Why Are So Many Dog Trainers Suffering From Burnout?

When someone finds out you train dogs for a living they often say something like, “oh that must be so lovely!” Meanwhile you’re thinking to yourself, “if only you knew…”

We definitely don’t roll in a field of daisies with golden retriever puppies all day.

Dog training, often romanticized as a fulfilling and joyful profession, hides a darker reality beneath its surface. Behind the wagging tails and success stories, many dog trainers silently battle burnout, grappling with a myriad of challenges that take a toll on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

So why are so many dog trainers suffering from burnout? Let's delve into the complex web of factors contributing to this epidemic.

There’s a few moments in my training career that really imprinted into my memory, and not in a good way. One day I did an assessment for an aggressive dog and the owner told me that they’re not willing to put any time or work into the dog, and they actually just wanted to know if I’d write a letter recommending euthanasia so that they could justify that decision to their daughter, the dog’s person. I refused, but they kindly emailed me a few days later to let me know that they had put down the dog.

Dog trainers invest not only their time and skills but also their emotions into their work. Each dog and client come with unique personalities and challenges, leading to a deep emotional attachment. However, this emotional investment can backfire, leading to stress and exhaustion, especially when dealing with dogs exhibiting challenging behaviours.

The physical demands of dog training are often underestimated:

Regardless of size or strength, every dog requires attention and control, adding to the physical strain.

Many dog trainers face erratic schedules dictated by clients' availability, often sacrificing weekends and evenings for training sessions. This lack of routine makes it challenging to balance personal life with work commitments, leading to increased stress and fatigue.

But you don’t actually have to run your business this way. You can set your own schedule and book off any hours you want to, even if that means that you can’t fit the schedule of every client. That is okay.

The financial instability which is seen as inherent in the dog training profession makes burnout even worse. Trainers experience fluctuating incomes, especially during slow seasons or when starting out. The pressure to find new clients constantly and cover expenses such as facility maintenance, equipment, and insurance adds to the financial strain.

The good news is that this is also something that can be changed. If you’re feeling like your business is financially unstable, make sure you’ve read my article about how to increase your income.

Many dog trainers, particularly solo practitioners or small business owners, face feelings of isolation and a lack of professional support.

The absence of mentorship opportunities and limited access to professional development resources make it challenging to stay updated with the latest training methods and research.

It’s so important to surround yourself with the right people. People who have similar goals and dreams, people who encourage you, support you and are there to brainstorm ideas with you that get you excited.

That’s why I created the Masterclass. A program with a community of trainers all there to support each other so you never have to be alone. Check out all the details here and come and join us when you’re ready.

Constant exposure to dogs with traumatic backgrounds or behavioural issues, coupled with empathising with clients' frustrations, contributes to compassion fatigue among dog trainers.

Balancing empathy for animals and clients while safeguarding personal emotional health becomes increasingly difficult.

Think about what works for you best to address this. Is it therapy? A coach? Just talking to someone who understands? Making time for hobbies and socialising? Make sure you have something in place to address self-care.

If you have coaching in mind, reach out for a call.

The responsibilities of running a dog training business extend beyond working with animals.

Dog trainers must navigate marketing, client relations, accounting, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Keeping up with online marketing trends and maintaining a robust social media presence adds another layer of stress.

Sometimes it feels like we have to do it all. Delegate work when and where possible, perhaps starting with tedious admin tasks that you don’t enjoy doing. You can hire for short or long-term and even one-off jobs on Upwork.com.

If it’s 9:00 pm on a Sunday night and you get a text message from a client, what are you going to do?

Whatever you decide, that is the expectation you will set, and the habit you will create. Don’t just train the dogs, train the people how to work with you and what your boundaries are.

Dog trainers often struggle to establish boundaries with clients, leading to overcommitment and an inability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The tendency to take work home, both physically and mentally, further blurs the lines between personal and professional life.

My advice? Use the Do Not Disturb feature and keep your time off, off!

Turning a passion for animals into a profession can inadvertently lead to passion fatigue. High self-expectations, coupled with work-related stress, risk dampening the initial joy and enthusiasm for dog training.

Burnout in dog training is a multifaceted issue fueled by a combination of physical, emotional, and business-related challenges. It's imperative to address these issues not only for the well-being of dog trainers but also for the efficacy of the training they provide.

Recognizing the signs of burnout, seeking support networks, and implementing self-care strategies are crucial steps towards fostering a sustainable and fulfilling career in dog training. After all, a happy and healthy trainer translates to happier and healthier dogs.

If you found any of the burnout causes and symptoms in this article relateable, start with the on demand webinar, Grow Your Dog Training Business With Clients You Love, so you can learn to do just that, without burning out.

If you want more high touch help, reach out to talk to me about one on one coaching.