Dog Training Errors
I could write a book about all the mistakes I’ve made over the course of being a dog trainer. I learned so much from self-doing, reading, writing, and watching but still, there’s room for error, unfortunately.
I’m writing this to help the future dog trainer try and skip over these mistakes and to keep a set plan at all times. You’re going to need it on the days you doubt yourself
A list of things to keep in mind…
1. DON’T enter this business because you want to work with dogs and not people.
If I had a nickel for every time I heard this, I wouldn’t have to work anymore. People want to work with animals because they hate the general public, and would rather be rolling around in puppies all day. Sounds great but…Who owns the puppies? Yeah, that’s right, people do. If you lack people skills and the ability to compromise, you won’t make it here. The last thing you want to do is leave people frustrated and feeling stupid.
2. DO ooze confidence
If you believe in it, people won’t question it. When I became a dog trainer I felt I had to explain myself all the time and bend in all sort of directions to keep people happy. It wasn’t realistic because I wasn’t happy. There’s a difference between compromise and being taking advantage of. Now, I can practically call what a client is going to be like within the first 5 minutes of our consult. This is always a big deal to me because I can envision in the long run how the lessons are going to go; and if the dog is going to get anywhere.
It depends what kind of situation you’re in financially. However, since you’re in charge, you can accept or deny these clients and direct them elsewhere if you feel it’s not going to fit. I see all the time “how to deal with this sort of client” but I’m going to be blunt, some personalities clash and no matter what you do it won’t work. Remember that before you find yourself in a sticky situation.
3. DON’T say yes to everything
As a budding business owner, you feel the need to attract as many clients as you can and say yes to each and every one of their requests. You don’t want to seem like a flake or have them go elsewhere. This doesn’t work. You will get burnt out, and people will expect more and more of you every time they ask for something else. It’s need to take time for yourself. You DON’T need to be run off your feet every day to improve. Burning out will lead to irritability and not doing your best with each lesson you have.
When I started I was booked from 8am to 5pm. Between the driving from one end of town to the other, and having to train dogs, be on time, and find time to eat, train my own dog; I was so tired by the time I got home I could barely move. My legs hurt so bad because I was averaging 25km a day (not joking) I knew it wasn’t realistic so I needed a game plan. The biggest piece of advice I can give is when you’re doing something think if it’s realistic for another couple years. If not, you need to change something for the sake of your own health.
4. DO ask questions
The biggest mistake I see in this industry is being too afraid to come forward and ASK FOR HELP. Widen your dog circle and follow trainers you respect and ask them questions! The majority are very nice and will help with any concern you’re having. I took it upon myself to always follow great trainers and ask them questions about something I doubted. It made me feel better and know how to do it properly. Too many people try to figure it out on their own and think they know all. Don’t be like this! It’s a very toxic mindset to get in. You don’t want to screw up to the point it costs you the business, especially when it could’ve been prevented by asking for help with an area you aren’t the strongest in.
5. DON’T compare yourself to others
Social media can be a blessing but also a curse for the dog trainer world. People showcase their best and nothing bad, ever. It makes you feel like you’re doing everything wrong if you cant fix a dog in a couple days. Too many youtube trainers do this. “get a dog to heel in one session” “how I fixed aggression in one session” It’s clickbait so don’t fall for it! Anyone who claims this puts a bandaid over the problems and they’ll revert back as soon as that camera turns off. It’s important for starting up trainers to recognize this because I know how detrimental it can be on your confidence.
6. DO embrace tools
I know these are very scary for people who want to be a dog trainer. There’s so much propaganda tied to prong collars and e collars. BUT, when used properly they can be great things. Clients don’t want to be dog trainers, they want to be able to take their dog out for a walk without having issues. That’s their #1 dream, so unless they consent to setting aside an hour of training each day when you’re not there by executing luring and heeling drills with their dog, chances are you’re not going to get their golden to stop yanking them down the street full blast with a flat buckle collar. If they’re that hard bent against tools, yet aren’t putting the work in like I explained above, you’re at a fork in the road and need to figure out if these are the kind of clients you want to attract.
7. DON’T ever stop learning
There’s so much to learn when it comes to wanting to be a dog trainer, so don’t think you know it all, you don’t. Always read, always watch videos, and if you can, go to school and take courses, or go to seminars! It’s good to network and learn different aspects of training.
