Dog Obedience Training

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? Yes
Online Operation? No

THE BRIEF

If you have a way with dogs, you're in luck: Dog trainers are more in demand than ever, thanks to the pandemic puppy boom. According to the ASPCA, 23 million Americans got a pet during the pandemic. Dog obedience training is a multimillion-dollar industry — and it continues to grow by double digits as more and more busy people need help teaching their canines important skills like leash manners. Some dog trainers hold group sessions at home, while others travel to their clients' homes for private lessons. Another option is to strike deals with local schools and community centers and hold dog obedience classes on weekends and nights. While you don't need any special certification to hang up your shingle, you may have a competitive edge if you get certified through organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. You'll also show you're a dedicated pro by joining an industry group such as The Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Not only is certification a powerful marketing tool that will help persuade people that you are the right trainer for their dog, but it also means you can charge a premium for your services.

ASK THE PROS

How much can you make?

Rates for in-home training range from $30 to more than $250 per hour. Many trainers bundle packages that include a set amount of training classes and course materials. That profit can add up fast, shares Chinwe Onyeagoro, CEO of the app PocketSuite: "Even at the low end, our dog trainer professionals earn between $50,000 and $70,000 every year. At the high end, for dog trainers that actually have a team, this can go all the way up to $300,000 per year."

What kind of experience do you need to have?

"Part instruction, part psychology, the field of dog training requires great people skills as well as a love of canines. Dog trainers will tell you that you're not just training the pooches — you're also training the folks who live with them. So you have to be able to talk to them kindly, deal with them patiently and reinforce their behavior-then do the same with their furry friends." — Start Your Own Pet Business by Entrepreneur Press and Cheryl Kimball 

What is the most important thing to know about this business?

It's essential to spend as much time as possible around dogs before you launch your business. “Volunteer at a shelter, work with a rescue group, pet sit for friends and family. Take a dog training course yourself if you own a dog.”— Jordan Kaplan, owner and founder of Petaholics, a New York City-based pet sitting and training business