Veronica

Imagine this: You’re sitting down to work on your business marketing plan, coffee in hand, laptop open, dog treats ready for any unexpected deliveries. Suddenly, a notification pings. An Instagram post about a new online training course catches your eye. You click. Twenty minutes later, you’re deep in the comment section rabbit hole, comparing yourself to trainers with seemingly perfect businesses, and your original task? Forgotten.

Welcome to the world of modern dog training – where distractions abound and ‘squirrel syndrome’ frequently has you chasing in the wrong direction. 

Distractions, distractions…everywhere

Our world is a minefield of attention-grabbers. Family and caretaking responsibilities, endless learning opportunities, social media comparisons, doom scrolling, self-doubt, and the persistent fear of missing out (FOMO) constantly vie for our attention. It’s like trying to train a highly distractible puppy – except the puppy is our own brain.

Most dog trainers fall into one of two camps when confronting all these overwhelming forces:

The Productivity Warrior

This is the trainer who decides to conquer time itself. Armed with productivity apps, time-management books, and an IV drip of coffee, they attempt to do ALL THE THINGS. They create color-coded schedules, wake up at 4 AM, listen to productivity podcasts during their morning run, and still feel like they’re falling behind.

If you find yourself scheduling every minute of your day, taking client calls during your lunch break, running training sessions back-to-back, and completing online courses during dinner – you may feel all this productivity is hard to let go off, yet you’re not really enjoying the payoff.

The Procrastination Specialist

On the flip side, some trainers become masters of avoidance. Fear of failure lurks beneath the surface, making it terrifying to start that business plan or launch that new training program. It feels safer to blame lack of time than to risk trying and potentially failing.

This may resonate if you find yourself poised to update your website, create new social media content, or develop an online course, only to be stopped by questions like, “But what if it’s not good enough? What if no one likes it?”

The perfectionism trap

Underlying both extremes is a common enemy: the belief that we must do everything perfectly. Society whispers (sometimes shouts) that we should be:

• Successful business owners
• World-class dog trainers
• Perfect parents (to humans and canines)
• Social media influencers
• Immaculate housekeepers
• Gourmet cooks
• Fitness models
• Community volunteers

The reality is, those who seem to “have it all” almost never do it alone—and no one is immune to a bad day. Even the most “perfect” brands are backed by entire teams of professionals. Perfection is a clever illusion, carefully crafted by curated social media feeds and society’s high expectations. Behind every flawless image lies a mix of hard work, compromises, and struggles we don’t see.

The mathematics of time

In his book Four Thousand Weeks, author Oliver Burkeman suggests that one way to deal with productivity paralysis is to: “Decide in advance what you will fail at.” He also reminds us to get real with numbers. We have 365 days in a year:

• 52 weeks
• 7 days per week
• 24 hours per day

In an average human life, we get just 4,000 weeks during our time on this planet. Here’s the hard truth: There will never be “enough” time. Never. The to-do list is infinite; time is not. Embracing imperfection isn’t defeat; it’s strategy. By liberating yourself from the “do it all” myth, you give yourself permission to focus on what truly matters.

Research consistently shows we’re more productive and happier when we:

• Focus deeply
• Accept imperfection
• Celebrate small wins
• Allow ourselves genuine rest

So take a moment. Breathe. Ask yourself:

• What can I intentionally do less of?
• Where can I give myself permission to be imperfect?
• What truly matters to me right now?

Step-by-step focus framework

If all of this leaves you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The framework below can help you regain clarity and focus by breaking things down into manageable steps.

1. Accept Reality

Start by acknowledging that you simply can’t do it all—and that’s okay! You’re human, not a productivity robot. Recognizing your limitations is the first step to working smarter, not harder.

2. Clarify Priorities

Picture your time as a jar you need to fill:

• Big rocks (critical priorities): These are the most important things, like your core business tasks, family, or personal health.
• Pebbles (important but not critical): Tasks that support your growth, such as networking or skill development.
• Sand (everything else): The small stuff—social media scrolling, minor errands, or catching up on that Netflix series.

Pro trip: When setting goals and scheduling your time, always put the big rocks in first. If you fill your jar with sand or pebbles, you won’t have room for what truly matters.

3. Protect Your Priorities

Your priorities won’t protect themselves—you have to do it.

• Set clear boundaries around your time.
• Practice saying no to things that don’t align with your goals. Every no is a yes to something else, and often something more important (like a day off!).
• Block off non-negotiable time on your calendar for the big rocks.

4. Take Intentional Steps

Focus on taking deliberate, meaningful actions. Instead of worrying about everything at once, concentrate on the most important task right in front of you.

What might this look like for dog trainers?

• Maybe you don’t need to be on every social media platform. Focus on one or two where your ideal clients are most active and engage meaningfully there.
• Focus on the training services that bring you joy and ditch the ones you no longer enjoy. Letting go of services that drain you can make space for the work you’re truly passionate about.
• Outsource tasks that sap your energy. Whether it’s social media scheduling, bookkeeping, or writing a new website, hiring help can free you up to do what you love most—training dogs.
• Build genuine connections instead of chasing every networking opportunity. Prioritize quality relationships with people who align with your values.
• Streamline your client onboarding process. Automate emails, contracts, and scheduling so you spend less time on admin and more time with your clients.
• Give yourself permission to take breaks. Rest and recharge so you can bring your best self to your clients and their dogs.

Don’t forget the journey

Success isn’t about reaching a perfect endpoint. It’s about enjoying the path. It’s about learning, growing, and maintaining joy in your work. Remember: You’re not just a dog trainer. You’re a human being who trains dogs. 

So go ahead – chase the right squirrel. The one that leads you toward meaningful goals, not away from them.

At THRIVE!, we want to help you chase the right squirrels. Our curriculum is designed to help you reach your goals – both personal and business.

Managing your time as a dog trainer can be as tricky as teaching a collie to chill at a children’s birthday party. Your days are filled with client appointments, administrative tasks, ongoing education, and hopefully, some personal time. But just like dog training, mastering time management is a skill that can be learned and refined. Let’s dive into some strategies to help you create a schedule that works for your unique business and personality.

Understanding your work style

The first step in creating an effective schedule is to understand your natural work style. Are you a “splitter,” a “lumper,” or somewhere in between?

Splitters are natural planners who thrive on detailed schedules. They’re the ones who have color-coded calendars and enjoy breaking tasks down into small steps. A splitter might schedule their day like this:

• 8:00-9:00 AM: Answer emails and return phone calls
• 9:00-10:30 AM: Client session with Max the Labrador
• 10:30-11:00 AM: Write up session notes and plan next session
• 11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Client session with Bella the Poodle
• 12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch and quick walk
• 1:30-3:00 PM: Work on new puppy training curriculum
• 3:00-4:30 PM: Client session with Charlie the Beagle
• 4:30-5:30 PM: Administrative tasks and planning for tomorrow

For splitters, the challenge often lies in implementation rather than planning. They may need to focus on strategies to stick to their carefully crafted schedules.

Lumpers, or “freedom seekers,” prefer flexibility. They’re comfortable setting a general direction and figuring out the details as they go. A lumper’s schedule might look more like this:

• Morning: Client sessions
• Afternoon: Office work and curriculum development
• Evening: Personal time

While this approach allows for creativity and adaptability, it can sometimes lead to frustration if long-term goals aren’t being met. Lumpers may benefit from setting some loose structure to ensure they’re making progress on important tasks.

If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, you might be a “slumper.” You appreciate some structure but also value flexibility. Your ideal schedule might include a mix of detailed plans and open-ended time blocks. For example:

• 8:00-10:00 AM: Client sessions (specific appointments scheduled)
• 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Flexible work time (choose between curriculum development, administrative tasks, or additional client sessions)
• 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch break
• 1:00-3:00 PM: Client sessions (specific appointments scheduled)
• 3:00-5:00 PM: Flexible work time

Remember, no work style is inherently better than another. The key is to recognize your natural tendencies and create a plan that works with, not against, your style.

What makes a plan effective?

Regardless of your work style, there are some essential elements to consider when creating your schedule:

Emphasize balance: Include regular time off, preferably two full days per week. Research shows that we are less productive when we push ourselves too hard or try to multitask. Taking care of yourself is key to long-term success. For example, you might decide to make Sundays and Wednesdays your days off, using them for rest, personal pursuits, and spending time with your own dogs.

Prioritize what matters: Make sure your schedule includes time for high-level business tasks that move you towards your goals, as well as personal activities that bring you joy and keep you energized. These tasks might include developing new training programs, marketing your business, or attending professional development workshops. On the personal side, it could be daily exercise, meditation, or a weekly hobby class.

Work with your natural rhythms: Pay attention to when you’re most productive for different types of tasks. For example, if you’re a morning person, schedule your most challenging or creative work for early in the day. You might find that you’re best at writing blog posts or developing training plans in the morning, while afternoon energy is perfect for client sessions.

Work ON your business, not just in it: Set aside at least three hours a week for big-picture tasks like marketing, financial planning or curriculum development. Don’t let these important activities get squeezed out by day-to-day operations. For instance, you might block out every Friday afternoon for business development tasks.

Creating your plan

When developing your schedule, remember that it’s not set in stone. As author Oliver Burkeman suggests, a plan is simply “a present moment statement of intent.” It’s a guide to help you use your time effectively, but it can and should be adjusted as needed.

For splitters, focus on implementation strategies. Your detailed plans are great, but make sure you have systems in place to follow through. This might include setting reminders, using a task management app, or having an accountability partner.

Lumpers should aim for a higher-level structure that provides direction without feeling restrictive. Consider using broad categories for your time rather than scheduling every minute. For example, you might designate mornings for client work, afternoons for business development, and evenings for personal time.

Slumpers might benefit from a mix of detailed planning for certain activities and more open-ended time blocks for others. You could schedule client sessions and important meetings precisely, but leave other time blocks more flexible.

Mastering time management takes practice and patience. Be willing to adjust your approach as you learn what works best for you and your business. Over time, you’ll develop a system that allows you to serve your canine clients and their humans, grow your business, and still have time for your furry friends at home.

THRIVE! is one way to get your schedule in order. Our curriculum includes step-by-step support to create a plan that works for you and your business.

As a dog trainer, your expertise is your greatest asset – gained from all those hours spent observing behavior, delving into learning theory, and perfecting your training techniques. It’s natural to want to share this hard-won knowledge with your clients. But if you’ve launched into explanations about quadrants and conditioning, only to be met with glazed looks and furrowed brows, you know how difficult it can be to make dog training concepts accessible. The success of your business hinges not just on your knowledge, but on your ability to make those “ah-ha!” moments simple for your clients to grasp. When this happens, it leads to happier dogs, happier humans, and a successful business.

Here’s a quick guide to turning your canine know-how into client-friendly gold.

Beware of jargon

Terms like “operant conditioning” and “extinction burst” are likely part of your daily vocabulary. But for clients, this lingo can be as confusing as their adolescent dog’s sudden disinterest in recall. Once you’ve discovered the language of dog training, it’s easy to forget how it felt not to know it. One solution? Create your own ‘trainer talk’ dictionary. For example:

• “Positive reinforcement” becomes “rewarding good behavior”
• “Socialization” translates to “positive early experiences for lifelong confidence”
• “Desensitization” turns into “helping your dog get used to something gradually”

Use this dictionary consistently across all your content – articles, handouts, social media. Your clients will appreciate the clarity, and you’ll find it easier to maintain consistency in your messaging.

Use analogies and metaphors

People understand new concepts best when they can relate them to their own experiences. A great way to make your content more accessible is to draw parallels between dog training ideas and everyday life. Examples:

• Explain that a clicker is like a camera that “captures” the precise moment a dog does something right. 
• Describe leash training like teaching a child to hold hands in a busy street. It’s not about control, but about safety and teamwork.
• Compare counter-conditioning to changing someone’s opinion about broccoli by always serving it with cheese. Over time, they may even like broccoli on its own!

Make storytelling your secret weapon

At our core, humans are storytellers. We’re wired to remember narratives better than facts. Use this to make your content stick. For example, instead of just stating, “Consistency is key in dog training,” tell a story:

“Meet Sarah and Max. Sarah complained that Max would listen sometimes, but mostly ignored her. In our first session, Max’s family realized that they were all using different cues. ‘Come,’ ‘Here,’ and ‘Max, get over here!’ all meant the same thing. No wonder Max was confused! We set one cue for each behavior, and within weeks, Sarah reported that Max was responding like a champ. The lesson? Consistency isn’t just important; it’s essential if you want dog training to be a team sport!”

Stories like this are relatable, memorable, and they subtly guide clients towards a better relationship with their dog.

Show, don’t just tell

Dog training is inherently a physical skill, requiring precision, timing, and body language. This is why using visuals in your training content is so effective. The human brain also tends to process images with more ease than just text alone; activating multi-sensory memory pathways, organizing information into digestible chunks, and reducing cognitive overload. Some ideas include:

• Create infographics comparing dog body language to human gestures. A tucked tail isn’t just a tail; it’s the dog equivalent of a nervous smile.
• Use before-and-after video clips in your social media posts. Show a snippet from the first loose-lead walking session, then the same dog putting it all together in a more distracting environment. It’s powerful proof that your methods work.
• For articles about physical cues or training setups, include step-by-step photos. A picture of the exact hand position for a cue is clearer than paragraphs of explanation.

Use the power of “why”

Clients are more likely to follow advice when they understand the reasoning. Always include the “why” behind your “what.” Examples:

• “We use a long line for recall training because it keeps Bella safe while she learns. It’s like training wheels on a bike – it prevents accidents while she’s learning the ropes.”
• “I recommend stuffed Kongs for crate training because they create a positive association, which means the crate is a nice place to be rather than an unpleasant one.”
• “We use food rewards in training because they instantly tell your dog, ‘Yes, you nailed it!’ It makes learning fun and motivates them to do it again.”

FAQs as a content goldmine

Looking for an easy way to create relevant content? Keep a document of frequently asked client questions. These queries can be a great starting point for articles, social media posts, and handouts. You may find the words come easily as you’ve already answered these questions so often! Turn FAQs into:

• Blog posts: “Top 5 Questions New Puppy Owners Ask (Plus Answers!)”
• Video series: “60-Second Training Tips: Your Questions Answered”
• Email nurture sequence: Send a new tip each week to keep clients engaged

Positive over negative phrasing

Avoid phrasing things in the negative. It’s unclear and less motivating. Instead, use positive, action-oriented language that tells clients exactly what to do and inspires them with the benefits. This approach not only clarifies expectations but also paints a picture of success, making the training process more engaging and effective. Some rephrasing examples:

• Instead of “Don’t let your dog pull on the leash,” say “Learn how to teach your dog to walk nicely beside you. Imagine enjoyable walks without any shoulder strain!”
• Rather than “No jumping on guests,” try “Watch how Daisy greets guests politely by sitting. Your friends will be impressed!”

The “neighborhood test”

Before sharing any content, try the “neighborhood test.” Share it with a non-dog person – a neighbor, a family member, or a friend from a different field. If they can grasp the concept and explain it back to you, congratulations! You’ve successfully translated trainer talk into human speak.

Creating accessible content is an art that blends your dog training science with the science of human communication. Every time a client’s eyes light up with understanding, every time they report a successful training session, you’re improving human-dog relationships and building a more successful business.

Our final tip? Our newsletter marketing service is professionally written and vetted by R+ training pros. If you want to share great content with your clients via a newsletter, we can do it for you.