In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for dog trainers who may be struggling with balancing their health and running their dog training business.

Ask dogbiz

Q: Hi dogbiz,

I’ve been struggling to find the right balance between my health and running my dog training business. I’ve had some health issues that can flare up from time to time, and I worry about letting my clients down when I need to cancel appointments. I want to be reliable, but I also need to take care of myself. How can I run my business without compromising my health or pushing myself too hard?

Thanks,
Annie

A: Hi Annie,

First, let us say that you’re not alone. Many business owners, especially in the dog training world, feel the strain of balancing personal health with the demands of their business. Your health should always be a priority, and while it can feel difficult to navigate the challenges of running a business when you’re not feeling your best, there are strategies to help offer great service without compromising your well-being.

Here are some tips for managing your health while maintaining a successful dog training business:

Plan Around Patterns (if They Exist)

If your health issues are somewhat predictable—such as flare-ups triggered by stress or certain times of the year—can you adjust your schedule accordingly? Consider structuring your calendar to allow for lower-intensity periods when needed. You might choose to work fewer days but schedule more sessions per day, or block out recovery time after busy periods.

Restructure Your Services

If fulfilling in-person sessions is becoming difficult, could you restructure your offerings to better support your clients and your well-being? Some ideas include:

• Offering online training sessions to reduce physical demands and provide a backup option when needed
• Creating on-demand video courses that provide passive income and allow clients to continue training even when you’re unavailable
• Holding flexible drop-in group sessions rather than committing to one-on-one appointments that require strict scheduling
• Partnering with another trainer who can step in when needed, ensuring clients always have support

Minimize Last-Minute Cancellations

Life happens, and occasional reschedules are understandable, but frequent last-minute cancellations can be frustrating for clients and impact your reputation. Consider the following:

• Implementing a clear rescheduling policy so clients know what to expect
• Having a backup option, such as an online session or pre-recorded material, to avoid outright cancellations
• Prioritizing self-care and balance to minimize the need for cancellations in the first place

Keep Communication Open and Professional

If you occasionally need to reschedule, clear and proactive communication is key. Clients don’t need to know the details—they will be much more interested in what happens next. Rather than simply canceling, offer solutions, such as:

• “I’d like to move our training session online today so that we can work on X, Y, and Z. Here’s a Zoom link—I’m looking forward to seeing you and Fido there!”
• “I regret that I need to reschedule our session. Here are my next available spots so we can keep our progress flowing.” By offering alternatives, you help to soften the frustration and give clients an obvious path forward.

Ensure Your Work Gives You Energy, Not Just Takes It

Some aspects of dog training may be more physically or emotionally draining than others. Consider which services energize you and which deplete you. If certain clients or training areas are particularly difficult to manage, shifting your focus could help. For example, if private sessions are exhausting, you might switch to online coaching, pre-recorded courses, or group classes where you have to engage less intensively per client.

Build a Sustainable Business Model

Your business should support your health, not make it worse. If you’re consistently struggling to meet commitments, it may be time to reevaluate your workload, pricing, or services. Consider the following:

• Reducing the number of in-person clients and charge more for premium services
• Automating administrative tasks to free up energy for actual training
• Developing passive income streams to lessen the pressure of a full client schedule

Thinking long-term about sustainability will help you maintain both your business and your well-being.

Look After Yourself Before the Tipping Point

Running a small business takes energy, and making space for rest and self-care is essential—especially when health challenges are part of the equation. While some things are out of our control, finding ways to build in downtime can help maintain balance and reduce stress. Just as we help our clients set their dogs up for success, it’s important to offer ourselves the same kindness and support.

You are your business’s most valuable asset, and by taking care of yourself and crafting a business that acknowledges your personal health needs, you can ensure long-term success for both you and your clients.

Good luck, and wishing you success!

The dogbiz Team

Learn how dogbiz can support your success at dogbizsuccess.com.

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