Overcoming Fear:
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Your Dog Training Journey
Starting a new career can be one of the most exciting yet scary decisions you’ll ever make. For many people who love the idea of being a dog trainer, their passion for dogs is intense, but the fear of leaving behind a stable job, the unknowns of running a business, or doubts about financial viability can hold them back. However, now more than ever, there are numerous reasons to push past these fears and begin your journey toward becoming a professional dog trainer. With the dog population on the rise and the prospect of taking control of your future, there has never been a better time to take the leap.
Addressing the Fear of Career Change
The idea of switching careers can feel daunting. Whether you’ve spent years in a completely different field or are just starting out, the unknown is scary. Everyone feels failure. It’s lack of confidence that hides itself away in procrastination. What if I’m not good enough? What if I don’t make enough money? What if I can’t find clients? All those niggling thoughts stop people from taking action.
Those niggling doubts and fears don’t have to stop you from pursuing a career as a dog trainer. One of the most powerful ways to overcome this fear is by realising that you don’t have to make a sudden, drastic change. Many successful dog trainers, just like me, begin their journey part-time while continuing with their current job. This approach allows you to ease into your new career, building skills and confidence without the pressure of abandoning your steady income right away.
It’s okay to have doubts. I had no idea, when I set out on my dog training journey, that it would become the business that it has. I was anxious, I had to gain enough income to keep my family. But, just taking those first baby steps, you can open yourself up to a world of possibility. My key message to everyone, is that dog training isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation that can lead to freedom and fulfilment, both personally and professionally.
Financial Concerns: The Path to Earning and Growth
One of the most common fears people have when starting a new career is the financial aspect. Can I make enough money to support myself? What if I can’t find enough clients to sustain my business?
The financial potential for dog trainers is often higher than many realise. Running class training is certainly the most profitable starting point and that’s just what we teach you to do, in The National Dog Training Academy (NDTA), Dog Trainer Certificate programme. On completion, you have all you need to start running your first dog or puppy training classes.
With class training you can earn a net profit of £15 – 20 per dog per class. With just eight dogs in a class, that’s a minimum turnover of £120 per class. If you run eight classes over the weekend, you could be looking at a potential weekly income of £960 by just working two half days on a weekend. While this level of earnings might take time to build up, it shows that dog training has massive potential. You have your costs to deduct from that, but costs for running a class, vary, depending on your venue, but generally costs are minimal.
Beyond the numbers, it’s important to focus on the long-term growth potential. As you gain experience and reputation, you can start running specialised classes, taking The NDTA training in pet gundog and Truffle Hunting. You can start taking on more challenging cases, offering one-on-one behaviour sessions. The dog training industry is booming, especially as more people are investing time and money into their pets’ well-being. According to the PDSA report, there are an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs in the UK in 2024, compared to 8.2 million in 2011. The number of adults owning a pet dog is estimated to be 28%.
For those worried about the cost of training itself, the key is to think of this as an investment in your future, one that will pay off as you gain experience and start to see your client base grow. With The NDTA programme, we are there to support you for life and offer a range of specialist programmes to help you build your business.
Building Confidence with Step-by-Step Training
As we’ve already noted, procrastination is caused by lack of confidence. Many wonder if they have the right skills, experience, or personality to succeed in this field. That’s very good worries to have. People often think, ‘I’m great with dogs, I would be a brilliant dog trainer.’ BUT being a dog trainer means being a good teacher with good people skills too.
Programmes like The NDTA’s Dog Trainer Certificate are specifically designed to build your confidence, in teaching people as well as training dogs, even if you’re starting with no experience. The training is broken down into manageable levels, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Level 1 and 2 are online, for self-study in your own time, while being supported as much as you need through the modules.
By the time you reach Level 3, the in-person training, which focuses on practical hands-on training, you will already have a deep understanding of dog behaviour and training techniques. Our small student groups, typically no more than four students, ensure that you get personalised attention from experienced instructors. This setup allows you to practice your skills in a supportive environment, building your confidence as you work with real dogs and clients.
One of the most crucial elements of the training process is the support network you develop. Not only do you have access to experienced trainers who are there to guide you, but you also form bonds with your peers, creating your first supportive community, as you go off and start your amazing new journey.
Taking Control of Your Future
Beyond the fears of financial instability and lack of experience, many people hesitate to start a new career because they are comfortable with their current job. The idea of leaving behind a secure income, even if it’s unfulfilling, can feel too risky. However, not taking the step and not taking control of your life, continuing on the current path because it’s comfortable, can make you very unhappy.
As a dog trainer, you are not just working for to pay the bills—you’re building a business that reflects your passions and values. You get to decide how much you work, what services you offer, and even when you take time off. This kind of flexibility is incredibly rare in most jobs, and it’s one of the reasons so many people find dog training to be not just a career, but a lifestyle.
Imagine being able to wake up and decide how your day unfolds. You’re no longer bound by the 9-to-5 grind, and you get to spend your days doing something you love—working with dogs and helping people build strong, meaningful relationships with their pets.
Conclusion: Now Is the Time
If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a dog trainer but fear has been holding you back, now is the time to take the leap. With my supportive team, a step-by-step training program, and a growing demand for skilled trainers, you have all the tools you need to succeed. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from building the career—and the life—you’ve always wanted.
Remember, every successful dog trainer started exactly where you are now: with a passion for dogs and the courage to take the first step. We were all uncertain or even scared, in the beginning.
Your journey is waiting. Will you take it?
Check out the full Dog Trainer Certificate Programme and sign up TODAY.
