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, your mental health, and the wellbeing of the client and dog you’re trying to help. Here are some tips for avoiding a bad match, and what to do if one emerges.
Why the right fit matters
For clients
Training isn’t just about what happens during your time together – it’s about sustainable change. When clients aren’t equipped or prepared to follow through, they can become overwhelmed, stressed, and ultimately enable the very behaviors they’re trying to change. A trainer who compensates for this by taking on too much – running overtime, doing extra work, or becoming the sole solution – actually prevents the client from developing the skills and confidence they need.
For dogs
Dogs thrive on consistency, and mixed messaging – even between well-intentioned methods – can create more behavioral challenges than it solves. Like us, dogs need clear communication, a coherent training approach, and a feeling of safety in order to learn. Conflicting training methods can lead to confusion, anxiety, and potentially increased behavioral problems.
For you and your business
The wrong client fit isn’t just emotionally draining – it’s a direct threat to your business. Client mismatches can lead to burnout, negative reviews, potential reputation damage, and a slow erosion of the joy that drew you to dog training in the first place. Your business will thrive when you work with people who are aligned with your approach and eager to learn. These ideal clients become your ambassadors, and help you attract more of the right people.
Prevention is better than cure
You know what’s even better than successfully navigating a tricky conversation? Stopping it happening in the first place! Your marketing and services are key to this – they are powerful filters for attracting the right clients. By strategically positioning your brand to reflect your training approach, you can naturally draw in clients who you love working with. Start by getting crystal clear on your ideal client – beyond demographics, focus on their values, the problems they are trying to solve, and their commitment and resources.
Create marketing materials and onboarding steps which transparently communicate your expectations, ways of working, and areas of expertise. Share success stories that highlight the process over instant results. Use your initial consultation as an opportunity to assess not just the dog’s needs, but the client’s readiness and alignment with your methods. By investing time in attracting and screening clients upfront, you’ll save countless hours of potential frustration and create more meaningful, successful training partnerships.
Can you work through it?
Every client relationship is a journey, and sometimes that journey includes unexpected twists and turns. What might initially feel like a roadblock – those moments that make you want to pull your hair out or question your career choice – can actually be golden opportunities. By shifting from frustration to curiosity, we can often uncover the real challenges behind seemingly difficult interactions.
While it’s important to recognize when a client isn’t the right fit, it’s also worth exploring whether better communication, clearer expectations, and creative problem-solving might bridge the gap. Sometimes a conversation or additional support can transform a challenge into a successful partnership. Here are some common examples:
Misaligned expectations
Some clients arrive with ambitious goals that don’t match up with their dog’s current behavior, or even their potential behavior. A rescue dog with years of anxiety and reactivity might not become an off-leash companion overnight, despite the client’s enthusiasm.
This is an opportunity for education. Help clients understand realistic training progression, the impact of past experiences, and the individual nature of their dog. Set realistic goals to help them stay motivated.
Potential conversation starter: “Max has been through so much, and I’m excited to help you both build confidence together. Let’s break down our goals into smaller, achievable steps that will help Max feel secure and make progress at his own pace.”
Conflicting training methods
Clients may come from backgrounds with traditional, directive training methods and struggle to understand the value of positive reinforcement. They might be skeptical about approaches that seem slower or less direct.
Recognize where some of these beliefs may come from, such as the way their family dog was treated when they were young, or their own upbringing. For some clients, information about learning theory and the long-term benefits of positive reinforcement can be useful. For others, a ‘show don’t tell’ approach is the key. Rather than getting into the weeds of learning theory, show them how effective your methods are in practice.
Potential conversation approach: “I appreciate your commitment to helping Rover. Let me show you a training technique you can try to get the results you’re after. The best part is it’s a lot of fun, so Rover will be excited to work with you.”
Life is A LOT
Many clients juggle multiple life stressors – demanding jobs, family challenges, limited time – which can impact their ability to be consistent with training.
Accept and acknowledge that life happens. Instead of viewing inconsistency as a failure, see it as an opportunity to create more flexible, manageable training plans and services.
Potential solution: “I understand you’re juggling a lot right now. Let’s design a training approach that fits into your current life – we can start with short, manageable sessions and build from there.”
Boundary bulldozers
A client who sends multiple late-night texts, expects immediate responses, or struggles to follow through on homework might not be intentionally difficult – they might be anxious, inexperienced, or simply desperate for help.
Establish clear, kind boundaries that demonstrate both professionalism and understanding.
Example communication: “I’m committed to supporting you and Buddy. To ensure I can provide the best care, I’ll respond to messages during business hours and we can schedule check-ins that work for both of us.”
Signs to look out for
So when should you consider parting ways with a client? If you’ve tried the approaches above, and are lying awake at night dreading your next training session, it’s probably time. Here are some telltale signs things aren’t heading in the right direction:
- The client’s goals consistently conflict with your training philosophy
- You sense a fundamental communication breakdown
- The client’s lifestyle or commitment level doesn’t match the required training intensity
- You recognize another trainer might have specialized skills or offerings more suited to their specific situation
The art of saying no (or goodbye)
If you sense early on that the client’s expectations, communication style, or commitment fundamentally conflicts with your training approach, it’s okay – and often beneficial – to redirect them rather than taking them on. Approach this conversation with honesty, empathy, and professionalism. Be clear about why you don’t believe you’re the best fit, and if possible, provide recommendations for alternative trainers or resources that might better serve their needs. A simple script might sound like: “After our conversation, I believe another trainer might be better equipped to support your specific goals. I’d be happy to recommend some colleagues who specialize in [specific approach or challenge].”
And what about long term client relationships? After investing time and energy, these situations require care and diplomacy. If you’ve reached a point where progress seems impossible, communication has broken down, or the client consistently undermines the training approach, it’s time for a thoughtful, professional separation. Focus the conversation on the dog’s best interests and the client’s ultimate goals. Explain that your professional recommendation is to either reset the training approach or transition to another trainer. Your language should be kind but firm, emphasizing that this decision comes from a place of wanting the best possible outcome for everyone. A potential approach might be: “I’ve been reflecting on our training journey, and I want to ensure you and Coco are getting the most effective support possible. While I’ve appreciated our time together, I believe I might not be the best fit for your specific goals. I’d be happy to provide you with some excellent resources that could help you continue making progress, or recommend a colleague whose expertise might align more closely with what you’re looking for.”
Pro top: Your network is your strength
Build relationships with trainers who specialize in different approaches. Having a robust referral network means you can gracefully redirect clients when you’re not the best fit.
Remember, saying no isn’t a failure – it’s professional self-care and better for clients in the long term. Not every dog trainer is right for every dog and human. Stay positive, stay professional, and keep making a difference, with the right clients.