Note this course starts May 1, 2024, this course has live coaching calls Week 2, 4, 6, 8. Calls are on Wednesdays at 12:00pm EST, and are recorded and posted top the course.

To view the full course syllabus click here

Please note that this course is a hybrid course which encompasses on demand and live interaction. The second week you will have a live meet and greet via zoom. You will get a chance to meet other attendees and interact with the instructor. Every other week there is a live workshop/coaching session (see designated times and dates on the attached syllabus).  All of the live sessions will take place via Zoom and be posted in the course.

The other weeks there will be a lecture (on-demand) released on Wednesdays and you will have one week to review the lecture.  During the course you will have access to a discussion board, this is where you can interact with the instructor and other attendees. Along with the lecture you will have a homework assignment to complete and submit within 6 days each week (see syllabus for due dates). If you have any questions regarding this course please contact Jennifer at education@apdt.com.

Course Description:
Today’s successful dog trainers understand that success depends not only on your skillset as a trainer, but also your business strategies. In this session, Megan will outline various strategies she learned from dog training to help streamline and grow her business to a seven-figure organization. Megan has worked as a contract dog trainer, then started her own training business and has gone on to open two successful dog training facilities. She will provide business tools for trainers who are in start-up to growth stage in their businesses. This hands-on course is designed for today’s discerning dog trainer who is looking for business solutions to increase profits and provide them more time outside of their business. Dog trainers need to understand basic business foundations to compete and set themselves apart in today’s market. Owning your own business can be overwhelming and full of challenges, but with the right tools and structure you will learn how to earn the freedom and financial benefits from your business. In this session, Megan will share lessons in leadership, marketing and client solutions, tools for managing growth and start-up tips that are unique to dog trainers. You will walk away with abundant resources and tools to continue to grow your business, along with a detailed strategic plan developed throughout the course.

Instructor: Megan Stanley, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA

Level of Knowledge: Prior to attending this course, it is assumed that all students:

• 1.Currently work as a professional dog trainer.
• 2.Currently own or plan to operate their own dog training business in the immediate future.
• 3.Have a basic understanding of business fundamentals.

Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, students can expect to be able to:

• 1.Gain an understanding of how to complete a business and marketing plan for their business.
• 2.Understand what tools are needed for success and to compete and set themselves apart in today’s market.
• 3.Gain the knowledge to work towards working on versus in their business.

Course Evaluation & Completion: will be determined based on but not limited to:
•On-time completion of all required homework assignments.
•Participation, attitude, enthusiasm, and productivity.
•Grammar, punctuation, clarity, and efficacy of written discussions and assignments.
•Meeting assignment guidelines or criteria provided by instructor.

CEUs: CCPDT, KPA,  20
Recommended Course Materials:
Note these materials can be purchased at Dogwise by clicking here
-How to Run a Dog Business by Veronica Boutelle
-Fetch More Dollars for your Dog Training Business by John D. Visconti, CPDT-KA
-Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

*Note: Course content is downloadable so you can save for your records.

To join APDT and get the member rates on APDT educational offerings, click here