I am about to graduate from dog training college. Any ideas how to drum up business?

I really want my own business and my husband is supportive. I just don't have many ideas on how to get clients.I am about to graduate from dog training college. Any ideas how to drum up business?
Advertise. If you have a camcorder, record a short advertisement showing off your training skills with a few dogs. Load it onto youtube. When you advertise comment on this link to youtube as proof of your skills.I am about to graduate from dog training college. Any ideas how to drum up business?
I work for a shelter and we have a volunteer dog trainer that comes in and works with our dogs. When he works with the dogs he places little cards on the dogs cage saying';I am being trained by dog trainer Alex'; then Alex lists all the things he is working on with the dog. The way Alex gets his clients is through the shelter. He offers one free class with each dog adoption.People who adopt LOVE the idea of a free lesson.Then once Alex gets the new owner to the class he works with the dog and new owner and they usually sign up for more paying classes.It is a win win situation for the shelter and the new dog owner and YOU. Most shelters will jump at the chance to have a trainer work with the dogs!! And you can get your name out there and get some clients. Alex our trainer is really involved in the shelter now. Now that the weather is warming up we have many things going on at our local parks with the shelter. Next week is Bark in the Park people come out and walk dogs and booths are set up with local vendors. Alex is having a dog training class set up for the visitors to watch. He takes a dog from the audience and works with it. Then his wife runs his booth and signs up new clients. The shelter is a GREAT way to start
';Dog training college';? I've never heard of such a thing! What is the exact degree you've earned? (just curious)





The trainers that I have known have all learned through training and competing with their own dogs and through hands-on mentoring by established trainers. They began their training schools after laying the ground work as instructors for local companion/performance training clubs that they were members of and then beginning their own business as demand increased for their classes. When hiring trainers for a 4-H dog project, or even seeking out private trainers, I've always gone by word-of-mouth recommendations. I've never hired or participated in classes led by anyone with a ';degree'; in dog training, most also had a different job at least part-time to help pay the bills.





The first place that I would start would be looking into teaching a community education dog training class in your area, if you are good, people will tell their friends and they will begin to find you by word-of-mouth. Offer more advanced classes in rented, shared space until you have enough clients to support owning/leasing a facility of your own. Make sure to stay active in the dog world! It's all about word of mouth! If you get your foot in the door through local 4-H dog projects by becoming a judge or trainer it will also broaden your references and renown. Keep active in a local dog club that trains for your sport and keep putting titles on your own dogs as well, those you rub shoulders with may be your clients and will recommend others to you.
I agree with all of the statements made so far: Youtube, Website, Newspaper, Radio, TV, Vet's office.





I would put a card/flyer at bulletin boards at ALL of the vets offices in town as well as pet stores, grocery stores, laundromats, animal shelters, etc.





In addition, you could volunteer your services to your local animal shelter and they might be able to give you referrals for people who adopt new pets.
Have some business cards made up and ask if you can put some in the reception area of Vet's offices in your area. Also, you could put several postings on Craigslist.....in the pet section, services, general, etc. Put a listing in the Yellow Pages or even have a website made.
Advertise.





Radio, newspaper, internet.....