As a professional dog behavioral therapist and trainer, I earn any where from $495 - $545 for 1 1/2 hours of my time per dog. I guarantee my clients will see results within 20 minutes of me working with their dog or I will not charge them for their time. I use no physical force, no treats per se, and no shock collars, prong collars or the like. I use natural techniques using canine communication and how dogs learn.
It was nothing for me to earn $2000 - $3000 per week, or more. Don't get me wrong -- it was hard work but more than anything it became my life's work to save dogs from being re-housed, given up to shelters, mistreated or even euthanized.
Many times I've done pro bono work for veterinarians who referred me which is my main source of referrals. I couldn't say no to someone who needed me but didn't have the money. My love of dogs is that strong.
After my first visit with clients I can contine my work with them via email. I prefer email over the telephone because they can then print it out and follow my instructions.
It wasn't until I received a call from someone in North dakota, two states away, who had a bulldog with issues that needed fixed or he was giving him up, that I started considering doing training stictly via email. This dog was a rescue with a horrible past and MANY different homes. Everyone gave up on him and re-homing a dog even once can be extremely tramatic on them to adjust to. So, I took the job and did so pro bono based on the referral source (a great veterinarian who solely recommends me).
I worked with this gentleman strictly thru email and long story short, we solved the dog's issues. It was a very rewarding experience.
Yet, from that point on, I began to feel guilty about the money I was pulling in. So, many times I could have gotten in and out of a session in 45 minutes but would drag it out so at least it seemed that they were getting some "time" for their money. Now, after being able to work via email across 2 states, how could I continue on the way I was? If I wanted to save as many dogs as possible, wouldn't it make more sense to take my God given talent and get the job done by not charging for my services and sharing with the world that working with your dog and getting him to work with you is really very simple.
Today, I'm beginning to share everything I know, have learned, and have acquired over the years in knowledge about dog training right here. FOR FREE. So stay along for the ride and I guarantee you will learn everything you will need about understanding and communicating with your dog.
And lastly, for those of you who subscribe to my blog, if you have issues you would like me to work on, submit your idea and we will get up close and personal to the actual process of training a dog.
