Being a Dog Trainer

CharlieDog · #1 07-24-2008, 08:36 AM

I'm not really sure how to start this off... but my mother has gotten several people asking her if I can come work with their dogs, and get them to do basic things, like sitting and not jumping on people, etc.

I can do all that no problem, but these people are expecting to hire me, and expecting to pay something for me doing the work.

I don't know what to charge them. I also don't know what to tell them in terms of how long it's going to take. Typically, it doesn't take me that long to teach most dogs something new or different, but every dog is different, obviously, so I don't really know what timeline I should give them, or how to tell the that THEY are going to have to do most of the work, and I'm just there to tell the what to do.

Also, should I charge more the more stuff they want me to tech their dog?

I've never done this before. I've trained dogs for money, but it was a set rate, for a friend, and it was mostly socialization and basic obedience. I didn't choose the price either, she paid me a 100 a week to take the dogs everywhere and work with them as much or as little as I wanted to, as long as they learned basic obedience etc.

I just don't know what to do is the point. Does anyone have any advice?

**Zoom** · #2 07-24-2008, 05:40 PM

Welll, around here the going rate for in-home private lessons seems to be about $75/hour. You can charge less, but I wouldn't go much lower than $50. You are providing a valuable service and deserve to be properly compensated for your time.

Dekka · #3 07-24-2008, 05:42 PM

Find out what the going rate is... make up some 'lesson plans' with home work for the owners.

I just tell people it takes as long as it takes. Some dogs and owners are very fast.. some struggle.

CharlieDog · #4 07-24-2008, 05:50 PM

It seems to be anywhere from 50 to 75 like Zoom said, but I think most of these are established businesses.

Dekka · #5 07-24-2008, 05:51 PM

Then start with 50. I like offering package deals. So 50 a session or 4 for 175.

CharlieDog · #6 07-24-2008, 06:01 PM

That's sounds like the plan pretty much. Thanks guys!

I'll have to figure out some "homework" as well.

adojrts · #7 07-24-2008, 08:31 PM

CD.
Keep in mind that if clients are having you come to them and you are training their dog for the most part to keep the handouts short and simple. Maybe even printing off NILIF for them to post on the fridge lol.
And if you are doing most of the homework, guaranteed most of them wont do any homework, so will especially if they start getting results and their having fun lol.