Dog behavior training: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering dog behavior training

Owners hire behavior specialists for problems that are hard to solve alone, such as barking, chewing and reactivity. Your assessment method, your written plans and your veterinary referrals are what win trust and repeat work.

What customers ask

  • Why is my dog doing this?
  • How long will it take to change the behavior?
  • Will you use punishment?
  • Do I need to see my vet first?
  • What can I do between sessions?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the behavior, when it happens, what has been tried and any health changes.
  • Explain the assessment in plain words, including what you will watch for and why.
  • Set a written plan with steps, timing and practice tasks for the owner.
  • Ask for a veterinary check when a medical cause is possible, and say why in the first session.
  • Put the visits, the written plan, the follow-up calls and any veterinary referral in the quote.
  • Review progress at set points and change the plan when the behavior changes.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos or video clips of behavior progress, shown with consent
  • A list of your services, such as barking, separation work, chewing, reactivity and jumping
  • Your training credentials from recognized dog training or behavior bodies
  • Your method and your approach to veterinary referrals, described in plain words
  • Your business registration and any local permit that applies to your business

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a follow-up call after the first two weeks of the plan
  • Suggest a group class for a dog that needs more practice in public
  • Offer a family session for everyone who lives with the dog

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for dog behavior work, but rules differ by state and city. Keep your business registration, any local business license your city requires, and your training credentials from recognized dog training or behavior bodies, and list them on your profile.

Questions

Do I need a license to do behavior work?

A license is often not required for dog behavior work, but rules differ by state and city. Check your local city or county rules for business licensing and keep your credentials current.

How do I handle a client who wants quick results?

Explain the timeline and what changes it, and show the client the steps they need to practice. Do not promise results you cannot control.

Should I refer a dog to a veterinarian?

Yes, when a medical cause is possible, such as pain, illness or a sudden change in behavior. Say why, and ask the owner to share the veterinary results with you.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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