Dealing with difficult clients as a dog trainer: Tips for staying professional and setting boundaries

Let's take a few minutes today to chat about an issue almost every dog trainer faces at some point: Dealing with clients who aren't willing to take the steps you've recommended. What happens when the person paying you for your advice just won't listen to it?

A common scenario: Reactive dog + new baby on the way

Welcoming a baby into the family is an exciting time, but for one couple, their dog is adding extra stress to the mix. As they prepare for this major life change, their canine companion has become the center of a challenging dynamic—demanding prime bed space and guarding their sliding door like a four-legged neighborhood watch.

Enter Beth, a dedicated dog trainer, tasked with navigating the high emotions and unique challenges of preparing both the dog and the parents-to-be for a smooth transition. With the clock ticking and advice going unheeded, what’s the next step for Beth? We’re diving into her story and offering thoughtful solutions for trainers handling these high-stakes scenarios.

(Note: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.)

When clients find dangerous behavior "cute"

I’ve been working with a couple preparing for the arrival of their first baby. They have a reactive dog, and from the start, I knew this would be a challenge. However, I never anticipated how resistant they’d be to implementing the changes needed to keep everyone safe—especially their soon-to-be-born child.

Their dog has a troubling habit of growling at them when they try to move her off their bed. I explained how dangerous this could become, especially with a baby in the picture. Despite my warnings, they just laugh it off, finding it "cute." It’s beyond frustrating to watch them dismiss the severity of the situation, knowing the risk they’re taking.

Another major concern is that they leave a strategically placed baby gate open, so their dog can run to the sliding glass door and monitor the neighborhood. For this reactive dog, it's like pouring gasoline on a fire. I’ve advised them repeatedly to keep the baby gate closed, explaining how it exacerbates their dog’s reactivity. Still, they refuse to listen.

We’re halfway through our training sessions, and while they’ve paid for the sessions we’ve completed so far, they’ve shown little to no progress—or commitment. But I’ve reached the point where I can’t ethically continue working with them unless they show some genuine effort to follow through on my advice.

I’m frustrated and want to maintain my professionalism despite my disappointment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Beth

Let’s explore three key psychological strategies and negotiation tips Beth can use to approach this situation with professionalism and confidence, ensuring the best outcomes for both her clients and their pup: