If you know which package you’d like, you may choose from the options below. If you’re not sure, we generally recommend starting with a single appointment to get a feel for the process and you and your consultant can explore what might be best for your goals. If you decide on a package, at the end of your one hour consult, we’ll roll that first appointment into the package you choose.
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As a dog trainer, you provide a wealth of knowledge and skills during your training sessions. But what happens after you leave? That’s where training support resources come in—a way to continue supporting clients as they practice what you’ve taught. Yet the term “resources” can feel a bit vague. Are we talking about handouts? Videos? Links to cute dog memes (for morale)? Let’s break down what support resources are, how they can best support your clients, and how to create and deliver them without adding too much to your workload.
Resources are tools that help your clients implement and reinforce the training they’re learning. They can be anything from a step-by-step guide to teaching “leave it” to a simple checklist of house-training essentials. The best resources:
While the options are endless, here are some tried-and-true options to consider:
A well-designed handout or checklist is one of the simplest and most effective resources you can offer. Clients love clear, actionable instructions.
Provide a breakdown of how to teach a specific behavior. These are great for clients who need extra guidance or want to track their progress.
Sometimes it’s easier to show than to tell. Short, instructional videos can demonstrate techniques like leash handling, clicker timing, or body language cues.
Compile answers to common questions about a specific training topic.
Not every resource has to come from you. A curated list of books, articles, or videos can provide additional perspectives or reinforcement.
Help clients track their progress with ready-to-use templates.
Encouragement goes a long way. Add a fun element to your resources to keep clients engaged.
Creating resources can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small, and build as you go.
Chances are, you’ve already explained “sit” or “loose-leash walking” a hundred times. Turn that explanation into a handout or script for a video.
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use tools like Canva or Word for professional-looking templates. You can even create a branded design for consistency.
Depending on your training focus, create resources for the most common issues first (e.g., house training, recall). Once you’ve covered the essentials, you can branch out into niche topics like resource guarding or separation anxiety.
Your clients are your best testers. Start small, share a resource, and ask for feedback:
Over time, refine your resources based on their responses.
Delivery is just as important as the content. You want your resources to be accessible, easy to use, and tailored to your clients’ preferences. One of the best ways to do this is to ask your clients how they prefer to learn and receive information. Do they like printed materials they can hold in their hands, videos they can watch at their own pace, or interactive online tools? Understanding these preferences allows you to develop resources that suit the majority of your clients.
1. Printed handouts
For in-person sessions, printed resources can be a great leave-behind. Avoid overwhelming your clients—1-2 handouts per session is usually enough.
2. Email or PDF downloads
Send resources as PDFs via email after a session. This gives clients a digital backup they can reference anytime and reprint if needed.
3. Dedicated client portals
If you work with many clients, consider using an easy-to-navigate online folder (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox) to store resources they can access anytime.
4. A learning platform
Offer a more interactive and professional option by using a learning platform to host courses, training videos, or lesson plans. Platforms like Teachable or Thinkific allow clients to engage at their own pace, with all resources in one place.
5. A mix of old and new
Combine modern tools with tried-and-true methods. For example, pair a printed handout with a follow-up video link demonstrating the techniques or an invitation to access a related module on your learning platform.
Support resources are your bridge between training sessions and real life. They empower your clients to practice confidently, deepen their understanding, and stay motivated. Whether it’s a simple checklist, a quick video, or a handout, your resources should reflect your approach: clear, supportive, and focused on success. Start small, tailor your resources to your clients’ needs, and watch your training outcomes soar.
Been thinking about adding an FAQ section to your website? Good thinking! But before you start typing out a laundry list of questions, let’s do some planning. A well done FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) page is more than a simple Q&A – it’s a strategic tool that can transform your website from a static brochure into an interactive, trust-building, client-attracting machine. Think of it as your digital receptionist – welcoming potential clients, answering their burning questions, and subtly showcasing why your dog training approach is what they’ve been searching for.
When done well, FAQs sprinkled across your site can highlight your expertise, improve SEO, and attract clients who are the perfect match for your services. They also help handle common inquiries, freeing up your time to focus on what you do best—helping dogs and their people.
Why FAQs are more than just Q&A
Website FAQs are often approached like a checklist of basic information. In reality, they can be used strategically for multiple benefits:
Building trust
Transparent, comprehensive answers establish credibility before a client even picks up the phone or sends an email. For example, answering a question like, “What is your training approach?” with a response about your positive reinforcement methods helps clients know what to expect.
Reducing anxiety
Proactively addressing common concerns helps nervous dog lovers feel more confident about seeking help. For instance, including a question like, “What if my dog doesn’t respond to training?” reassures clients that you customize plans to meet individual needs.
Saving time
FAQs can reduce repetitive client inquiries, freeing up your time for actual training. For example, addressing a common question upfront like, “Do you offer evening sessions?” helps clients know their options without having to ask.
Finding the right clients
Use FAQs to subtly communicate your approach, philosophy, and ideal client type. A question such as, “What types of dogs and challenges do you specialize in?” gently steers the right-fit clients your way while showcasing your expertise.
Enhancing accessibility
Provide instant information for people who might be hesitant to reach out directly. For example, answering “How do I book a consultation?” helps potential clients take immediate action.
Location, location, location
Where you put your FAQs matters almost as much as what’s in them. Traditionally, they’ve been banished to the website footer or tucked away in a rarely-clicked menu. But savvy R+ trainers know better. Consider these strategic placements:
Crafting FAQs that sell
Here’s where the magic happens. Your FAQs aren’t just answering questions – they’re telling a story about your unique approach and value.
The “behind the curtain” approach
Don’t just answer what. Answer why and how. For example:
Instead of saying, “We offer group training classes,” try: “Our group classes are more than just about teaching sits and stays. We create positive learning environments that transform you and your dog into a dream team, making training feel like a fun game for both of you.”
Anticipate and overdeliver
The best FAQs answer not just common questions but also the unspoken concerns that might hold someone back from reaching out. Think about the hesitations potential clients may have:
Use your FAQs to proactively address these concerns with clear, reassuring answers. For example, if someone is worried their reactive dog can’t be helped, craft a response that acknowledges their fear, shares real success stories, and explains your approach in a way that builds confidence.
SEO magic: How FAQs boost your online visibility
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving your website to help search engines like Google show it to the right people, driving more visitors to your site. FAQs are like secret SEO sauce for your website. By incorporating natural, conversational language that matches how people actually search for dog training help, you’re essentially creating a roadmap for search engines to find you. Each carefully crafted question and answer is an opportunity to include relevant keywords, answer specific queries, and increase your website’s chances of showing up when a desperate dog lover is searching for training help. Search engines love content that directly answers user questions, and a well-structured FAQ does exactly that – boosting your rankings and making you more discoverable.
Putting it all together
Let’s break down how to craft FAQs that truly shine, using a common question about reactive dog training as our example.
“My dog is reactive. Can you help?”
What NOT to do: Canine reactivity intervention requires comprehensive behavioral modification strategies including systematic desensitization and counterconditioning protocols.
What TO do: Absolutely! We’ve helped countless dog lovers turn stressful walks into enjoyable adventures. Think of reactivity like a communication problem – your dog isn’t being bad, they’re just feeling overwhelmed. Our training helps both of you build confidence and understanding, one positive step at a time.
“How long will training take?”
What NOT to do: Training duration is contingent upon multiple variables and the individual canine learner.
What TO do: Great question! While every dog is unique, most of our clients start seeing meaningful changes within 4-6 weeks. We’ll work together to create a personalized plan that fits your dog’s specific needs and your lifestyle. No magic wands, just proven, positive techniques and lots of patience.
“What training methods do you use?”
What NOT to do: We utilize positive reinforcement training methodologies.
What TO do: We’re total dog nerds who believe training should be fun – for both you and your pup! Our science-backed, reward-based approach means lots of treats, games, and those magical moments when you and your dog just “get” each other.
“Are group classes right for my dog?”
What NOT to do:Group classes represent a complex training environment that may or may not be suitable depending on various factors related to canine socialization, individual behavior, and potential stress responses.
What TO do: Great question! Group classes might be perfect if:
Not a good fit if:
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide the best approach for your furry friend!
Keeping your FAQs fresh
Your FAQ page isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Treat it like a living document:
Bonus tip! Repurpose your FAQs
Give your FAQ content a life beyond your website. Repurpose it into social media posts, email newsletters, or even webinar topics to maximize your content’s value while connecting with more people across different platforms.
Your FAQ page is a powerful tool that can transform curious dog lovers into committed clients. It’s not just about answering questions – it’s about building trust, demonstrating expertise, and captivating those ideal clients you can’t wait to work with.
We’ve all experienced it: that enthusiastic client who shows up to their first few sessions beaming with excitement, diligently practicing their homework… and then suddenly ghosts faster than a squirrel at a dog park. It’s not just disappointing when clients drop off—it impacts your business stability, income, and sometimes even your confidence.
Keeping clients tends to cost less—in time, money, and energy—than constantly chasing new ones. Strong client retention can mean the difference between nonstop hustle and a sustainable business where relationships (and revenue) grow over time.
Beyond the financial benefits, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a dog and their person transform together over months and years—not just over a six-week basic manners class.
So, how do you keep those training relationships thriving long after “sit” and “stay” have been mastered? Let’s dive into strategies for keeping your clients engaged for the long haul.
Have you ever mapped out what happens from the moment someone finds your website to the point where they become a raving fan? If not, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
High-retention training businesses think beyond individual sessions to design a seamless client experience:
If you work with reactive dogs, for example, you could create a visual roadmap showing the entire journey from reactivity to confidence, with clear phases and milestones. Helping clients visualize the long-term process makes them less likely to drop off after the first phase.
The first few weeks with a new client are often easy. Everyone is motivated by that fresh-start energy, you’re still the exciting new trainer with all the answers, and (depending on the case) their dog is making visible progress almost every day.
But around week 3 or 4, or when a setback hits? That’s when the reality sets in.
Enthusiasm can start to wane as the initial excitement wears off, progress seems to plateau, and clients start wondering if they really need to keep paying for your services.
This is a make-or-break moment for client retention. And it’s one you can prepare for.
During your initial consultation, talk about this phenomenon. Say something like, “Around week 4, many clients hit a point where progress feels slower and motivation dips. This is totally normal and if it happens, we’ll already have a plan to push through it together.” Or, “Training progress is rarely linear. It may be slower at the beginning before it speeds up, and it’s normal to see a backslide or two along the way. I’m prepared for those, and we’ll actually take advantage of them when they happen.”
Acknowledging the pattern upfront helps clients recognize when it happens rather than interpreting it as failure. Plus, it positions you as the experienced guide who’s seen this journey before and knows the way forward.
The most successful training businesses have mastered what you might call “the gentle pivot”—the smooth transition from problem-solving to long-term partnership.
Start the “what’s next” conversation before the final session—ideally no later than the second-to-last. Take 10–15 minutes to explore future goals together, from loose-leash walking to advanced tricks, off-leash reliability to therapy dog preparation. This helps shift the client’s mindset from “fixing a problem” to “continuing a journey.” Revisit the conversation in the final session so they’ve had time to reflect and are more ready to move forward.
Some practical ways to bridge clients beyond their initial training include:
The key is to create logical next steps that feel valuable—not just like you’re trying to upsell them.
Want to know an underutilized tool for improving client retention? Asking clients what they want!
Midway through your training package, think about sending a quick check-in with three simple questions:
That second question often reveals small, easy-to-adjust preferences, like preferring written instructions to video demos or wanting more regular check-ins. These tweaks show you’re listening.
But the third question is where retention opportunities really shine. When clients articulate goals they haven’t reached yet, they’re essentially telling you exactly what services to offer them next.
You know that feeling when someone remembers your birthday, sends you a thoughtful note, or checks in just to see how you’re doing? That same principle works wonders with your training clients. Small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact on client loyalty.
Some simple, effective ways to “surprise and delight” your clients include:
These small gestures can make your clients feel seen and valued. And they don’t need to be time-consuming. For example, if you spot a puzzle toy at a pet store that would be perfect for a client’s food-motivated Lab, you could snap a quick photo and send them a text: “Saw this and thought of Baxter!”
It doesn’t take much to build loyalty and turn one-time clients into lifelong advocates.
In today’s world, client engagement happens through a mix of personal interaction and technology. Finding the right balance is crucial.
Some tech tools that effectively support client retention:
But technology should enhance personal connection, not replace it. The strongest client relationships come from knowing when to put down the phone and be fully present.
Dog training is as much about people as it is about dogs. What keeps clients engaged and coming back isn’t just your training techniques—it’s how comfortable, supported, and understood they feel while working with you.
Building rapport doesn’t mean getting lost in small talk, but it does mean finding small ways to make clients feel at ease. People tend to open up more when the vibe is friendly and relaxed. A warm smile, a bit of light humor, or sharing an anecdote about your own training journey can go a long way in breaking the ice.
Listening is key, too. When clients share details about their lives—whether it’s a stressful work project, a weekend hiking plan, or their kid’s soccer game—take mental note. Following up with a simple “How did the hike go?” at the next session creates a personal connection without veering off course.
Ultimately, people are drawn to trainers who feel approachable, trustworthy, and genuinely interested in both them and their dogs. By creating that positive, human connection, you’ll build the kind of loyalty that turns clients into long-term advocates.
Some of the best client retention happens when trainers foster a sense of community, not just one-on-one relationships. When clients feel connected to each other, not just to you, they’re more likely to stay engaged and continue their training journey.
Here are some community-building ideas to consider:
The beauty of community-building is that it creates multiple layers of connection—between clients, their dogs, and your business. These connections strengthen loyalty, keep clients engaged, and encourage them to stay part of your world without requiring you to give your time and energy away for free.
The most successful training businesses see client relationships as ongoing journeys, not finite transactions. Dogs and their people continue to grow and face new challenges throughout their lives together – and each of those moments is an opportunity to reengage.
Consider creating “milestone check-ins” – reaching out at predictable points in a dog’s development:
A particularly effective approach for puppy specialists: sending automated emails at key developmental stages for the first three years of a puppy’s life. Each email explains what changes the dog might be experiencing and offers a “tune-up” session if issues arise.
People often don’t realize that their dog’s sudden struggle with recall or reactivity can be related to a developmental stage. When the connection is explained, they’re relieved there’s an explanation and grateful for the timely support.
At the end of the day, client retention comes down to a simple truth: people stick with trainers who make them feel capable, supported, and seen. When you transform your mindset from “how can I get more clients?” to “how can I better serve the clients I already have?” something magical happens. Your business becomes more sustainable, your work becomes more satisfying, and your impact becomes more profound.
The most meaningful success isn’t just in how many new clients you attract—it’s in how many dogs and their people continue growing with your guidance for years to come.
Ever start a class with a full roster, only to finish with half the students? Or wonder why clients aren’t lining up for the next level—despite great reviews, fair prices, a stellar reputation, and plenty of scheduling options?
Nine times out of ten, it’s your curriculum that needs a makeover. Awesome classes focus on teaching humans to make smart choices, not turning dogs into classroom superstars. Getting hung up on whether every dog can nail a five-minute “down stay” by graduation day misses the whole point—unless your clients’ dogs live in your training room.
What really hooks clients and keeps them coming back is seeing positive changes in their daily lives with their dogs. No matter how much fun they’ve had, how much they love working with you, or how brilliantly their dog performed in class—if they don’t see meaningful improvements at home, they’ll wave goodbye forever.
What we all want—for happy clients AND thriving businesses—is for learning to show up where it matters: in real life. Clients need to develop their “dog decision-making muscles” so they can handle whatever curveballs their pup (or the environment!) throws their way.
When your curriculum fixates on metrics like that perfect five-minute “down stay,” guess what clients get? A dog who can do exactly that…in your classroom. But when clients learn what makes their unique dog tick (or freak out), and how to read situations like a pro, they develop superpowers that work everywhere.
Imagine your client Sarah wants to work on her laptop at a dog-friendly coffee shop with her pup, Baxter. A client with good decision-making skills would:
Sarah isn’t trying to jam a square peg into a round hole by demanding perfection—she’s setting Baxter up for success by reading the room, literally. She’s learned to work with what she’s got while gently expanding Baxter’s comfort zone, one latte at a time.
To nurture these crucial skills, your curriculum needs to be built on these two bedrock principles:
Don’t teach “sit” just because it’s on page one of every dog training book ever written. Connect every exercise to real-life situations your clients actually care about. Modern dog parents want skills that solve actual problems, not party tricks (unless party tricks are specifically what they’re after—in which case, party on!).
If clients can’t apply what they learn when their dog goes bonkers during a Zoom call or spots a squirrel during a backyard BBQ, the class hasn’t done its job. And from a business perspective, that translates to empty class slots and more work to fill them.
While we could write a book on teaching methods, here are two game-changing approaches:
Just like we might fade out a food lure with dogs, we need to fade out our coaching guidance, too. Start by being super clear with instructions and demonstrations. As your students get the hang of things, create opportunities for them to flex their own training muscles in new situations.
For example, after they’ve mastered “sit” with a clicker, ask them how they might tackle “down” using the same concept. Or after explaining the value of capturing behaviour, don’t list every possible scenario—instead, challenge them: “What are three ways you could use this at home tonight?”
As classes progress, throw increasingly real-world challenges their way: navigating a mock pet store (or a real one if you want to go big!), handling doorbell chaos with a recorded bell, or maintaining focus while you mop the training room floor. By graduation, they should be making solid decisions without you whispering in their ear—you’ve successfully faded the human lure!
One of the biggest challenges for trainers is handling the different skill levels in class. You know the drill—some dogs are practically ready to compete in Rally-O trials while others are still working on making eye contact for more than a millisecond.
Rather than teaching to the middle (and boring the advanced students while overwhelming the beginners), design activities where everyone defines their own success.
Instead of demanding all dogs perform identical hand targets, create an interesting distraction scenario (maybe a helper dog, bouncing ball, or a skateboard) and ask students to decide where in the room to practice based on their dog’s current abilities. Some might retreat to a quiet corner, while others brave the front lines.
At first, offer coaching on these decisions: “Max seems fascinated by that skateboard—what could you do to help him succeed?” Gradually reduce your guidance as they develop their “dog-reading” skills.
This approach lets everyone win because success is individually defined. Working at the right level means dogs succeed more often, get more treats, and learn faster—creating a positive upward spiral that builds both dog skills and human confidence.
While we love saying “dog training is really about training the humans,” few classes truly walk that talk. Too many curriculums are glorified behavior checklists, keeping the spotlight on the dog’s performance instead of human skill development.
A curriculum focused on human learning is designed to develop real-life problem-solving and decision-making skills. Today’s dog parents don’t just want a dog who can perform on cue; they want a companion who fits seamlessly into their lifestyle—whether that’s a dog who can chill during video calls or be a well-behaved brunch buddy.
We often judge our classes by how much fun everyone had or whether the dogs mastered specific behaviors. But the real question is: Did we make people’s everyday lives with their dogs noticeably better? Because that’s what brings them back for more. And that’s a win for everyone—clients, dogs, and your business bank account.
Curriculum isn’t just about what you teach—it’s about transforming dog-human relationships in ways that matter. When you shift from “My clients’ dogs need to perform these behaviors” to “My clients need to make smart decisions in real life,” everything changes. Your classes become more engaging, your clients become more successful, and those once-empty sequel classes? They’ll be waitlisted before you know it. So grab your curriculum, look at it with fresh eyes, and ask yourself: “Am I teaching behaviors, or am I building confident decision-makers?”
Want some help with your curriculum? Check out these resources:
Learn how to make yours The Best Classes in Town with this dogbiz University course.
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