As dog trainers, we are asked to wear multiple hats — from working on our operations to ensuring that dogs receive the care that they need, up to dealing with pet parents. When I started in the business, one of my biggest challenges was managing boundaries with my clients. I’d work anytime if it were convenient for them.
For most new trainers, a common mistake is having pet parents run the relationship. They dictate what’s needed, or sometimes, request too much. When in reality, the trainers must take the lead. As experts and professionals, it falls under our responsibility to give our recommendations to receive the best possible service for their needs.
However, having zero boundaries does not happen overnight. Here are some things that can happen:
We have no limits and expectations set with our pet parents to begin with.
We have mismatched expectations, and we’re running on our assumptions about each other.
We might be too lenient and too accommodating, bending over backward for our clients all the time.
The biggest problem here is that we risk burning out quickly. If we do not set expectations and schedule our lives around our clients, we might feel exhausted and often feel resentful to our clients. Is this sounding familiar? Then perhaps it’s time for us to set some boundaries.
How to Set Effective Boundaries
Know your schedule and stick to it.
Be proactive in setting your boundaries by having a fixed work schedule—set expectations about when you’ll be able to take on meetings and follow through.
Remember: your free time does not mean you’re available. Save time for yourself.
Tell people how to contact you and set expectations on when they can expect a response.
Let them know if you prefer to receive questions via email rather than via social media. If you are doing emails, set an autoresponder to let them know when you will respond to them (tip: it must be within your working hours!).
Explain what would happen if they are unable to follow through with their homework.
Give tips ahead of time and prepare easy-to-follow actions should they encounter unexpected situations. If they are prepared to take on the homework, they will be less likely to get in touch outside of working hours.
You might need to rethink your pricing.
A possible reason why boundaries might be disrespected is that you are pricing yourself way too low. Perhaps they are not as committed because they don’t understand the value of what they’re paying for. Price very often determines someone’s commitment to the work they need to put in… Make sure your price helps people understand the responsibility they are taking on.
I hope you found some helpful takeaways for you and your business!
