Starting a dog training business can be a rewarding career if you enjoy working with dogs and helping people solve real behavior challenges. But it’s also a real business, which means you need practical skills, a clear plan, and a way to consistently get clients.
This complete guide answers the most common questions, including how to start a dog training business, how much it costs, how hard it is, how to get training, how to get certified, and what certifications are needed.
I strongly encourage you to watch this free workshop from Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, where he clearly explains every aspect of starting a dog training business:
👉 Watch This Free Workshop On How to Get Started as a Dog Trainer
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How to Start a Dog Training Business
If you want a clear path, here’s the simplest way to think about it: build skills first, then build services, then build your client pipeline.
1) Learn practical dog training skills
Clients don’t hire you because you “love dogs.” They hire you because you can solve problems safely and ethically. Your foundation should include how dogs learn, timing and reinforcement, reading body language, and addressing common issues like leash pulling, jumping, barking, fear, reactivity, and aggression.
2) Choose your services and specialty
Most new trainers start with one of these service types:
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- Private, in-home training sessions
- Basic obedience packages (multiple sessions)
- Behavior problem consultations
- Group classes (once you have a location and demand)
If you try to offer everything on day one, you’ll overwhelm yourself. Start with what you can deliver confidently, then expand as you gain experience.
3) Set up the business basics
You’ll need a business name, basic branding, and a way for people to contact you. At a minimum, you should have a simple website or landing page, a business email, and an intake process (even if it’s just a form).
Also plan for insurance and any local requirements for business registration. Even if you’re starting small, protect yourself and operate professionally from day one.
4) Create a plan to get clients
This is where many talented trainers struggle. You can be great with dogs and still fail if you don’t know how to find clients, structure offers, and price your services sustainably. The easiest path is to learn from a program that teaches both dog training and how to run the business itself.
How Hard is it To Start a Dog Training Business?
It’s very achievable, but it isn’t “easy money.” There are two main challenges: skill development and business development.
Dog training takes practice, because real cases vary widely. You’ll work with different breeds, temperaments, home environments, owner skill levels, and behavior histories. Confidence comes from repetition, a clear method, and guidance when you get stuck.
The business side can be equally challenging. New trainers often undercharge, over-deliver, burn out, or struggle to market themselves. If you learn how to price properly, package your services, and consistently get clients, everything becomes easier.
You’ll have a much easier time starting your dog training business if you get advice and guidance from a true professional:
👉 Watch This Free Workshop On How to Get Started as a Dog Trainer
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Dog Training Business?
The cost to start a dog training business can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how you train, how you market, and how quickly you want to grow.
Common startup costs include:
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- Training and education
- Basic supplies (leash, long line, treat pouch, treats, clicker if you use one)
- Business registration and liability insurance
- A basic website or landing page
- Simple marketing (business cards, local networking, online listings)
Many people try to spend as little as possible, but training is the one area where investing upfront can save you years of confusion and prevent costly mistakes with real dogs and real clients.
How to Get Training to Start a Dog Training Business
If you’re serious about doing this as a career, your training should cover two things: effective dog training skills and how to start, run, and grow a dog training business.
Option 1: An easy-to-follow online program that teaches training + business
If you want a clear, beginner-friendly path that also teaches the business side (getting clients, what to charge, how to manage your services), I recommend Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy as an easy-to-follow online training program. You can read my full review of the program here.
This option is especially helpful if you want step-by-step guidance without needing to figure everything out on your own, including how to position yourself, build confidence with clients, and turn training into a real business.
Option 2: A higher-level, more college-level mentorship program
If you want a more structured, in-depth education with mentorship (and a more “college-level” feel), Western States K9 College can be a strong fit, especially for people who want a deeper professional pathway and more intensive guidance. You can read my full review of their program here.
This can be a great next step if you want a more robust program experience and long-term professional development.
What Certifications are Needed to Start a Dog Training Business?
In the US, you do not need a specific certification to legally start a dog training business. However, certifications can improve credibility and help clients feel comfortable hiring you, especially when you’re new.
What matters most is your real-world skill, your ability to coach owners clearly, and your commitment to humane, effective training methods.
For more information, read my post, Do You Need Certification to Be a Dog Trainer?
How to Become Certified as a Dog Trainer
There is no single, legally required certification to become a dog trainer. However, if you complete a reputable dog trainer education program, you will typically receive that program’s own certificate of completion or certification. This shows that you have completed structured training, learned a consistent methodology, and invested in your education.
Many professional trainers build successful businesses using the certification provided by their training program, combined with real-world results and client trust, rather than pursuing additional third-party credentials.
Pricing, Clients and What to Charge as a New Dog Trainer
Once you have solid skills, your next job is to build a business that pays you fairly.
Start by packaging your services (for example, a 4-session or 6-session program) instead of selling random one-off sessions. Clear packages make it easier for clients to commit and easier for you to predict income.
Also decide how you’ll get clients consistently. Many trainers start with local networking (vets, groomers, pet stores), a simple website optimized for local searches, and a clear specialty or problem you solve.
This is also where programs like Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy can help, because it includes guidance on how to start, run, and manage a dog training business, including getting clients and what to charge.
Final Thoughts
If you’d like to start a dog training business, the best approach is to focus on two things: develop real training skills and learn how to run the business side properly.
If you want an easy-to-follow online program that teaches both effective dog training skills and how to start, run, and grow a dog training business, I recommend Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy.
If you want a more advanced, mentorship-based, college-level training path, Western States K9 College can be a strong option.
Read: Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy review
Read: Western States K9 College review
For a comparison of these two programs, read my post, Professional Dog Trainer Education vs Casual Online Courses.
I wish you the best of luck in your decision to become a professional dog trainer! So many dogs and their owners need help. I’m so glad you’re doing this! Debra
For More Information on Becoming a Dog Trainer
- Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Training Business
- Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy Review
- Is Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy Worth It for Beginners?
- How to Become a Dog Trainer with No Experience
- Western States K9 College Review
- Is Dog Training a Good Side Hustle?
- Is Dog Training a Good Career?
- How Much Do Dog Trainers Really Make?
- Do You Need Certification to Be a Dog Trainer?
💬 Did this help you? If you have a question, helpful tips, or even a struggle related to this topic, please leave a comment below — it helps other readers more than you know.
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