Question For Dog Trainers

[lovemesideways]

How did you get started? What sort of training did you offer when you got started?

Did you know a lot?

How did you learn everything you know now (experience, courses, books, mentors..)?

If someone was looking at starting up their own dog training business, what would you suggest they needed. ( I know insurance is a must, though not sure what kind or where to get it!)

[Nekhbet]

I started through word of mouth and some basic advertising. I offered the same as what I do now, I didnt want to start half hearted as your reputation often preceeds you.

I had previous experience in working dogs and their training, I did the NDTF course to fill in the gaps and show me techniques I didnt really have access to at the time.

You can never read too many books, attend too many seminars and just keep learning!

[lovemesideways]

I started through word of mouth and some basic advertising. I offered the same as what I do now, I didnt want to start half hearted as your reputation often preceeds you.

I had previous experience in working dogs and their training, I did the NDTF course to fill in the gaps and show me techniques I didnt really have access to at the time.

You can never read too many books, attend too many seminars and just keep learning!

Where did you get that previous experience? If you don't mind me asking.

[Nekhbet]

I got it through training my own dogs and helping other people do it on a non professional basis I also read a lot of articles and books and had been a vet nurse before running a puppy preschool

[Kavik]

I am thinking of starting up

I instruct classes (and have in the past as well) on a volunteer and sometimes paid basis in agility and obedience.

I did the NDTF course

I go to as many seminars as I can from both local and overseas instructors on many topics

I read as many books, and watch as many DVDs as I can

I train and compete with my own dogs, have now titled my dog in Jumping and Agility

I plan to offer all of what I can from the beginning

[Jumabaar]

How did you get started? What sort of training did you offer when you got started?

Did you know a lot?

How did you learn everything you know now (experience, courses, books, mentors..)?

If someone was looking at starting up their own dog training business, what would you suggest they needed. ( I know insurance is a must, though not sure what kind or where to get it!)

I would also guess you need to decide where you want to head with that business and tailor your experience to that. ie do you want to train OB- then you might want to trail first, do you want to work with dogs that have behavioural problems etc.

I know that word of mouth is the biggest draw for me- its how I have ended up going to all the trainers that I have worked with, although I know most 'joe public' will probably look at the yellow pages or similar. So ultimatly your quiestions would depend alot on who you were marketing too.

[lovemesideways]

How did you get started? What sort of training did you offer when you got started?

Did you know a lot?

How did you learn everything you know now (experience, courses, books, mentors..)?

If someone was looking at starting up their own dog training business, what would you suggest they needed. ( I know insurance is a must, though not sure what kind or where to get it!)

I would also guess you need to decide where you want to head with that business and tailor your experience to that. ie do you want to train OB- then you might want to trail first, do you want to work with dogs that have behavioural problems etc.

I know that word of mouth is the biggest draw for me- its how I have ended up going to all the trainers that I have worked with, although I know most 'joe public' will probably look at the yellow pages or similar. So ultimatly your quiestions would depend alot on who you were marketing too.

Thats a good point, about who I'm going to be aiming the training that.

Do you think if you start with something small, like just basic OB and puppy class, that you can then expand later?

[Lollipup]

I also need info on this. I thought this would have gotten more replies. I am struggling to think of a business name. By the time I think of one, I'll be years down the track and ready to start haha

[lovemesideways]

Bump and edit to add,

What about insurance? What kinds of insurance do you need when training others as a business?

[Lollipup]

I know you definately need public liability insurance. Then possibly Professional Indemnity insurance too. Which protects you when you offer advice so someone can't sue you when they use you're advice and aren't happy with the results. At least, that's how I understand it.

No idea yet how much insurance will cost.

Anyone?

[aussielover]

How did you get started? What sort of training did you offer when you got started?

Did you know a lot?

How did you learn everything you know now (experience, courses, books, mentors..)?

If someone was looking at starting up their own dog training business, what would you suggest they needed. ( I know insurance is a must, though not sure what kind or where to get it!)

I would also guess you need to decide where you want to head with that business and tailor your experience to that. ie do you want to train OB- then you might want to trail first, do you want to work with dogs that have behavioural problems etc.

I know that word of mouth is the biggest draw for me- its how I have ended up going to all the trainers that I have worked with, although I know most 'joe public' will probably look at the yellow pages or similar. So ultimatly your quiestions would depend alot on who you were marketing too.

Thats a good point, about who I'm going to be aiming the training that.

Do you think if you start with something small, like just basic OB and puppy class, that you can then expand later?

Yes, the lady who runs puppy school up where i work is also a behaviourist but when she started out it was mainly doing puppy school. she built up her business from there and expanded into offering behavioural consults as well as dog walking and training & boarding.

Most of her referrals come from either vets or by word of mouth.