You’ve prepped for your sessions, psyched yourself up, maybe even rehearsed a joke for an icebreaker. Then—nothing. No call, no text, just an empty training spot where a client (and their dog) should be. Frustrating? Absolutely. Costly? You bet. But preventable? 100%. Every dog trainer has dealt with the dreaded last-minute cancellation or, worse, a […]
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Red flags and right fits: Client relationships in dog training
As an R+ dog trainer, you’re passionate about helping dogs and their humans succeed. But not every client is going to be your perfect match, and this can be tough when you care about all the two-and four-legged beings involved. Yet recognizing when a client relationship might be heading south is crucial for your business, […]
Serving over selling: Creating lasting client relationships as a dog trainer
The term “upselling” can make even the most confident dog trainers squirm. It often brings to mind pushy sales tactics that feel at odds with the compassionate, relationship-focused approach of positive dog training. But what if upselling wasn’t about selling at all? What if it was about offering the best care and support for dogs […]
Chasing the right squirrel: Finding focus in a world of distraction
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 […]
Are you a splitter, lumper, or slumper? Tame your dog training schedule.
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. […]