Those of you that train dogs for a living - click here

[Dixie]

I am seriously considering starting my own training buisness locally. Right now I dont have a 'facility' for the time being this buisness would be run out of the back of my truck, whereas instead of the dogs coming to me, I go to the dogs and train at their owners residences.

My training from the start is primarily going to focus on basic obedience and getting the dog to be a family companion - but for those that want a hunting retriever I can do that as well.

Id love to have a facilty but that is just not feasible right now. The reason for this sudden start of full-time training is that I think there is a need in this area for it that can be ful-filled and the added fact that I am having a very difficult time finding employment - so I think finding a way to work for myself may be the best option.

First of all would $9-10/hr be too much to charge? My plan is that I will hope to have 6-8 clients at a time and spending an hour each day with the dog M-F, Saturday by appt. only with Sundays off. On top of that I would teach the owners some simple drills they can do to practice with the dog while Im not there. The only drawback on this is that I would be spending a good amount on gas and travel expenses as well as added wear and tear on my vehicle. The plus is that I dont have to mess with the upkeep and taxes on a facility on top of dog food and vet care.

I would be working with all breeds (as long as the dog doesnt bite I dont care but if the dog bites Im dropping the client like a hot rock) - not just retrievers.

This would cost the client roughly $60-70 a week for training. I would also draw up a contract for each client stating when payment is due and who pays what should I break something, the dog gets injured under my watch, or if something comes up missing on the property (not that anything would) and what would happen should I get a bad check/non-payment. Also because I am going to peoples homes (likely during the day while they are at work)- would I need to be insured and bonded much like carpet cleaners must be??

My basic OB training would include the following commands:
Here - heel- sit - down - kennel - quiet - all conditioned to the collar (stay is taught by extending the commands to mean dont move until I say otherwise) as well as socialization.

Advanced OB would include:
everything in Basic as well as preparing the dog for advanced work through force fetch.

Field Work would include:
acutally preparing the dog to run a hunt test at the started to seasoned level.

Right now my main focus will be the basic obedience until some people start taking interest in having a fine-tuned retriever. Again I will work with all breeds.

I plan on placing ads in the paper starting in January as Im sure several people will have bought 'Christmas Puppies'. and place a flyer at the Post Office, community center, and grocery store. I'll also have some buisness cards made out. Its a good thing I can do most of that on my own with my computer knowledge that should keep advertising costs to a minimum for right now.

Does anyone here have any suggestions to where I can fine tune this a little bit more?

 

[stevinski]

I would be working with all breeds (as long as the dog doesnt bite I dont care but if the dog bites Im dropping the client like a hot rock)

not a quality i would look for in a trainer

 

[FoxyWench]

unfortunatly ALL dogs will at least nip at one point in their lives, this is a BEHAVIOUR that would need training like anyother...a dog that bites is no "EXCUSE" for a trainer to drop the client...
a biting dog with people who refuse to let you work with the dog using precautions for the biting then i would ask them to find a new trainer...

truth be told...some of my favorite "cases" to date have been "troubled" or hard to work with dogs, usually biters or fearefull dogs. it takes extra time but a trainer should be willing to help work through ALL behaviours...not just the ones you like.

that being said $10 for a 1 hour session is pretty deacent but i dont know how many people would want to attend class once a day.
id try and arrange differen training scheduals...so everyone can "choose" their program yet still be worked around your own schedual.

what credentials have you got for training...most people like to see at least a certification in training ect.

youd also have to think about insurance, youd need to at least be bonded...

 

[BostonBanker]

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I would never allow somebody to train my dog while I was not present, and sounds like you are planning to work with the dogs while the owners are not there. It doesn't do me much good it you can work with my dog, but I can't. I also want to know exactly what is being done with my animals. I've been with the same horse trainer for nine years, and I trust her completely with my horse, but I still like to be there on the rare occasions that she rides him for me.

Most trainers I know do the majority of their work in the evenings and on weekends, with the owners handling their own dogs. Perhaps that is not the norm in other places, though.

 

[elegy]

i would never allow someone to train my dog for me, either.

i also think an hour is too long of a training session for a private lesson. a group class is different because there is down-time, but if you're going going going the whole time, that's a LOT of work for a dog, and i think it's better to quit while the dog is still interested instead of burning them out.

 

[dr2little]

I have to agree with the rest of the posts. First of all, what are your credentials? Nothing frustrates me more than someone taking on a training career just because they've lived with and trained their own dogs. It's just not responsible to do this without some sort of education.
Secondly, training is best done between dog and owner with the trainers guidance and expertise...like I tell my clients 'It's about YOU and your dog, not ME and your dog'. Too many trainers are getting into trouble doing the board and train situation and this part of the industry is fading fast. Even when the trainers do this well, they put themselves at far too great a risk of law suit if something was to occur. Someone here was just sued for a huge amount because one of the dogs in her care suffered bloat and died. Way too risky and not nearly as effective for both dog and owner as owner present training is.

No matter where you train, you DO need to carry insurance....and YES, dogs bite. I've had several attempts on my carcass (none serious as I'm TRAINED how to react quickly), it's part of the job. You can't just take well behaved dogs with no issues, you'd have very few clients. If your experience and education don't include the handling of such situations, you probably aren't ready.

Lastly, cost...I teach classes and do private training. Most cert. trainers/behaviorists charge between $75.00-$150.00/hour but don't set up schedules the way that you have posted yours. Classes range from $120.00 - $200.00 for 6 weeks - 1 class/week.
I volunteer more hours than I'm paid for as do many trainers who truly love the dogs that they work for. Many of us don't charge rescue organizations for our time.

 

[Dixie]

Maybe I should clarify - I understand dogs bite and that it does come with the territory but I probably should have said if the dog seriously bit me and I ended up with serious damage then Id have to drop the client. This means the dog breaks skin and takes a chunk with it. Ive been bitten but I would more likely consider those nips (and I think alot of dog bite cases are nips instead of actual bites- as well as the ones you hear about on TV that are actual bites that required hospitalization).

I have also thought about teaching a basic OB class once a week at the community center - and honestly basic OB isnt that hard, its just that people have alot of confidence issues or are unaware of the various methods to teach the dog, ranging from click and treat (not a big fan of it personally - the clicking drives me up the wall)- as well as pressure methods. Does this mean I am a yank-n-crank trainer? No - Im in the middle of the road where I can go either way if necessary.

As for becoming certified pet dog trainer? I think alot of this is scam for money. Dog training isnt a rocket science, but it does take practice. The best way to learn to train is to get up off your duff and go train. Books and DVDs are out there to help as well as workshops and seminars geared towards the type of training you provide. But this doesnt mean you need to go pay someone else $5,000 to tell you OK youve petted the dogs long enough, now go train. Ive looked on the web, alot of them seem scammy to me. The only legit one I can see is the SF/SPCA school - but I dont have the money, nor the means to load up and head off to SF for 6 weeks of clicker training and a written test.

Look at ceasar milan, he didnt have to go to school to train, he got up off his duff and learned by doing.

I agree not everyone whos trained their own pets should go out and train professionally - but - when youre down and out anything is better than nothing. Plus I have trained others dogs on specific commands before and had the dog obeying within an afternoon. A friend of mine wanted to know how to teach her dog sit, I spent an afternoon with her teaching her how, within a week the dog was driving its bottom to the ground on command. After that she would say OK what do I need to do for this command, Id go down, spend an hour or two with her showing her how and theyd have it nailed within a week.

Also alot of the big name trainers you see out there got their start when someone gave them a dog as a gift, they trained the dog themselves, then friends asked them to train their dogs for them, and then it just grew out from there.

Out of the 1,0000s of years of dogs and humans interacting whos to say that the first 'pro' didnt have a few screw ups before he was known as a trainer? He certaintly didnt learn by going to school.

I plan on giving this a go and see how it works, if it doesnt work out maybe its not my 'destiny' or its not time yet. But this is an ooportunity to do something I enjoy. You just have to take it one day at a time.

BTW - as for credentials - how do you build credentials in a state that doesnt even have a sitting board overlooking dog trainers?? (could be 'certified' but it doesnt mean squat to the state) - you build credentials by doing. Not by sitting and waiting for someone to hand you credentials.

being a certified EMT is nice - but its squat until youve been on several oh **** calls, then you can be a bonafide EMT. Same thing applies to dogs.

 

[BostonBanker]

If I were a potential client, I have to say that a lot of what you are typing would send up red flags for me. Granted, I'm an "all positive, hand me a clicker" type. My dog shuts down at a verbal correction; anything physical would probably do some serious damage. Which is one of the reasons I would never let a trainer work with her if I wasn't present. This is all my opinion, so please don't take any personal offense - just my reactions to your ideas if you were presenting them to me as a possible client.

This means the dog breaks skin and takes a chunk with it. Ive been bitten but I would more likely consider those nips (and I think alot of dog bite cases are nips instead of actual bites- as well as the ones you hear about on TV that are actual bites that required hospitalization).

Are you saying that dog bites that require hospitalization are just nips? I'm not sure I would differentiate at all between "bites" and "nips", but if a altercation actually requires medical attention, it certainly crosses the threshold to "bite" in my book. Perhaps I'm reading this incorrectly, though.

I have also thought about teaching a basic OB class once a week at the community center - and honestly basic OB isnt that hard,

I taught basic obedience for two years, and I constantly felt under-qualified! No, it isn't too difficult to teach a dog to do simple behaviors. But you are going to encounter a lot more than that teaching. I found myself constantly talking to the more experienced trainers at our school about how to handle situations. Example: The rescued Chow mix who, when I approached to help them with something, gave me a look that made my blood turn cold. The owners had no idea, but I avoided getting bit by backing off. (I spoke to them over the phone a day or so later and learned that the dog was aggressing towards their kids' friends. They got signed up for a private with a more experienced trainer.). Your people skills have got to be amazing to work as a trainer. You are dealing with a relationship (owner/dog) that is very complicated and intense, and you have to tread on shakey ground when addressing issues. And they will come up, even in your basic classes.

A friend of mine wanted to know how to teach her dog sit, I spent an afternoon with her teaching her how, within a week the dog was driving its bottom to the ground on command.

With a clicker and a few treats, I've seen people make it happen in under 15 minutes . And having it 90% reliable with no treats in less than a week.

Dog training isnt a rocket science, but it does take practice.

So you want me to pay you so you can practice on my dog?

Look at ceasar milan, he didnt have to go to school to train, he got up off his duff and learned by doing.

Well, how much "learning" he did can be argued, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

how do you build credentials in a state that doesnt even have a sitting board overlooking dog trainers??

Contact trainers. Ask them if you can intern. Volunteer to help out working with dogs at a shelter or rescue. But mostly, find a trainer you admire, and become their shadow.

Again, I'm not trying to get personal. I'm trying to give you feedback based on my experiences teaching obedience and agility classes. It is far harder than I ever imagined! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[Doberluv]

As for becoming certified pet dog trainer? I think alot of this is scam for money. Dog training isnt a rocket science,

I disagree. An education in animal behavior makes a big difference and certification indicates education. Education is never a scam. On the contrary, I'd be a whole lot more suspicious of someone without it. That's where you find more scams....people who don't know what the heck they're doing calling themselves dog trainers. I wouldn't let a doctor who hadn't been to school work on me or a psychologist with no education analyze or try to fix anyone's problems in my family. LOL.

Rocket science? Maybe not. But it IS a science. Behavioral science. I think you should give it some time, get educucated as you mature and think about a career then, gearing your education toward dog training if you're still interested in it. There are colleges for this, seminars and all kinds of venues for gathering up experience and learning how to deal with aggression problems and all the behavior problems that people call trainers to help them with. Like Boston said, getting a mentor, shadowing, practicing with an experienced trainer for a while. I think a good trainer must be able to run the whole thing....from basic obedience to abnormal behavior to have a successful business.

I agree that good trainers have spent a lot of time with practical experience....years and years. And there are some good trainers who haven't been to school. And probably some good trainers who haven't had a lot of experience. But the odds are that the best of the best have had both education and experience.

And Cesar Milan is not a trainer. He shuts down unwanted behavior but there's a difference in shutting down, forcing a dog to halt behavior and training.

I would never discourage you or anyone from seeking out a career in what interests you. But I would encourage you to research it more, talk to qualified people, learn and get some practice under the guidance of a trained, educated and practiced trainer. Good luck!

 

[dr2little]

Look at ceasar milan, he didnt have to go to school to train, he got up off his duff and learned by doing.

This statement is EXACTLY why I think that would be trainers need some sort of formal education, even if it's simply attending seminars by the top 'educated' professionals in this industry. Cesar clearly has no understanding of canine behavior and the fact that he's a role model for you speaks volumes. I highly recommend that you put off training other folks dogs until you've seen how this industry has changed. And for the record, I have more than one degree, one in chemical engineering (no, not rocket science ) but I still went back to school before touching other peoples dogs under my own company name.

IBTW - as for credentials - how do you build credentials in a state that doesnt even have a sitting board overlooking dog trainers?? (could be 'certified' but it doesnt mean squat to the state) - you build credentials by doing. Not by sitting and waiting for someone to hand you credentials.
I don't think that anyone would sit and wait for someone to hand them credentials.....how'd that work???

being a certified EMT is nice - but its squat until youve been on several oh **** calls, then you can be a bonafide EMT. Same thing applies to dogs.
EMT's have a good basis in theory before they work out in the field, not sure how that compares?

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Personally, if a trainer couldn't prove their 'worth' I'd go somewhere else. I want to see education and practice. If I'm taking classes in a sport, I only seek out trainers with titled dogs.. Alone doesn't mean they can teach, but it's a start.

I think the attitude showing through thus far, might also drive off potential clientel. I don't see what's bad about people suggesting finding a way to get a practical education.

 

[silverpawz]

Too many trainers are getting into trouble doing the board and train situation and this part of the industry is fading fast.

Most of my business is board and train, trust me, it's not fading fast. I've gotten more calls about B&T in the last six months than I have for privates. Board and train is not for everyone, but it certainly is possible for a trainer to offer this service, be successful at it and have happy customers to show for it.

 

[Julie]

I personally would not seek out a training class taught by a person with less or equal experience/education than I have. I would seek out a trainer with education and new methods to improve on what I already know.
I would definately not go to a class that the teacher keeps her dogs outside especially a lab. That tells me they are not practising what my beliefs are. How could they help me with house manners when their dog is living in a kennel?

 

[dr2little]

Most of my business is board and train, trust me, it's not fading fast. I've gotten more calls about B&T in the last six months than I have for privates. Board and train is not for everyone, but it certainly is possible for a trainer to offer this service, be successful at it and have happy customers to show for it.

I guess I should have qualified that as it's fading fast in Calgary. Glad you're successful at it where you are.

 

[Zoom]

I'm in the midst of being trained to be a trainer right now. I've got a mentor who has years of experience in general and numerous titles to her credit in competitive obedience. I've taught a handful of basic classes under a different mentor. I also work with dogs day in and day out for my paid job and by doing so I'm learning a lot of hands-on...how to read and properly react to body language, etc. All of the dogs I work with are under a fair amount of stress as we're a boarding resort. I'd like to get into a program that teaches behavioral science in addition to the rest of what I'm already doing, but at the moment I don't know how feasible that is for me. (money/time)

All in all...I still can't say I'm ready to up and start charging money for people who are looking for miracles in two weeks. That's a lot of what you're going to face too...those who don't want to put in the time and effort but expect a perfect dog at the end of the sessions.

 

[Saje]

I have to say if I was looking for a trainer it would have to be a positive reinforcement trainer who had experience and training. I'd definitely have to be there or what would the point be? Same as when I was taking lessons with my horse. My trainer could work with her all she wanted but without me I wasn't learning anything new! I would want someone who had experience with dogs that bite. I don't think a trainer would be worth the money if they didn't know how to handle that. (sorry). Just my thoughts.

 

[FoxyWench]

i have to agree...i wouldnt be willing to pay anyone to "practice" on my dog.

sry...
im an animal behaviour major, not its not rocket science...but its not as simple as "i dont like that behaviour *tugs chain* dont do it again"
to truly be able to train dogs you must understand the behaviour before you can modify and train it! and its not as simple as "i taught my friends dog to sit in a day"

 

[MafiaPrincess]

to truly be able to train dogs you must understand the behaviour before you can modify and train it! and its not as simple as "i taught my friends dog to sit in a day"

It isn't that simple, you are right... That's what one gets from a petsmart trainer.. I took one of those classes. Was a great start since I'd never owned a dog, I didn't get why people took classes, and I always thought that to own a dog meant you put up with a beast that stole food and jumped all over you. No one in my family had ever had a trained dog..

You may be able to with no credentials and no titles pull in the never ever crowd.. But when we moved on to higher Ob and then agility I knew what I was looking for. And that type of trainer was not enough anymore.

 

[Gustav]

Also you have to take into account that some breeds/dogs are less receptive to training than shall we say a Lab...

I haven't done a bad job training my dogs, Gus can do almost every trick known to man and some that aren't, like the wiggling his hips to "Hound dog".. Do I think this qualifies me to go off and train professionally?! NO WAY! Many, many people have asked me how I trained Gus to do the weird and wonderful things he does, and to be honest, I don't know!! We have an instinctive bond between us, that's not something you will get with someone else's dog!

If I was in the market for a trainer.. (Which i'm not at the moment, as the ones I have seen here so far I wouldn't let stroke my dog let alone train him) I would be looking for someone who would help not only my dog, (who has no real issues) but me be a better parent to my dog, someone who could give me advice and be approachable.... There is no such thing as being too qualified in my opinion!! I would be seeking out someone with the best credentials out there!! You wouldn't send your child to a second rate school willingly, the same goes for dogs!

I have trained horses for many years, I ride well even if I do say so myself... But I am only willing to help people up until a point, if I think it is beyond my capabilities to train the rider how to manage their horse I will suggest another trainer with better facilities!! That is not admitting defeat, that is being practical and unselfish! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I was trying to work with a horse and rider which I knew was beyond my capabilities and something awful happened!! And I have all my teaching qualifications!! I spent years learning, I have had horses for 23 years!! That doesn't immediatley make me the best trainer in the world... Everyone learns something new every day, that's the way of the world.. And I still have lessons from someone more qualified than me!!! And also I know here that if you have specific qualifications your insurance is cheaper... I don't know how it works over there???!

I think it's a wonderful idea to make a living from something you are passionate about... But please think carefully!! Qualifications are there for a reason, if only to stop those moments of self doubt!!

 

[Agility23]

if you are teaching basic obedience then should make the no agressive dogs rules very clear from the start.