When you’re first starting out on your own as a dog trainer you might not have all the right forms or documents created until you discover you need them. In this article, I’m going to point out some important and necessary documents you should have ready before you start taking on new clients.

1. 5 Must-Haves
Before Launching Your Dog Training Business
T H E M O D E R N D O G T R A I N E R

2. In-Depth New
Client Intake
Form
Intake forms ensure you’re aware of the entire
situation before taking on a new client.
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3. Asking questions not only gives you a
better understanding of the context of
the dog’s behavior, but you just might
spur some old memories from the client
that may be unexpectedly relevant to
the dog’s behavior changes or issues.

4. New Client
Welcome Packet
What can they expect from you with regards to
instructions, communication, and follow-up?
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5. A new client welcome
packet:
Explains important details so that they can be
comfortable and aren’t left with a lot of questions.
Helps clients feel supported right from the start.
Exudes professionalism and differentiates yourself
from your competition.

6. Client Lesson
Overview Handout
Don’t leave clients confused.
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7. -Ines McNeil, CPDT-KA
FOU NDE R, T HE MODE RN DOG T RAINE R
I recommend that you have a worksheet or handout that
you fill out as you’re working with your clients.
This kind of handout can include specific spaces to
list management requirements, steps for breaking down
complex behaviors and lists of rewards that that
specific dog enjoys and will work for. This makes
your notes easy for the client to read. This sets you
and your (human) client up for success.
“

8. Specific Behavior
Modification
Assessment Forms
In addition to an in-depth intake form, you should have separate
forms for each behavior issue that will require behavior modification.
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9. Follow Up Emails
Speedy correspondence is important for
landing new clients.
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10. Making sure you have some emails you
can quickly pull from and edit based
on the prospect’s inquiry will save
you time. Having a prepared email
ready means you’ll also be less likely
to forget critical information you’d
want your potential client to know.

11. Give your new business
a boost.
Check out my New Dog Training Business Template Bundle
that includes these five templates and five additional templates
to give your business a major jump start.
Click here to learn more!