Community can be easy to dismiss as something nice, but not essential, especially when you’re running a small business. But for R+ dog trainers – managing dogs, people, admin, and the occasional social media firefight – the right community isn’t just nice. It’s fuel.
There are two types of community we often talk about at dogbiz:
- The communities you belong to as a dog pro.
- The communities you create for your clients.
One keeps you going. The other keeps your business and your clients moving forward. Get both right, and the ripple effect benefits everyone (including the dogs).
The power of professional community
Do you operate your dog training business in isolation? Some of us chose this profession for the dogs and would happily skip the people part (except, you know, they’re attached). Others are in busy areas but still feel like they’re “the only one doing it this way.” And many of us simply put community time at the bottom of the list, because who has time between consults, training plans, and prepping all those treats for puppy classes?
But when you’re part of a strong professional community, you learn faster, avoid more mistakes, and carry a lighter load. You’ve got somewhere to take the tricky questions without losing half your day to search engines and chatbots. You hear how others solved the same problem you’re facing. And you have people to talk to on the days you wonder why you chose this work at all.
Strong communities have a few things in common: a clear purpose bigger than any one member, safety to be honest about wins and losses, and enough structure that you know how to take part without feeling you have to be “on” all the time. They also have stewardship – someone (or a small team) making sure the purpose stays intact, the tone stays welcoming, and the culture doesn’t slide into silence or snark.
Common community myths
Myth 1: Community just happens.
It doesn’t. Without deliberate tending and management, a new group is like a puppy left alone with a couch. It either unravels or ends up with bits missing.
Myth 2: You need a big group for it to matter.
Some of the best communities are small and tightly knit. Ten engaged members can do more for your business (and your sanity) than 200 who never speak.
Myth 3: Someone else will get the ball rolling.
If everyone is waiting, nothing happens. Post something. Ask something. Invite someone in.
Myth 4: It’s a vending machine for help.
Community isn’t push-button support. You can’t only appear when you need something and expect it to thrive.
It’s all about give-and-take
Contribution doesn’t have to mean constant posting, running events, or being the loudest voice in the (real or online) room. It might be sharing a useful resource, commenting to cheer someone on, or posting the early version of your new logo design (even if you’re still deciding between five shades of green). The point is to leave the space a little stronger than you found it.
And yes, there will be weeks when you’re more in the background than the foreground. That’s okay – the balance tips back over time. The important thing is that you’re present often enough that people remember you’re part of the fabric.
What you’ll notice when it’s working
For professional communities, you might see:
- Members jumping in to help before the organiser even sees the post.
- A steady trickle of fresh ideas to test out in your own business.
- Encouragement to try something you’ve been putting off, and accountability to follow through.
For client communities, you might see:
- Alumni welcoming newcomers without being asked.
- Clients swapping tips that echo your training advice.
- People re-booking together because they enjoyed the last class as a group.
These moments are the signs that your community has taken on a life of its own – and that’s when the magic happens.
What community looks like in THRIVE!
Inside our group coaching program THRIVE!, community is baked into the way members learn and grow together. Implementation teams keep small groups connected and accountable, so good ideas don’t get lost. Office Hours give trainers a place to bring tricky questions and work through challenges. The Hive buzzes with resource swaps, templates, and “has anyone tried this?” threads that save hours of trial and error.
It’s not just about support, either. Being surrounded by peers who are working toward their goals, sharing ideas, and celebrating each other’s wins has a contagious effect. You leave conversations not just with answers, but with the motivation to act on them.
In their own words:
“The coaching and peer support are invaluable. Do I need reassurance or confirmation? The group has me. Do I have technical questions? THRIVE! has got me too! I may be independent in a number of ways, but THRIVE! leaves me feeling supported when and how I need it.” – Jeri
“Joining this community is probably the best decision I’ve ever made! I have never come across big egos, judgment, or felt turned off by anything. Working alone in this industry can be so isolating and emotionally draining but knowing I have this kind of support and the consistent opportunity to ask for help, to vent and to continue learning how to run a business, combined with taking care of myself, just makes me want to cry with relief!” – Jessica
“I truly love the THRIVE! Team! And because you all are top notch and wonderful you attract good people. The Hive is a group of helpful, caring and giving souls. I feel like I’m part of something!” – Eleanor
I love the sense of community and being able to share ideas and support others in the same industry. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and always longed for a community like this. I find it to be an invaluable tool and resource of great people, whether it’s the coaches or fellow THRIVE! members. I know there is always someone if I need help or information.” – Rick
Creating the same value for your clients
The benefits we get from professional communities are exactly what our clients (and their dogs) can gain from the spaces we create for them. We’ve all heard “It takes a village to raise a child.” The same is true for raising a well-adjusted dog.
A client community can keep people practicing between sessions, normalise the setbacks, and make it easier to celebrate progress. It also keeps your business on their radar long after their original class or package ends, helping with retention and recurring income. Best of all, it gives you the chance to keep working long term with the clients who are the best fit for you.
What this looks like will depend on you, your clients, and the needs of the dogs you serve. Ideas include:
- Private online groups focused on specific, often isolating challenges such as reactivity or separation anxiety, giving people a safe space to connect with others who truly understand.
- Relaxed social walks or classes where the emphasis is on shared experience rather than perfect performance.
- Linking clients for well-matched dog playdates or even dog-sitting exchanges between trusted members.
- Partnerships with local businesses – recommending trusted groomers, vets, dog-friendly cafés, or other services that make life easier for your clients.
- Quarterly “dog life” networking nights that bring together clients and local pet-related pros in a social setting.
- Alumni meet-ups, skills refreshers, or seasonal challenges to keep clients engaged after their formal training ends.
- Small group field trips to markets, trails, or public spaces where clients can practise real-life skills with your support.
The key is to set the tone early. Make it clear these spaces and experiences are for support, not judgment, and show what that looks like in practice. Welcome new members personally. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. Step in quickly if conversations veer toward criticism so people feel safe to share. Keep participation easy by offering different ways to join in – varied meeting times, captions on videos, and low-pressure options for those who prefer to quietly observe until they’re ready to speak up.
Quick start ideas for this month
If you’re feeling inspired to strengthen your community connections, here are two easy ways to start:
- As a member: Pick one professional community you’re part of. Make one small, visible contribution this week – comment, share, or ask a question.
- As a host: Choose one light-touch way to connect your clients outside of lessons (for example, a coffee-and-walk meetup). Pilot it for a month.
You don’t have to overhaul your calendar or build a giant platform. Community grows from repeated, human-sized acts – showing up, helping out, and inviting others to do the same.
As trainers, we can choose to belong to spaces that feed our own learning and resilience, and we can create spaces that offer our clients the same.
Do both, and you’ll make your work more sustainable, your business stronger, and your impact on dogs and their people even greater.