Do you ever wonder what the heck dog trainers do all day? I’ve been asked many times how I keep my head on straight so I’m sharing the inside scoop about what a typical day is like in the life of a business owner on a mission.
Although every dog trainer has their own start and story with varying levels of experience and expertise, most of us are doing similar things each week and month as we continue to guide and educate pet parents. I’m here to shine some light on what it’s like to ACTUALLY like to be a full-time dog trainer and business owner.
I’ll preface this article with a little known fact: dog training and consulting as your full-time job is actually really hard work. Especially when you have kids and other responsibilities.
It’s fun and flexible, but it’s still very hard work! Unfortunately, we don’t “play with dog’s all day!” So, if you’re considering dog training as your career, don’t buy into the hype of making six figures while you’re sipping a Mojito on the beach – for most of us, that isn’t what life as a true dog lover is really like.
Here’s what IT IS like:
WHAT DO DOG TRAINERS DO ALL DAY?
This will be a little different for each person depending on where they are at on their dog training journey. A brand new dog trainer is usually working on building a foundation while a seasoned dog trainer works on growth and scaling. But for the most part, dog trainers are running their own business in some way. Those with an actual brick and mortar location? Even more responsibilities.
Running a successful dog training business involves so many moving parts.
Researching and Continuing Education
Public Speaking and Community Involvement
Writing and Editing
Marketing (This has an entire section of additional moving parts!)
Networking and Partnerships
Photography and Media
Team Building
Administrative and Human Resources
Financial and Legal
Operations, Systems and Services
Yes, being a passionate business owner about something you feel so strongly about does require some major multi-tasking, but it’s so worth it.
Yes. We wear a LOT of hats on any given day!
This isn’t meant to discourage anyone from becoming a dog trainer one day. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. If you’re a motivated and determined entrepreneur that loves a good challenge and wants to help people with your talent and devotion, then dog training is a great career choice for you.
Even though most of our dog-loving days are full of teaching, writing, researching, learning, and running the biz (all that fun stuff), a lot of dog trainers also participate in all kinds of local events for dog rescue, grooming, veterinary care, and dog training. Not to mention ongoing training for our own dogs!
That would be one advantage to being a dog trainer is that you get to experience a lot with your own dog and try out lots of fun products and techniques together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DOG TRAINER
Another truth about the life of a business owner and dog trainer: plenty of learning and marketing to be done (if you’re willing!) Wanna learn more about our Trainer Apprenticeship Program? Click here.
PREPARE AND ORGANIZE ON SUNDAYS!
Since my weekdays are spent educating on phone consults, classes, and various types of private lessons, not to mention all that’s involved in running the business, Saturdays are normally dedicated to furthering my education, so Sundays are pretty much used to prepare and organize my days. This not only includes all my calendars but getting my home and teaching life organized too. A day to organize all my dog training junk that tends to build up in the garage, in my car, and maybe even in the kitchen. Haha! So my husband definitely appreciates Sundays!
Whether I’m in my “hippy room” with my laptop or chillin’ on the couch in my PJs with Katey and Bob, my Sunday often includes these things:
- Create my to-do list for the week
- Complete all unfinished weekend tasks
- Respond to remaining emails. SO many emails to send and organize!
- Write and prepare marketing tasks
Hopefully I’ll squeeze in a good dog nap at some point!
THE REALITY OF BEING A DOG TRAINER
After that sneak peek into the life of a dog trainer, you have some idea of what we do all day.
Most of us are teaching, writing, marketing, and leading our clients and our teams. And then of course, we jump at the chance to teach our own dogs that break up the monotony of running the business!
The reality is: dog training for work is fun, flexible, and extremely challenging. It’s enjoyable to do something you love, but it still works. And it isn’t for the faint of heart.
It takes time, devotion, strategy, and patience to grow a successful dog training business.
But this website which offers all kinds of blogs and courses and convenient online scheduling for our followers is what gives us the tools we need to continue on our journey and our mission to educate. And I plan to do just that! Thanks to the support of our wonderful teams and our devoted followers of true dog lovers nothing will slow me down.
Interested in Being a Dog Trainer?
Wag n Tails offers a variety of training and enrichment programs for potential dog trainers! To find out which one would be best for you, schedule a call with Christine!
