How to Nail Your Initial Dog Training Client Consultation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Today, I’m sharing my go-to guide for acing the initial dog training consultation with a new client.

Why talk about lesson structure? When I first started in dog training,it was all about the dogs, but the human part? That was a learning curve.

Oh, the stories I could tell from my early days... But let’s dive in and spill the beans on my own journey and how you can rock your consultations and run them as smoothly and effectively as possible.

A pre-consult questionnaire can be your best friend. You’ll want to know the dog’s breed, age, and any quirky behaviors of course. But use your questionnaire to dive deeper into how the dog lives daily life with the family. As dog trainers, we notice things about dogs that the owners don’t. There can be a lot of helpful info found between the lines of your client’s answers, both on the questionnaire form, and in person.

I do recommend you have a chat with the owner when you first meet them for the session. So why also do a questionnaire?

Chat about their furry friend like you would about your own pets. Show them you're not just a trainer, but a friendly and normal (well, what’s normal…?) person and pet owner.

Watch their dog as you chat to the client. You will observe the dog’s behaviour from the moment you arrive and during the rest of the session. As you know, the details matter!

Get really clear on the client’s goals and dream outcome for their dog’s training results. Be real about what’s possible. Explain your methods, what the training process will look like, and remember, patience is your best training tool with humans too.

I usually start the training session by explaining the key words we’ll be teaching their dog first, and why. Usually this is a marker word and a release word. Keep your explanations simple and in plain language. Unless you’re teaching another trainer, avoid dog training jargon and try to stick to one topic at a time.

When training the dog my process is to explain - demo - coach.

I explain what we’re about to do and why.

I demonstrate this with the dog, and teach the client how to address any challenges that come up as we go, such as the dog not responding in the way we anticipate. I aim to progress the dog to a level of understanding that makes the process easier for the owner when they take the leash.

I then check with the client whether they have any questions and ask them how they’re feeling about the training so far.

I pass the leash to the owner and tell them it’s their turn, ensuring they feel confident to copy what I just did. I then coach them through the process of doing it themselves.

It’s okay to check the time. We as trainers all seem to be eager to over-deliver, which comes from a lovely place. But the last thing you want to do is overwhelm your clients.

Your client also understands that the lesson has a set time limit and that you have other places to be.

If you are the type to get absorbed in your training and lose track of time, set timers or alarms for key points in the session where you know you need to start wrapping up.

Allow time to address any questions the client may have at the end of the training session.

It’s likely that you won’t cover everything you’d like to in one session. That’s why you want to allow time at the end of the lesson to…

It’s time to lay out your packages like you’re presenting options for a five-star all-inclusive resort. Because that is the quality of continued training with you!

Be clear about your prices and inclusions but most of all, ensure you clearly explain the benefits and transformation that they can expect to achieve with each package.

Don’t have any packages or programs yet? View the free on demand webinar - Grow Your Training Business With Clients You Love HERE.

Wrap it up by summarizing the plan that they are to follow until your next session. If a package has been booked, set up a time for your next adventure and let them know you're as excited as a pup with a new toy.

Remember, the bond you create with your clients is as important as the one they have with their dogs. Well, almost.

One of the greatest assets you can have as a trainer is empathy and understanding for the human end of the leash. At the end of the day, it’s one human helping another to figure out how to have a better relationship with their dog, and that can be life changing.

If you feel stuck on pricing, program creation or sales, make sure you view the on-demand webinar, How To Grow Your Dog Training Business With Clients You Love HERE.