FAQs about business support for ethical dog trainers and animal behaviourists

If you’re looking for business support that actually understands the dog training and behaviour world, you’re in the right place.

I’m Gretta Ford, a business strategist for ethical dog trainers and animal behaviourists. I help self-employed animal professionals build businesses that are more profitable and more sustainable... without selling out, burning out or pretending to be someone they’re not.

If your question isn’t covered here, you can contact me here.

Who do you help?

I work with ethical dog trainers and animal behaviourists who are self-employed or planning to become self-employed.

That includes people who are just getting started, people who already have an established business but want it to work better and people who feel stuck somewhere in between.

Most of my support is designed for service-based businesses in the dog training and behaviour world, though I also offer consultancy support for related membership bodies, organisations and businesses.

What kind of business support do you offer?

I offer a mix of 1:1 support, courses, group programmes, workshops/ online training sessions, audits and website services.

Depending on what you need, that might include:

In other words... there are options whether you want deep support, a quick win or help with one specific area.

What makes your approach different?

I’m an ABTC-Registered Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Dog Trainer as well as a business strategist, with previous experience in marketing, sales, school teaching and leadership. That means I understand both the realities of the industry and the wider business strategy behind what works.

My approach is strategic, industry-specific and rooted in your actual goals, values and strengths... not one-size-fits-all formulas, performative hustle or advice that only works if you’re willing to spend all your time on social media.

Do I have to be on social media to grow my business?

No! Social media can be useful but it is not the only way to grow a dog training or behaviour business.

Part of my job is helping you work out which forms of visibility and marketing actually make sense for your strengths, business model, audience and capacity.

Is your support only for people who are already established?

No. I support people at different stages.

If you’re planning a new business, my First Steps to Success course is designed to help you launch properly rather than winging it and hoping the rest sorts itself out. If you already have a business but things feel messy, inconsistent or unsustainable, there are also offers designed to help you refine, restructure and strengthen what you’ve already built.

I’m just starting out... where should I begin?

If you’re getting ready to launch a business as a self-employed dog trainer or animal behaviourist, First Steps to Success is likely to be one of the best starting points. It’s a comprehensive online course designed to help you set yourself up properly from the beginning.

If you are not sure what fits best, you can also use this quiz to get personalised recommendations to help narrow things down.

I already have a business... what’s the best option for me?

That depends on what kind of support you need. If you want personalised strategy, feedback, accountability and space to work through bigger business decisions with expert guidance, Unleash Your Potential is my business coaching and mentoring programme.

If you want something shorter and more focused, A Fresh Perspective, Let’s Talk Business session or targeted course may be a better fit.

If you’re unsure, get in touch and tell me a bit about your business and I’ll guide you.

What is Unleash Your Potential?

Unleash Your Potential is my business coaching and mentoring programme for self-employed ethical dog trainers and animal behaviourists. It is designed to help you build a business that stands out, pays you properly and stops leaving you burned out. You can see all the details here.

Is Unleash Your Potential right for me?

It tends to be a strong fit if you already run a local, service-based business that is generating income and you want expert support to help you attract the right clients, improve how the business works, and make better strategic decisions.

If you’re brand new, First Steps to Success would be a better fit.

Do you offer a business audit or diagnostic?

Yes. I offer a business diagnostic option called A Fresh Perspective, as well as more specific website audits.

These are useful if you want clear expert feedback on what is working, what may be holding you back and what to prioritise next... without necessarily committing to ongoing support.

What is Let’s Talk Business?

Let’s Talk Business is a series of focused, practical, topic-led sessions for ethical dog trainers and behaviourists.

Each session explores a specific business topic with actionable teaching and thoughtful discussion, so you can either dip in when a topic is relevant or join more regularly. It is designed to be useful without adding to the overwhelm!

Do you offer online courses?

Yes. I offer a range of courses and resources for different stages and needs, including:

…. and lots of other options. You can explore more here.

What is Made to Measure Marketing?

Made to Measure Marketing is an online course designed to help ethical dog trainers and behaviourists choose marketing strategies that actually fit them. It includes the course itself, a spreadsheet and an AI tool to help you work out what makes sense for your goals, style and strengths.

It is particularly useful if you are tired of generic marketing advice and want something more tailored and sustainable.

Do you help with websites as well as business strategy?

Yes. Website support is a key part of what I offer.

That includes website audits, industry-specific templates, and bespoke website design support. I also include website-related support inside some of my broader offers, because your website is often doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to visibility, credibility and conversion.

What website services do you offer?

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from:

So whether your current site needs a tune-up or a full rescue mission, there is probably a sensible next step.

Do you only help dog trainers?

No. Dog trainers and dog behaviourists are a big part of my audience but I also support other animal trainers/ behaviourists (e.g. horses, cats etc.) and some other ethical animal professionals.

Some offers are specifically designed for dog trainers and behaviourists, while consultancy and media work may also be relevant to related organisations, education providers and pet businesses.

Are you a business coach or a behaviour professional?

Both... which is exactly the point!

I am a business strategist, and I am also an ABTC-Registered Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Dog Trainer. That combination means I bring industry-specific understanding as well as business expertise.

So no, you do not have to spend half the call explaining what your work actually involves before we can get to the useful bit!

What are the Five Pillars of Business Brilliance?

The Five Pillars of Business Brilliance are the core framework behind my approach.

They are:

  • Intentionality

  • Visibility

  • Irresistibility

  • Profitability

  • Sustainability

Together, they help you look at whether your business is aligned with your life and vision, being seen by the right people, making it easy for clients to choose you, paying you appropriately and supporting a workable life rather than swallowing it whole.

I’m not sure what I need... how do I choose?

You do not need to figure it all out alone. There is a free quiz on my website that will provide you with personalised recommendations, based on which pillars need strengthening in your business.

You can also get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat if you want to talk things through.

Do you work only with UK clients?

No... absolutely not! I have clients all over the world and have worked 1:1 with animal pros in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Can you book you as a speaker at an event/ on my podcast?

Yes, if I’d be a good fit for your audience. Just get in touch here and we can discuss.

Ready to explore your options?

Whether you’re launching a business, trying to make an existing one work better, sorting out your marketing, improving your website or simply trying to get your business systems more organised... there is support here to help.

Explore the website and get in touch here if you need some help.