This very interesting business involves talking to dogs and collecting big bucks for it. You can do this as a part-time job along with your full-time job. It is a very rewarding business not just in terms of money but also in terms of satisfaction; and it is full of fun.
Here we are talking about professional dog obedience training, which is a fast growing industry. To be able to start this business, you must have skills and experience in training the dogs to obey their masters. Though it's not necessary for you to be a certified trainer, getting a certification from a recognized association can really be helpful in not only making the job easier for you, but also as a great marketing tool.
You must first chart out the activities that you intend to teach as part of the training course. Divide these activities into a few sessions/lessons, each session spanning 60-90 minutes. Also, allow room for additional sessions for slow learners. You must print this curriculum on a good quality paper and present it to all prospective customers (dog owners). You can charge on a per-hour basis, $35-$45 per hour is quite acceptable. However, check the rates in your locality before finalizing your hourly rate.
Tip: Offer two types of courses, a short course, and a long/exhaustive training course to cater to the budget and needs of various dog owners.
You can hold training lessons at your home (if you have enough space) or you can rent out schools or any other appropriate places for weekend and evening lessons. You can also offer to impart training at the premises of the dog owners (you might charge an additional fee for this).
Print attractive flyers/pamphlets providing details of the various training courses and your credentials. Also, mention how dog owners can benefit through getting their dogs professionally trained at your training center. You can distribute these pamphlets at dog shows and pet fairs. Also, place the flyers/pamphlets at dog-care facilities, kennels, and veterinary clinics. Spread the word and flyers around with your friends and acquaintances too.
Tip: Give a gift of an instruction guide on cleanliness and other dog care tips to each dog owner who has their dog enrolled for training. This can be a simple sheet (of colored paper) folded in the middle and printed on both sides with tips.
As you gain popularity, you could start preparing and selling training material (e.g. written material and instruction videos) to the dog owners. Be on the lookout for new tricks and techniques of training. You can attend lectures or go for further certifications on dog obedience training. This will help you in introducing new modules to your training course and hence keep your customers coming back to you.
Tip: You could procure dog accessories at wholesale rates and create a new revenue stream by selling them to the dog owners for a profit.
Resources:
–Dog obedience certifications in the USA:
http://www.pennfoster.edu/dogtraining/certification.html
http://members.tripod.com/mbdca/
http://www.la-spca.org/obedience.htm
–Dog obedience training books:
http://www.la-spca.org/education/dogs/suggested_reading.htm
http://www.dogtrainingreview.info/
http://www.businessideafactory.com/dogob.php
–Dog care tips:
http://www.puplife.com/Shop/Control/fp/SFV/32255/view_page/dogtips
http://www.twyla.org/hints.htm
July 29, 2008
