Should You Hire A Dog Trainer?
This month we’ve discussed how you and your staff can teach a few basic cues to each dog to make your center safer, happier and less stressful for everyone. The Dog Gurus are huge advocates of creating a partnership between a dog training staff and your daycare/lodging staff. If you don’t already have a trainer on staff you may want to consider adding this option as an additional revenue stream.
There are some great reasons why having a qualified dog trainer at your facility benefits everyone:
- While daycare/playgroups can provide a great energy outlet for dogs, so can training
- All dogs can learn some basic manners through training
- You can increase revenue for your facility through new services from existing clients, new clients with new programs you offer through training, and add on services to teach tricks, games, or obedience skills
- Better training results in better, safer daycare environment
- You have a referral source for dogs that have behavioral issues and can keep the client at your facility
- Your clients are happier with a well-mannered dog
- Your daycare staff has a built in resource for helping dogs that are problematic in off-leash play
- Your facility becomes the duty expert by offering “one-stop shopping” for all your client’s needs
So how do you find a trainer? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Decide on the training philosophy that best fits with your pet care philosophy
- Talk to local veterinarians and other pet care professionals to find out who they recommend
- Do a trainer search on training websites such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Peaceable Paws Academy
- Observe classes or lessons for any trainer you might want to hire
- Be willing to work together with a trainer to find the best compensation and space arrangements
- Set aside time so that your training staff and daycare/lodging staff can work together and keep lines of communication open between the two.
