Dog trainer first consultation: flow & history 2026

Dog trainer first consultation: flow, history taking and follow ups Updated: August 2026 — Guide for dog trainers , training schools and behaviour consultants in the UK and Ireland . Durations and prices are indicative — adapt to your qualification and case. Not a veterinary diagnosis — for pain, illness or medication: vet first . The first consultation (intake / history appointment) is not a normal training block: it clarifies the problem , daily life and goals before you sell packages or start exercises. Too short → wrong plan. Too unstructured → the owner forgets 80% within a week. This article outlines a practical flow for trainers — and what owners can expect . Useful without software ; for longer slots see online booking setup. First consult vs training vs deep behaviour work | | First consult (trainer) | Regular training | Deep behaviour consult | | | | | | | Goal | Clarify, plan, fit | Practise, progress | Understand the pattern, system | | Typical length | 60–90 min | 45–60 min | 120–180 min | | Focus | History + first assessment | Exercises | Broader analysis | | Price (indicative) | £70–£150 | £50–£85 | £100–£200+ | Trainers cover many everyday topics (lead, recall, puppy). With aggression , severe fear or bite incidents : know your limits — involve a behaviourist and/or vet (rule out pain). Not “a tougher trainer” instead of a specialist. Before the appointment: prep Owner Questionnaire 48–72 hours ahead (history, routine, incidents); Short videos of problem moments — without creating danger; Vaccination record, meds, vet note if any; Household members who walk the dog — if possible. Trainer Slot not jammed against the next long drive (weekly planning: 15 min buffer after for notes); Location: home visit (separation, environment) vs venue (lead work, group fit) — match the issue; Client file ready — paper is fine at the start. Flow in 4 phases ( 75–90 min trainer standard) Phase 1 — Arrive and frame (10–15 min) Introduce yourself; no miracle promises ; punishment not the default; “What do you want from this appointment?” — owner’s goal ; Safety: lead, muzzle if known reactivity, distance; Explain the flow — dog may sniff , not be grabbed immediately. Phase 2 — History taking (25–40 min) | Topic | Example questions | | | | | History | Origin, age, when the issue started | | Symptoms | Frequency, intensity, duration | | Triggers | People, places, time of day | | Daily life | Alone time, children, other pets, feeding | | Tried so far | Other trainers, tools, vet | | Health | Limping, hearing, hormones — vet if suspected | History is systemic : dog + owner + environment — not just “naughty dog”. A pre form (PDF or link at online booking) saves 15–20 minutes on site and shows you work structured . Minimum fields: name, breed, age, neuter status, vaccines, vet, meds, previous trainers, one sentence problem , daily routine (alone time, feeding), incidents (bite, bolt). Owners may tick “don’t know” — you clarify in phase 2. Phase 3 — Observation (20–30 min) Case dependent — without deliberate max provocation: Neutral lead walk ; Distance thresholds (reactivity); Owner–dog interaction (rewards, pressure); At home if relevant: bed, door, window. Note body language, calming signals, escalation. Phase 4 — Plan and close (15–20 min) | Deliver | Example | | | | | Working hypothesis | “Lead reactivity peaking near bikes; management first” | | Immediate safety | Route change, equipment, who walks when | | Homework (1–3 tasks max) | Short, measurable | | Follow up | Next session date or package options (pricing) | | Written summary | Email same day — owners forget verbal plans | Do not sell a 10 pack before they understand the first safety steps. UK: pricing the intake honestly | Choice | Note | | | | | Paid intake (often £70–£150) | Filters tyre kickers; state what’s included | | Free “chat” | Often becomes unpaid behaviour work | | Vet / insurance referrals | Price an assessment block , not endless top ups | | Follow up package | Offer at the end of phase 4 | Home visit vs venue | | Home | Venue / outdoors | | | | | | Best for | Separation, door manners, household dynamics | Lead skills, controlled distraction | | Watch | Travel time, parking, other pets | Public risk, bystander dogs | | Booking | Longer slot + buffer (booking setup) | Still block prep/admin after | Boundaries (UK / IE) You are not diagnosing medical conditions; Refer out when the case exceeds your competence or insurance; Written notes protect continuity if a colleague covers later; Consent for photos/videos used in marketing — separate from training notes. After the consult: follow ups that stick 1. Send the summary within 24 hours. 2. Book the next session while motivation is high — or hold a clear waitlist. 3. Track homework in the same client file (future article on records). 4. If they go quiet: one polite check in — not a chase campaign. Mistakes that waste the first hour Turning the consult into a free full training session; Overloading with ten exercises; Skipping health / vet questions; Promising “fixed in two weeks”; No written follow up; Back to back intakes with no note buffer. Setup checklist 1. Distinct intake service (60–90 min) in your booking tool. 2. Pre form link on confirmation email. 3. Phase checklist on a clipboard / tablet. 4. Buffer after for notes. 5. Summary email template. 6. Clear when you refer to vet / behaviourist. 7. Price of intake vs follow up published (prices). Frequently asked questions Should the first consultation be free? Usually no . A paid intake filters unserious enquiries and funds your assessment time. A short free 10–15 min discovery call is different. How long should it be? Many trainers use 60–90 minutes . Complex behaviour cases may need longer or a specialist consult format. Home or hall for the first visit? Match the problem. Separation and household issues → home. Lead work with controlled setup → venue/outdoor. What if the dog is too aroused to observe? Prioritise management and safety , shorten observation, book a calmer follow up. Forcing drills in the first hour often backfires. Can I sell a package on the same day? Yes if the plan is clear and the owner chooses freely. Soft pressure damages trust. Difference between trainer intake and behaviourist assessment? Depth, duration, and often referral pathways. Be honest about your scope on your site (get clients). Ireland / UK pricing? Indicative bands above; London / Dublin metro often higher. Confirm VAT/accounting with your accountant — not this article. Do I need software for intakes? Not required. A form + notes file beats WhatsApp archaeology. Booking a long slot cleanly helps (online booking). Further reading Dog training prices UK: packages & rates Online booking for dog trainers: setup Dog trainer weekly schedule planning Dog trainer product page (EN) Rintintin Pro helps you book longer intake slots and keep client notes in one place — see the dog trainer page. The product does not replace your clinical judgement or vet referrals. Run a clear four phase consult, send a written plan, then sell follow ups that match the case. Practical guidance only — not veterinary or legal advice. Information current as of August 2026. Native review recommended before indexing.