As a dog professional—whether you’re a trainer, walker, groomer, or agility coach, your primary goal is to provide excellent services to your clients.
However, without clear boundaries in place, it’s easy to end up overworked, underpaid, and emotionally drained. Setting boundaries is not just about protecting your time and energy; it’s also about maintaining a healthy and sustainable business for the long term.
When we compromise our boundaries, it leads to endless problems and potentially clients thinking that it is ok to push those limits. Once you let them get away with it once, they WILL repeatedly do it again and again (why wouldn’t they if it got them what they wanted?!)
When I was agility training I would always have people turn up early when they were the first lesson of the day. Because I was there setting up, they would come in and just start their session! I was too polite to put them right, so I always ended up starting early and giving them more time than they had paid for! Then because I had done it once, they would do it each week! You also get the ones who will wait for their session to end and then come out with 20 questions that they need answering there and then! If no one followed their session, then I would end up spending my time coaching them for free!
Now I don’t mind helping people, but there does come a point where people will take advantage of your kind nature, and they will keep doing it if you let them!
In this blog, we’ll explore why boundaries are crucial for dog professionals, how to set them, and how to communicate them effectively to your clients, whether you’re a dog trainer, dog groomer, walker, or a canine massage therapist.
Why Setting Boundaries is Essential
Many dog professionals feel the need to over-deliver to please their clients, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. However, without boundaries, you may find yourself answering client messages late at night, accommodating last-minute schedule changes, or dealing with payment delays. While this may seem like “good customer service,” it ultimately leads to burnout and poor work-life balance.
By setting clear boundaries, you’ll:
– Protect your mental and emotional well-being.
– Establish a professional image and earn more respect from your clients.
– Have a more predictable schedule and income.
– Increase the quality of your service by being more focused and less stressed.
So, how do we do this?
1. Define Your Working Hours
One of the first boundaries to set as a dog professional is your working hours. Make it clear when you are available to communicate with clients. It’s tempting to respond to messages late in the evening or on weekends, but this sets the expectation that you’re always available. Instead, establish clear office hours, and stick to them. Include this in your onboarding process and client agreements, no matter whether you’re a dog trainer or a dog walker.
Tip: Use an automated response for messages outside your business hours, letting clients know when they can expect to hear from you.
2. Set Payment Policies
Late payments can cause stress and disrupt your cash flow, especially for small dog businesses. Ensure you have clear payment policies in place, such as upfront payments for services or a cancellation fee for missed appointments. Make sure these policies are outlined in writing, either on your website or in your client agreements.
Tip: Be consistent. If you enforce your payment policies with some clients but not others, it can lead to confusion and frustration.
3. Enforce Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Last-minute cancellations can wreak havoc on your schedule. Establish a clear policy for cancellations and rescheduling, such as requiring 24-48 hours’ notice. If a client fails to adhere to this policy, be confident in charging a cancellation fee. Remember, your time is valuable, and no-shows cost your business money.
Tip: Clearly state your cancellation policy on booking forms and appointment confirmations, so clients are reminded of it regularly.
4. Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Setting boundaries is one thing, but communicating them effectively is another!
Make sure your clients know your policies from the start. Include them in your welcome materials, contracts, and on your website. If a boundary is crossed, address it directly and professionally.
Here’s an example:
If a client frequently reschedules last-minute, kindly remind them of your policy. You could say, “I understand that things come up, but as per our policy, we require 24 hours’ notice for rescheduling. This helps us maintain a consistent schedule and allows me to better serve all my clients.”
5. Protect Your Personal Time
It’s common for dog professionals to receive messages at all hours of the day or night, but your personal time is just as important as your business. Don’t feel pressured to answer non-urgent messages outside of work hours. Prioritise your own downtime to recharge and stay passionate about what you do.
Tip: Let clients know the best way to contact you for different issues (e.g., use email for appointment bookings, phone for emergencies) to keep communication streamlined and less intrusive.
6. Address Boundary-Crossing Early On
If a client is consistently testing your boundaries, don’t let the behaviour slide. It’s easier to address the issue early on, rather than allowing it to escalate. Be firm but polite, and let the client know that you value your relationship with them, but that your policies must be followed to continue working together.
7. Value Yourself and Your Expertise
Ultimately, setting boundaries comes down to valuing yourself and your expertise. You’ve worked hard to build your skills and knowledge, and it’s important to protect both your business and your well-being. Remember, clients who respect your boundaries are the ones you’ll want to work with long-term. By upholding these boundaries, you’re creating a more professional and rewarding business for yourself and your clients.
Final Thoughts:
Setting and maintaining boundaries in your dog professional business is essential for long-term success and personal well-being. By defining your working hours, payment terms, and cancellation policies, you’ll protect both your time and your income. Clear communication is key, and it’s important to address any boundary-crossing in a professional manner.
If you found this blog helpful, please share it with other dog professionals who could benefit from setting clearer boundaries in their business.
Protecting your time and energy is crucial for providing the best service to your clients and maintaining a successful, sustainable business.
If you need further help with structuring your dog business, my Power Hours are a fantastic way to get tailored advice and strategies. Get in touch today to book your session and take your business to the next level.
Till next time,
Katrina x
Katrina Bayliss Coaching 