practical training if you feel you need more support.

Be ready to start as soon as you finish your course. Leave it more than 2 weeks after your course completion and your confidence will dwindle.

Step 7 – Run your first class

Be confident, lean on your peer group, seek support from your course provider.

Whatever you do, get going.

You will be nervous when you run your first class. Blimey, I remember just wanting to run away 30 minutes before my first class was about to start. Not sure how I managed to talk myself into staying put and waiting for the customers.

REMEMBER, it’s how you make people feel that matters most. Greet your people with a smile however you are feeling.

Complete your first class, be proud, and go home for a glass of something.

Still wondering if you can become a dog trainer? Check out my video, how I did it and how you can too. 

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