Ep. 42 - Should You Quit Your 9–5 to Become a Dog Trainer? (Natalie Dobkins’ Story)

Thinking about leaving your 9–5 to become a professional dog trainer? Natalie Dobkins did exactly that — and in this episode, she breaks down how and why she made the leap , plus what it really takes to build a sustainable dog training business. Natalie (Team K9 Training) joins host Nate Schoemer for an honest, no-fluff conversation about transitioning out of the corporate world and into full-time dog training. They dive deep into the business foundations most trainers overlook , including LLC setup, pricing, marketing, client management, and how to avoid burnout in an unregulated industry. This episode isn’t just about training dogs — it’s about building a career that lasts . Whether you’re an aspiring dog trainer, a working professional considering a career shift, or an established trainer looking to tighten up your business systems, this episode delivers real-world insight you can apply immediately. The Career Leap What finally pushed Natalie to leave her corporate job and pursue dog training full-time. Business Foundations for Dog Trainers Why LLCs, finances, contracts, and structure matter before you ever take a leash. Marketing & Client Acquisition How to attract clients without feeling salesy — and when paid ads actually make sense. Owner Education & Client Retention Why training owners is just as important as training dogs. Avoiding Burnout Why “being the Walmart of dog training” destroys trainers — and how to set boundaries. Scaling With Systems How email automation, follow-ups, and streamlined programs free up your time. Get 20% OFF with code: YONEISALL Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2N3T3X?maas=maas_adg_A9BF15CFF1EEF7A701CF2F51611A4226_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas Official Store: https://oneisallinc.pxf.io/WyjNrM Course: From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625 Follow Nate: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer 🎧 Podcast Home: https://pod.link/1804414647 Guest – Natalie Dobkins (Team K9 Training) Website: https://www.teamk9training.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamk9.training/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teamk9training YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamk9training/videos