Most dog trainers are still using a 90s-style model: six-week courses, one-off sessions, and long gaps between classes. A model that rarely works in today´s crazy busy world that is full of highly distracted and already over-stretched clients. They can´t take in and apply what you teach and training their dog tends to slip down their to-do list. Leaving you and them very frustrated.

In this episode, we explain that owners don’t want to have to become mini-dog trainers, they want simple methods that work. That needs long-term support, repetition, patience from you and  asking better questions. That creates calmer clients, stronger relationships, and results that actually stick.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A 90s‑style pick‑and‑mix of one‑off sessions and short courses no longer works. When owners only get you in tiny snippets, it’s hard for them to build new habits and see lasting change, especially with puppies.

Clients are not short on information, they’re short on capacity. Kids, jobs, stress and 10,000 daily ads and messages eat their bandwidth. They can’t absorb and implement everything you say.

Judging clients e.g. thinking “they shouldn’t have a dog” shuts down your ability to help them. Even if you are careful to say nothing directly to them, they will still pick up on your disapproval. How you feel leaks out in subtle ways. 

Take note of your frustration or issues with people and work to put things into perspective. Ask - What might be going on in their life that I don’t see yet?

Respectfully talk to your clients to uncover the underlying issues that are holding them back. 

Sounding like a broken record can be frustrating, but if you don´t you can´t break through all of the other noise.

Build repeated explanations, reminders and check‑ins into your course or sessions.

Longer‑term, relationship‑based support makes it easier for both sides. You get time to really understand the client and adapt how you help; they get space to be honest, try, wobble, and come back without feeling like a bad owner.

BEST MOMENTS

“It's more human connection now.”

“You'll see more of that person, and they will let you in more into what's going into their lives, and it will allow you to be more empathetic.”

“You need to sound like a broken record… If they've only heard it one time, they're not going to retain it.”

You've got to come CBA Live, 9th and 10th of July, Solihull – Just book here - https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/cba-live-2026

SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com

Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity

Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705

Email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies are dog behaviourists, business strategists, and co-founders of Canine Business Academy—the UK’s go-to hub for dog professionals who want more than just a logo and a dream.With a combined passion for dogs and business done properly, Jo and Vicky have helped hundreds of canine professionals build sustainable, profitable businesses rooted in real impact.🏆 Their award-winning work has earned recognition including:– UK StartUp Awards: Business to Business (Midlands)– Small Business Awards UK: Most Innovative Small Business 2025– Business Awards UK: Most Innovative Pet Product 2024– Plus shortlists at the Women in Business and Great British Businesswoman AwardsThey’re also No.1 bestselling authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy, featured on BBC Radio, FOX, NBC, and more—with 63,000+ downloads of this very podcast.Their philosophy is simple:Give a shit. Get shit done. Get results.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/