Start a Dog Obedience School
Obedience school is one of the best activities any pet can attend. A well-trained, well-mannered dog is a joy to own, and a joy to share with others. A little forethought, a good trainer, and a well-crafted business plan can make your dog obedience school a success in no time.
Instructions
1. Determine exactly what type of classes, skill levels and breeds you will be working with. Each stage of a dog’s life is a different experience and requires a different ideal in regards to training. The basic classes that most obedience schools offer are puppy classes, beginner’s obedience classes, and advanced obedience classes, with most offering preparation for obedience shows if the owners choose to show their dogs. A number of obedience schools also offer other classes, such as conformation, agility and flyball. While those activities require a different set of equipment than basic obedience, they are well worth the time and effort, as good training facilities are difficult to find.
2. Centrally locate the facility. The location of the training school is vital to your enrollment. A facility that is centrally available to the majority of all possible clients will offer the most accessibility and greatest potential for large enrollments. An indoor or outdoor facility is entirely a matter of personal choice, although a facility with a sturdy, weatherproof indoor building is always beneficial in cases of bad weather. Outdoor facilities offer greater flexibility as they are often larger and can be used for training and shows, if you choose to host both. The footing of the facility is important, as there needs to be adequate traction so the dogs do not slide or fall during training. Rubber matting can be used to cover cement floors, and is commercially available from a number of places. Lighting and ventilation are also important, as many schools offer classes year round with morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
3. Evaluate the equipment you will need. Appropriate equipment is another aspect of an obedience school that must be carefully evaluated. Most obedience schools are equipped with gates (small fences) that divide the training areas into smaller rings. Smaller rings offer the ability to run more than one class at a time, or allow your clients to practice training for shows. Basic obedience classes require very little in the way of equipment besides what the clients choose to bring for their own pets. Higher levels of obedience training require various equipment including hurdles, dumbbells, and scent discrimination articles that you can choose to provide for your clients if you wish. If you decide to offer other sport training in your facility, appropriate equipment for those sports is necessary. Conformation handling classes are a very simple addition to your curriculum, requiring nothing more than the gates and special show leads, if you choose to provide them. Agility requires a wide variety of obstacles including jumps, weave poles, tunnels and contact obstacles that can be either built at home or commercially purchased. Flyball is a little simpler to equip, as it requires hurdles, a flyball box, tennis balls and a starting grid. While not technically obedience classes, these courses offer variety and excitement for clients and pets alike and will help your business draw in extra income.
4. Competent trainers are essential to a successful obedience school. Carefully choosing trainers who are skilled in the particular level of classes you choose to offer is vital to successful student learning. Many of the best trainers are people who have participated in dog sports themselves, and who have years' worth of experience training and competing with dogs. There are a number of certified dog trainers across the country who would also make excellent additions to your business, and they can often be located at shows, seminars and other dog events. Obedience schools often employ different trainers for different class levels, as specialization with a certain skill level can make an individual more familiar with the struggles and challenges which may present themselves at a particular level. If you choose to offer any other dog sports in your facility, finding a trainer for those classes can also be done to ensure the best trainers possible teach at your school. Trainers will often develop their own lesson plans and curriculum that will cover all of the necessary skills to complete a level of training. Obedience is best learned when taught in a certain order, as simple skills are necessary for the dogs to learn more complex skills, and a competent instructor will build lessons based off this idea.
5. Have a good business structure and plan in place. It is an important aspect to growing and succeeding with your business. Plan for growth and development, as successful schools can quickly see an increase in business. Class fees are an important factor in determining how successful your business might be. Not charging enough will not increase your profit, but charging too much can drive off business. Check with existing local schools or trainers to see what the going rate is in your area. Another point of revenue for your business is sales of treats, toys and training equipment. Offering a wide selection of items makes your school a “one stop” type of business where clients can train and shop, which is extremely convenient for them. Offering private lessons with trainers is another point that many clients find helpful when there is a training problem or issue. Private lessons often cost more, but the benefit to clients and their dogs can be vital to their successes.
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