Launching a dog training business is one of the most rewarding things a dog lover can do, but it takes more than just passion and a love for pets. If you’re ready to dog train professionally, you’ll need a strategy for standing out, attracting your first clients, and proving your value to every pet parent you meet.
Whether you’re interested in training a pet dog to stop jumping on guests, preparing a puppy for future dog sports, or working with a service dog, getting your first clients is all about visibility, expertise, and trust.
Define Your Specialty as a Dog Trainer
Before you start marketing your services, get clear on your focus. Are you planning to offer basic obedience? Solve behavior problems like chewing, digging, jumping or anxiety in dogs? Work with puppies, adult dogs, or specific breeds like German Shepherds?
Some trainers specialize in high-energy activities like agility or scent work. Others aim to prepare a service dog to assist individuals with disabilities. The area you choose can shape your brand and determine the type of dog owner you attract.
While working with one breed can be fulfilling—especially if you love a particular type like German Shepherds—most trainers benefit from staying open to different sizes, temperaments, and needs. That said, choosing a specialty doesn’t mean limiting your skills—it’s just a way to stand out in a busy market.
Get Certified and Start Strong
If you’re serious about becoming a professional dog trainer, certification is a must. Even if you’ve trained your own pet dog or volunteered with shelters, a professional certification program like the one offered by Animal Behavior College (ABC) helps you learn how to use proven techniques such as clicker training, positive reinforcement, and proper head collar use.
Certification helps you stand out to pet owners looking for someone with credentials they can trust. With ABC, you’ll go through an online program and also gain hands-on experience through a mentor in your area. You can start anytime by calling 800-795-3294 or visiting animalbehaviorcollege.com to enroll online.
Build Your Business Plan
Before you try to train anyone’s pup, take time to plan your business. Set your rates, define your service area, and decide whether you’ll offer private training sessions, group classes, virtual training, or a mix.
Make sure you also have any necessary licenses, business insurance, and waivers in place. This professional setup reassures clients that they’re working with a reliable expert—not just someone who likes dogs.
Attracting Your First Paying Clients
Getting your first clients can feel like trying to board a moving train—fast-paced, overwhelming, and hard to catch up with. But don’t worry—with the right tools, you can gain traction quickly.
Here are the best ways to land those first few paying customers:
1. Start with Your Inner Circle
Your friends and family probably have dogs—or know someone who does. Offer discounted or free training sessions to build up testimonials and gather content for your website and social media. Make sure to take before-and-after videos of your work with each puppy or adult dog.
2. Leverage Social Media
Post short videos, training tips, and behind-the-scenes clips of your work. Share success stories of how you helped a puppy learn to sit or calmed a pet dog’s anxiety with confidence-building exercises. Engage your followers with polls, fun facts, or posts asking them to share stories about their dogs.
Don’t forget to target your local area unless you’re offering virtual sessions. Dog owners looking for local help won’t benefit if your audience is scattered across the country (unless you train online!).
3. Create a Website
Every serious business needs a digital home. Your site should explain what services you offer (obedience, puppy training, behavior modification, etc.), where you’re located, and how to contact you. Post client reviews, feature a blog with training tips, and include a section for FAQ.
Bonus tip: Add content related to dog sports, service dog tasks, and solving behavior problems. This helps position you as an expert to both search engines and potential clients.
Use Low-Cost Marketing Methods
● Print Business Cards & Flyers
Leave them at pet stores, vet offices, groomers, coffee shops, and anywhere else dog lovers hang out. Include a list of your services (e.g., clicker training, puppy socialization, basic obedience) and a clear call to action.
● Vehicle Magnets
A simple car magnet with your business name, contact info, and a catchy tagline like “I Train Dogs So You Don’t Have To” is an affordable way to market wherever you go. Fewer people use this method today, so it can help you stand out
● Offer Free Community Classes
Running a free “How to Train Your Puppy 101” workshop at a local park or community center is a great way to build trust with the local pet parent community. Demonstrate how you use tools like clicker training, and explain common puppy challenges like potty training or crate resistance.
Network with Other Pet Professionals
Your local vet, pet supply store staff, and groomers are all great sources of referrals. These professionals meet new dog owners daily—some of whom need help with training. Build relationships by visiting regularly, offering free mini-sessions to their staff, or leaving behind a stack of your cards.
Veterinary referrals are especially powerful. Because pet owners trust their vets completely, their recommendation carries a lot of weight—especially if their client has a puppy showing early signs of anxiety or behavioral challenges.
Word of Mouth Is Your Best Friend
Great service equals great marketing. Every time you help a pet dog overcome a challenge—whether it’s leash aggression or general hyperactivity—you build your reputation. Satisfied clients will rave about you to neighbors, coworkers, and fellow dog lovers.
And don’t forget: trained dogs are walking advertisements. When a dog owner proudly shows off their well-behaved puppy at the park, people ask, “Who trained your dog?” That’s your moment.
Recap: Start Smart, Train Hard, Stay Visible
To dog train professionally is to blend knowledge, patience, and people skills. Here’s how to launch your business successfully:
• Get certified by a reputable program like Animal Behavior College.
• Define your training focus: obedience, puppy training, service dog work, or dog sports.
• Build a professional website and use social media to connect with your audience.
• Offer a free class to demonstrate your training style and earn community trust.
• Connect with local professionals for valuable referrals.
• Use flyers, car magnets, and community events to boost visibility.
• Always deliver exceptional service—word of mouth will follow.
Want to Become a Certified Dog Trainer?
Enroll with Animal Behavior College to get certified in under a year. Our hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person experience through a mentor near you. Whether you dream of working with puppies, assisting with service dog training, or teaching obedience to rescue dogs, we’ll help you get started.
📞 Call 1-800-795-3294 or visit www.animalbehaviorcollege.com to apply online.
