04/13/2023
This. I love all my my clients and I will remember your dogs years and years later. But following these steps will help you get the most out of…well..me! Help me help you help your dogs. ❤️
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dog Trainer
1. Use the method of contact they recommend, and then, wait for your trainer's response. Sending an email, a Facebook Message, and leaving multiple voicemails or texts after business hours will not result in a faster response. Ever.
2. If scheduling an appointment directly through them rather than through a scheduling app, respond to suggested times/dates promptly.
3. Avoid asking for availability outside your trainer's business hours. Your trainer has business hours for a reason. Even though your situation is dire and you need immediate help, please understand that so does everyone else who scheduled their lessons before you.
4. Make every effort to attend the appointment you've made. Don't cancel it for non-urgent/non-critical reasons, especially with little notice. Show your trainer that training is a priority for you, and respect your trainer's time. They don't get paid for talking to you, doing admin setup for you, having you schedule a block of their time, and then NOT giving you a lesson.
5. Do your homework. Seriously. We know when you don't. It's a waste of your money when we have to give you the same lesson each week, and you will make very slow progress.
6. If you have problems with the homework, reach out to your trainer. We LOVE to help you succeed! Similarly, if your trainer gives you the option of submitting videos of training sessions for midweek feedback, please take full advantage of this amazing opportunity to get free lessons!!!
7. When you do ask midweek questions that your trainer takes unpaid time to answer and/or when your trainer sends you a thorough written review of your lesson plan, acknowledge receipt with a thank you. You need not take a lot of time or show your appreciation extravagantly, but a simple acknowledgement of your trainer's personalized efforts will help them love helping you.
A good trainer will always do their best to help you succeed, no matter how much or little you work, no matter whether or not you appreciate them. However, you and your dog will benefit tremendously by following the training plan you are paying for, and you can help your trainer love their work by being responsive, trainable, and appreciative. Trust me, we are suckers for the hard working, dedicated owner who wants to learn, and we just can't help ourselves from giving those folks extra time and effort off the clock.