Dog Training Is a People Business, Like It or Not
- Lola Carter
- Sep 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Every week, I see newer dog trainers posting online that they “love dogs but hate people,” or some version of that idea. And every time, my heart sinks. Because here is the reality: if you do not like people, dog training is probably not the right career for you.
Yes, we all got into this field because we love dogs. That part is a given. But the dogs are not the ones hiring you, paying you, or texting you late at night because they cannot stop their dog from barking at the window. The people are.
If you want to succeed long term in this profession, you need to understand that training is about teaching people just as much as it is about teaching dogs.
The Myth of “Just Training Dogs”
When someone says they do not like people, what they are really saying is they do not want to deal with the messy, unpredictable human side of dog ownership. But here is the thing: dogs do not live in a vacuum. Every dog lives in a household, and that household has rules, routines, and stressors.
You may be able to train a dog beautifully, but if you cannot teach the owners how to maintain that training, the work falls apart the moment the dog goes home. The dog slips back into old patterns, the owners feel frustrated, and before long they are telling everyone that training did not work.
That is not the dog’s fault, and it is not even the client’s fault. It falls on us as trainers. Training is about more than mechanics. It is about transferring information. Your client has to walk away understanding not only what to do, but also why they are doing it.
Why People Skills Are Essential
Let’s break it down:
Clients are the ones who continue the work. Training does not stick unless the humans change their behavior too.
Clients are the ones paying you. Without satisfied people, your business dries up no matter how much you love dogs.
Clients are your marketing. Word of mouth, reviews, and referrals all come from people who felt heard and supported.
Clients shape the canine bond. The end goal is not just obedience, it is a stronger and more enjoyable relationship between a person and their dog.
Think about it this way: the best dog trainers are not only skilled with dogs, they are also skilled communicators. They can break down complex behavior concepts into simple analogies. They can empathize with a stressed out parent who is juggling kids and a reactive dog. They can reframe setbacks so the client feels encouraged rather than defeated.
That is where the real transformation happens.
Common Pitfalls for Trainers Who Struggle with People
When trainers lean into the idea that they just want to work with dogs, a few problems show up quickly.
Frustration with clients
If you expect people to understand instantly without patient explanation, you will find yourself irritated, and it will show.
Blaming the client
When progress stalls, it is tempting to label the human half of the leash as uncommitted. But most of the time they just need better communication and more manageable steps.
Burnout
You may love working with dogs, but constant clashes with clients will drain the joy from the work.
Stalled business growth
Trainers who cannot connect with people will struggle to get repeat business, referrals, and positive testimonials.
Real Life Examples
Imagine two trainers.
Trainer A is technically excellent. They can take a leash reactive dog and have it heeling nicely in 20 minutes. But when they hand the leash back, they rush through the explanation, sigh when the client fumbles, and become visibly annoyed when the dog regresses. The client leaves embarrassed and overwhelmed. Within a week, the training has unraveled.
Trainer B is solid with dogs but shines with people. They slow down, repeat instructions when needed, and use analogies like “your leash is your steering wheel.” They listen to frustrations without judgment and offer small, achievable steps. The dog may not look perfect right away, but the client feels capable and motivated. A week later, there is measurable progress because the owner stayed committed.
Which trainer do you think gets more referrals and testimonials? Which trainer actually enjoys the work more?
Building Better People Skills
The good news is that people skills can be learned just like dog skills. Here are a few practical places to start:
Practice active listening. Hear what your clients are really saying rather than just focusing on what you want to correct.
Use analogies. Relating training to everyday experiences like driving, parenting, or sports makes concepts stick.
Keep things simple. Do not overwhelm clients with too many instructions at once. Break it down into clear steps.
Check for understanding. Ask clients to demonstrate what they have learned rather than just nodding along.
Show empathy. Most people come to you stressed, frustrated, or embarrassed. Meet them with patience and encouragement.
The Bigger Picture
Dog training is, at its core, a people business that happens to involve dogs. The trainers who thrive long term are not necessarily the ones with the flashiest leash work. They are the ones who genuinely enjoy helping people succeed.
When you see a family finally relax because their dog is no longer dragging them down the street…
When you hear a veteran say their service dog has given them independence again…
When you watch a child beam with pride because their dog listened to them for the first time…
That is when you realize the people are the point. The dog is the bridge.
Final Thoughts
If you catch yourself saying you “hate people” but want to be a dog trainer, ask yourself: is this really the right profession for me? There is no shame in deciding it is not. But if you are committed to this path, remember that the human half of the leash deserves just as much respect, patience, and effort as the dog.
Because at the end of the day, we are not only training dogs. We are training people to live better with their dogs. And if you cannot find joy in that, you will burn out fast.
Ready to Grow as a Trainer?
If you are serious about building a lasting career in dog training, you need both dog skills and people skills. I mentor trainers who want guidance in client communication, lesson structure, and building a sustainable business.
Reach out if you are ready to grow, not just as a trainer, but as a professional who makes a difference on both ends of the leash.
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