Introduction
How will I get my first clients as a dog trainer?
This is the question that keeps people from enrolling in dog training courses.
Not “Will I be good enough?” or “Can I learn the skills?”
But: “What if I qualify and then have no idea how to find work?”
It’s a legitimate fear. Most dog training courses teach you how to train dogs – then wave goodbye and wish you luck with the “business side.”
That’s not how it works here.
After 10 years of training dog trainers, I can tell you exactly how graduates get their first clients – and people do it in different ways, with different timescales.
The important thing is, you don’t have to leave your job – you just get started alongside your current job, meaning there is no financial risk.
The Truth About Getting Your First Clients
Here’s the quickest way and what I did. This is great if you’re confident, but it might frighten the life out of others.
This is just 1 way.
- Do your homework in Level 2. Before you come along to the in-person training, start your launch.
- Find an outdoor space – it doesn’t need to be huge
- Tell everyone what you’re doing
- Create some posters/flyers – put them everywhere
- Make contact with dog walkers and dog groomers
- Tell everyone on your current SM pages
- Set a date – within 2 weeks of the end of your in-person course
- Start taking MONEY – and bookings
Do your homework, have clients waiting before youeven finish training.
For some, that’s all too scary. And I get that, so just take your time and do it slowly.
BUT, I strongly suggest that you have at least 2 or 3 people lined up that you can work with, even if it’s free of charge, on a 121 basis, when you complete your training. Get the results with these dogs, build your confidence first, then take the steps above.
If you complete Level 2 in full, you will already have identified a couple of people that are needing some help and that are happy for you to continue working with them.
Some students already have a database – they run doggy daycare or grooming businesses. But most don’t. They start from zero, just like you probably will.
Some students who want a fast track, set themselves up offering 121 training walks alongside class training. This is another great way to get started quickly.
The Methods That Actually Work
Social Media (The Fastest Route)
Young students particularly use Facebook groups – not dog-related groups, but local community groups where they can promote their services.
Instagram and Facebook posts sharing training tips, puppy advice, and behind-the-scenes content.
The advantage? You can reach people immediately. Students using this method often have enquiries within days.
We provide the content – free lead magnets, training tips, eBooks, and resources you can share straight away. You’re not starting with a blank page.
Word of Mouth (Slower Start, Strong Foundation)
Some students don’t want to use social media. That’s fine.
They grow through:
- Building relationships with local groomers, dog walkers, and pet shops
- Leaving free puppy information at vets (though vets aren’t usually a strong referral source, to be honest)
- Handing out flyers in local parks
- Word of mouth from happy clients – it only takes one
- Asking friends and family to share their cards and flyers
The old-fashioned methods still work. They just take longer to get that first client – but once word of mouth builds, it’s solid.
Adding Income Streams Fast
Some students want to leave their jobs quickly. They add training walks (1-2-1 sessions) alongside group classes.
This brings money in faster while they build their class numbers.
Others offer packages – home visit for new pups + 6-week course. It’s an easy sell and gives clients a clear pathway.
It also captures those pups to join your class.
Sell goods – treat pouches, long training lines, collars, leads, bandanas – you can even progress to personalised water bottles, mugs.
What Makes You Different (And Why It Matters)
Here’s the reality: there are dog trainers everywhere.
But most of them teach the same way – constant repetition, nagging the dog, focusing on obedience.
Our graduates train differently.
They use my Harmony Training™️ method – spend time with your dog, meet your dog’s needs, and the training becomes easier and more natural. No constant nagging.
And they offer things most basic training classes don’t:
– Scent trails (yes, even in puppy classes!)
– Focus, without any commands
– Training that works for any age of dog – not just puppies
– Numerous fun activities – encouraging owners that play IS training
My First Clients (And What I Learned)
When I started, I didn’t have social media. I had flyers and word of mouth.
But I did one thing that was right for me: I had my first clients ready to roll before I completed my training.
I set a launch date – two weeks after finishing my course. I told everyone what I was doing. I sorted my venue. I handed out flyers at the park.
By the time I was qualified, I had people waiting.
And this was at a time when my hovercraft houseboat had sunk, I was effectively homeless, I had an unruly pup, and a job I didn’t like.
If I could do it then, you can do it now.
This isn’t about being “better” than other trainers. It’s about being different – and that’s what gets people to choose you.
Students who want to specialise further can return for add-on training in areas like pet gundog, fun agility, scent work, treibball. All very popular.
The Real Barrier (And It’s Probably Not What You Think)
Some people finish their training and freeze.
But it’s rarely about confidence in their dog training skills – by the end of the 4 days, they know they can do it.
The real issue? They haven’t done the groundwork.
They don’t have a venue. They haven’t told anyone. They don’t have a launch date. They’re waiting to “feel ready.”
That’s why we focus on business preparation during the training – where will you hold your classes? What do you need to prepare? How will you find your first customers?
We keep you accountable. We don’t let you drift.
What To Do Right Now
If you’re serious about becoming a dog trainer, start preparing before you even enrol:
Think about your venue – where could you realistically train dogs? It must be outdoors – yes, even for winter classes.
Start talking about it – tell people you’re thinking about this career. Gauge reactions. Get comfortable saying it out loud.
Set a date – even if it’s tentative. “I’m planning to start training dogs by [month].” This makes it real.
Look at local trainers – what are they offering? What could you do differently?
The students who earn £500 in their first week aren’t the most experienced or the most naturally confident.
They’re the ones who did this homework.
You’re Not Alone In This
Here’s what makes our programme different:
You get lifetime support. Not just during the course – forever. Through me and my team and the online graduate community.
You get lead magnets (training tips) and content ready to use from day one. This is what you can use to attract your clients.
You get business preparation built into the training – we don’t just teach you to train dogs, we help you build the business.
And you get accountability – we keep you on track so you don’t drift into “I’ll do it later” mode.
Most courses teach you the skills then leave you to figure out the rest.
We don’t.
Because getting clients isn’t mysterious. It’s not about luck or having the perfect website or being naturally outgoing.
It’s about doing the groundwork, being different, and taking action before you feel completely ready.
That’s it.
Ready To Start
If you want to know more about how the Dog Trainer Certificate Programme works – and how we support you in building your business from day one –
I’ll share my story, what it’s really like to be a dog trainer, and how much you can realistically earn.
And if you’re ready to book your place, choose your training dates here, and get started immediately with the online training.
You don’t have to give up your job to get started. You just have to start.
Check out my article: Becoming A Dog Trainer-How it changes lives, not just careers
Have questions? Email to arrange an informal chat.
