When Your Dog Training Program Doesn't Go As Expected
Navigating Challenges: When Your Dog Training Program Doesn't Go As Expected With Your Client
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:
- Different ideas of what "good" looks like: Sometimes, clients have a different idea of what they want their dog to be like, and it may not match up with what's realistic or achievable.
- Trouble sticking to the plan: Some clients struggle with consistently following through on the training program, either because they forget or find it hard to make time for it.
- Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed: Dogs can be unpredictable, and it's easy for clients to feel frustrated or overwhelmed when things don't go smoothly during training.
- Life getting in the way: Sometimes, personal issues or unexpected events in the client's life make it challenging to fully focus on the training and give it their all.
- Not seeing eye to eye: Sometimes, the trainer and the client may have different ideas about how to train the dog, which can lead to confusion or disagreements.
Everyone encounters challenging situations with clients from time to time, but if it’s happening frequently, it can cause:
- Lost passion and fulfillment: When you encounter difficult client relationships, it can chip away at your passion and leave you feeling unfulfilled, hindering your enjoyment of the work you love.
- Stunted professional growth: Challenging clients can hold you back from reaching your full potential, stifling your professional growth and limiting opportunities for learning and development.
- Damaged business reputation: Problematic client relationships not only affect your personal well-being but also impact your business reputation, making it harder to attract new clients and build a successful venture.
- Increased stress and burnout: Dealing with ongoing client challenges takes a toll on you, causing heightened stress levels and pushing you closer to the brink of burnout.
- Hindered business success: When faced with persistent difficulties, your business goals become harder to achieve, stifling your success and preventing you from realizing the full potential of your hard work.
I once had a client who came to me with a small puppy in need of basic training and help with common puppy issues. She enrolled in a training program and was eager to get started. However, each time I arrived for a lesson, her initial excitement had faded, and she felt discouraged and frustrated. The puppy was doing typical puppy things, and she struggled to cope with it.
For instance, the puppy would chew on her bras and socks, or bark seeking attention. Every time this happened, the client would feel overwhelmed and contemplate quitting. We went through a rollercoaster of emotions during the entire training program, and I worried that she might give up. On multiple occasions, I sat her down and discussed in an encouraging way what she needed to do to address these problems. I emphasized the importance of consistency and reassured her that it takes time for things to improve.
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.
Understanding Client Expectations
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.
Assessing the Situation
Uh-oh, so it seems your client isn't quite satisfied with your training program. Take a deep breath and take a step back. Let's assess the situation together.
What exactly isn't meeting their expectations?
Is it a particular behaviour that hasn't improved, a lack of progress overall, or maybe just a misunderstanding of the training process?
Figuring out the root cause will help you tackle the problem head-on.
Open and Honest Communication
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.
Reevaluate the Training Program
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.
Tailoring Custom Dog Training Program Solutions
Now that you've identified areas that need a little TLC, it's time to talk solutions with your client. Lay out your plans for modifications and explain how these changes will address their concerns.
Remember, training is an ongoing process, and adjustments are sometimes necessary to achieve those desired outcomes. Involve your client in the decision-making process to make them feel valued and heard.
Additional Support and Resources
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.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
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.
In the wild world of dog training, it's bound to happen – a client's expectations occasionally aren't met.
But don't freak out! By keeping those lines of communication open, assessing the situation, and being receptive to feedback, you can navigate these challenges like a pro. Each client's journey is unique, so you need to adapt, show empathy, and commit to continuous improvement.
Remember, setbacks are just opportunities for growth, both for you as a trainer and for your client. With patience, persistence, and flexibility, you can turn these challenges into valuable learning experiences.
Where’s the Line Between Providing Good Customer Service & A Difficult Client Crossing Your Boundaries?
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.
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- Reach more people and their dogs
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