When Your Dog Training Program Doesn't Go As Expected

So, you're a dog trainer. It's an exciting career, isn't it?

You put your heart and soul into designing a dog training program, hoping to turn your clients' furry buddies into well-behaved pets. But let's face it, sometimes things just don't go according to plan, simply because you are working with so many variables in the behaviour of the dog… and more importantly, their owner.

As a business coach and trainer, it’s common to hear the following issues come up between trainer and client quite frequently:

Everyone encounters challenging situations with clients from time to time, but if it’s happening frequently, it can cause:

I adjusted the training program, breaking things down into small, manageable steps. I focused on providing the client with achievable wins, no matter how small, so she could regain that initial excitement and hope and see what her puppy was capable of more frequently.

Part of the client's overwhelming stress stemmed from personal issues unrelated to the dog training program itself.

Sometimes, as dog trainers, we find ourselves playing the role of therapists to the owners as well. However, we must remember that while we can offer support and make adjustments, our job is not to be their therapists. We can give our best as dog trainers, and the client needs to meet us halfway and follow through on their part. We can make it easier for them in various ways and tailor our approach to suit each individual client. However, we should also avoid putting excessive pressure on ourselves to achieve perfection with clients who may not be ready to reach a higher level of training at the moment.

Additionally, it's important to note that clients often have different standards for their dogs compared to what we might expect for our own. While we may strive for a more flawless outcome, the client may be content with their dog's behavior and level of training as long as they are happy. In such cases, we should give ourselves some grace and adjust our own expectations as dog trainers.

Remember, dog training is a journey, and it's not always smooth sailing. By understanding and supporting our clients through challenges, adjusting our methods as needed, and managing our own expectations, we can foster a positive and effective training experience for both the client and their furry companion.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the challenges that pop up when your dog training program falls short of your client's expectations and explore some strategies to handle these situations gracefully.

First things first, every client has different ideas and goals for their dog's training. It's crucial to have a good chat with them right off the bat. Talk about what they want to achieve, their dog's behavioral issues, and any specific requests they might have. Clear communication is key to managing expectations and tailoring your program accordingly.

Time to put your listening ears on! Reach out to your client and really hear them out. Keep in mind that most people just want to be heard and feel understood.

Let them express their feedback and frustrations. Show them that you understand where they're coming from and that their perspective matters.

Avoid getting defensive, and instead focus on finding solutions together. It's all about having a constructive conversation, clearing up any misunderstandings, and directly addressing their concerns.

Alright, it's time to give your training program a good once-over. Look at it with fresh eyes and ask yourself, "What needs improvement?"

Maybe it's time to shake things up a bit. Seek advice from other experienced trainers, dive into some scientific literature, or tap into your professional network for new insights.

By tweaking your techniques, exercises, or strategies, you can supercharge your training program. The great thing about running your own business is that you can change any part at any time because you’re the boss.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, certain dogs need a little extra help beyond your training program.

That's where teamwork comes in! Collaborate with other professionals like veterinarians, behaviourists, or specialists who can provide a holistic approach to tackle more complex issues. Educate your client on the benefits of seeking additional assistance and guide them towards the right resources.

Hey, nobody's perfect, right? Take a moment to reflect on each client's experience.

What feedback have you received?

Are there any patterns or recurring issues you've noticed?

Use that knowledge to fine-tune your techniques, programs, and approaches in the future. Keep attending workshops, seminars, and stay connected with other professionals in the field.

Remember, learning is a lifelong journey.

While we want to deliver a wonderful experience for all of our clients where possible, sometimes you will get a client that is just being difficult.

Thankfully, designing programs, procedures and policies can avoid the majority of these situations.

Knowing your ideal client and who you’re speaking to in your marketing will attract the right people into your programs. To learn more about attracting your ideal training clients and take the client-getting challenge, take my Get More Dog Training Clients Short Course.

But occasionally, someone difficult to work with may still slip through the cracks.

Stick to your boundaries and policies while trying to help the client feel heard.

Do your best at applying what we discussed in this article, but do not let your clients boss you around.

You are the educator in the situation and ultimately they need to follow your guidance and rules. In incredibly difficult situations, it’s more than okay to fire a client.

To learn more about attracting your ideal client and setting up processes that help training go smoothly, view the on-demand webclass, How To Grow Your Dog Training Profits With Clients You Love.

To wrap up…

So, next time you find yourself in a situation where your dog training program doesn't go as expected with a client, take a deep breath and remember the strategies we've discussed. Understand their expectations, communicate openly, reassess and adjust your program, and seek additional support if needed. Embrace the journey of continuous learning and improvement.

At the end of the day, what matters most is the well-being and progress of the furry companions you're working with. By navigating these challenges with grace and dedication, you'll not only strengthen your relationships with your clients but also contribute to creating happier, better-behaved dogs in the long run.

Want some help to create and sell amazing dog training programs? Including a Program Creation Kit with done for you program templates customizable for your brand, Dog Training That Sells will help you both create and sell amazing dog training programs to your clients.

Learn more about Dog Training That Sells and sign up here.