The world is a pretty scary place right now. With popular events, festivals, and concerts being cancelled over Coronavirus concerns and schools and workplaces shutting down preventatively, it feels like everything is out of control. Many dog trainers are experiencing cancellations and reschedulings left and right due to fears of Coronavirus. 

During this time of panic over loss of income, I’m urging you to do the opposite! Virtual dog training could be the solution to all your problems.

The Pet Care Industry is “Recession-Proof”

Yes — between the stock market and the spread of Coronavirus, it’s clear that we’ve hit a recession. But I’ve got good news for you: the pet care industry is recession-proof. 

What does this mean? That in the last two US recessions, spending on pets actually increased. During the 2001 recession spending on pets went up by 29 percent, and during the 2008 to 2009 recession it went up 17 percent.

Our pets make us happy, so it makes sense that during times of stress we do things to increase their happiness (thereby making us happier in turn). 

Just because people are staying inside to avoid getting sick doesn’t mean you can’t maintain or even boost your income.

This is by no means a time for panic; it’s time to be smart and proactive about your business model and marketing.

The Virtual Dog Training Revolution

Offering virtual dog training lessons — done via video conferencing — is a great way to stay healthy and expand your service area without traveling.

A Standard on Your Service Menu

There are a ton of reasons besides Coronavirus to have virtual lessons on your service menu: 

• Traveling, but need to keep earning income
• Moving, but clients in your current city want to continue working with you
• Want to offer assistance to people outside your local service area
• Want to reduce your workload by taking some of the commute out of your day

Even if your particular locality is struggling, offering online services expands your reach and gives you an opportunity to boost your income.

Capitalize on Quarantine

A little macabre, I know, but hear me out.

With the general public being advised to practice social distancing, dog trainers are concerned about losing income to mass droves of cancellations. Offering virtual dog training services during this time is a great business move.

People are going to be stuck at home with their dogs; not only will they have more time for training, they may even notice new behaviors in their dogs they were unaware of before!

There are a number of options to consider when offering online services; private lessons, classes, resource centers, and each one works differently and provides a unique value.

Be a Leader in Your Community

Empower yourself and your community. People are scared and as a leader in your community, you should be there to guide them. Use your online platform to share factual information, spread truths, and provide strength to others.

Think Like a CEO

You’re your own boss, and you have to think like a CEO and how one would respond in this time. Serve your clients in a new, creative way. 

Being flexible and providing virtual services is a strategic move that will keep you ahead of the recession. You have to be disciplined, stick to your routine, and market yourself for this to work!

Develop Your Virtual Dog Training Education

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to offering virtual services; how to price, how to run your lessons and classes, what technology to use, and more. 

Unsure of how to get started? I’ve got you covered. I hosted a live Virtual Dog Training Lessons Workshop so you can run virtual lessons your clients will love! The recording + slides + discussion forum + bonuses are now available for you! It’s currently 35% off so don’t wait to snag this amazing deal…

The workshop includes info on how to run virtual lessons and classes, what technology to use, free tools, dos and don’ts, and more. It also comes with scripts and templates for you to utilize for a smooth transition into offering virtual services.

The world is chaotic enough as is — you shouldn’t have to worry about income in addition to navigating a pandemic and a recession. Be proactive for yourself and your business and get your virtual dog training up and running!

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Unsure what steps to take to keep yourself, your employees, and your clients safe during the Coronavirus outbreak? Here’s our need-to-know COVID-19 guide.

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