Dog training: a guide for pros

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

Offering dog training

Dog owners hire trainers for clear, humane training with a plan they can follow at home. Your method, your progress notes and your homework plan are what win long-term clients and referrals.

What customers ask

  • What training method do you use?
  • How long will my dog take to learn?
  • Will I learn to train my dog too?
  • Do you use shock collars or prong collars?
  • What if my dog does not respond?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask about the dog's age, history, goals, triggers and the owner's routine.
  • Watch the dog and the owner together in the first session, and explain what you observe in plain words.
  • Set clear goals for each session, and write a plan the owner can follow at home.
  • Give homework with a short practice schedule and a way to report progress.
  • Put the number of sessions, the training type, the home visits and the follow-up in the quote.
  • Explain your method and your position on harsh tools, so the owner knows what to expect.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos or video clips of training progress, shown with consent
  • A list of your training services, such as basic manners, puppy training, leash work and recall
  • Your training credentials from recognized dog training bodies, and their dates
  • Your training method, described in plain words
  • Your business registration and any local permit that applies to your training business

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a follow-up session after the plan is complete
  • Suggest a group class for a dog that needs more social practice
  • Offer a video review of the owner's homework

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for dog training, 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 bodies, and list them on your profile.

Questions

Do I need a license to train dogs for pay?

A license is often not required for dog training, 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 an owner who wants harsh methods?

Explain your method and why you use it, and decline any method that causes pain or fear. Refer the owner to another trainer if their goals do not match your approach.

Should I guarantee results?

No. Dogs and owners vary, so describe the goals and the plan, and say what success looks like. Avoid promises of a fixed result.

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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