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If you don’t plan and track your dog obedience school’s budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for dog obedience school owners, we saw a lot of school owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having a steady stream of clients.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your dog obedience school’s finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for obedience schools
Most obedience school owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for obedience schools
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a dog obedience school, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for training facility | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for lighting and equipment | $500 | $6,000 |
| Water | Water usage for cleaning and hydration | $150 | $1,800 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $100 | $1,200 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $400 | $4,800 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Trainer | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Assistant Trainers | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Receptionist | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Cleaning Staff | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
3. Training Supplies & Equipment
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Equipment | Leashes, collars, agility equipment, etc. | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Treats & Rewards | High-quality treats for training | $500 | $6,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of training equipment | $300 | $3,600 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and training gear | $150 | $1,800 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses, training certifications, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $500 | $6,000 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
Some obedience schools make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best obedience schools in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a dog obedience school?
Be mindful of these common pitfalls. Here are five major costs every dog obedience school owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Training Equipment and SuppliesThese can take a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with items that need to be durable and safe for dogs, and prices can vary based on quality and availability. To keep these costs in check, focus on buying in bulk, negotiating better prices with suppliers, and minimizing waste. It's easy to overspend by purchasing too much or opting for high-end equipment that doesn’t add enough value.
- Your Training StaffYour trainers are the backbone of your school, but paying for their wages, benefits, and ongoing education can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a certain number of qualified trainers to provide excellent service and keep things running smoothly. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your trainers, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Facility Rent and UtilitiesPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more clients. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are essential but add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too luxurious for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to get the word out about your dog obedience school, but advertising can be pricey, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we provide in our pack. Overspending can happen if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Facility Maintenance and UpgradesThis includes everything from training areas to office spaces. These are expensive because quality facilities and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and client satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, energy-efficient materials and maintaining them regularly to avoid costly repairs. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets or unnecessary upgrades.
How to spend less with your dog obedience school?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a dog obedience school owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Training Equipment | Partner with local pet stores for discounts on bulk purchases of training tools and supplies. |
| Staff Salaries | Implement a scheduling software to optimize trainer hours and reduce overtime. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in your training facility. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your dog obedience school and collaborate with local pet influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and maintain a clean environment. |
| Facility Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of your training facility and equipment. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Training Materials | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly training materials and offer discounts for clients bringing their own supplies. |
| Training Tools | Purchase high-quality, durable training tools that can withstand frequent use. |
| Booking System | Choose a booking system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep staff updated on the latest techniques. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and donate excess supplies to local shelters. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional training equipment and utilize management software for scheduling and client communication. |
| Linen and Laundry | Partner with a cost-effective linen service and consider reusable training mats and towels. |
| Promotional Materials | Use digital marketing materials or QR codes for information access to reduce printing costs. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan routes for home visits and training sessions to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital scheduling and client management systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage of training supplies. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music during training sessions and host local pet events during off-peak times. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
Copy the tactics of the best obedience schools in the world!
There are obedience schools that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Expenses that are just useless for a dog obedience school
Yes, some expenses for your dog obedience school are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to improving training outcomes or enhancing the experience for dog owners.
| Dog Obedience School Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Training Facility | Overly lavish facilities don't necessarily improve training results and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Dog Treats | Unless you are catering to a very niche market, most dogs respond well to mid-range treats. |
| Excessive Training Programs | Offering too many programs can confuse clients and increase operational costs. |
| High-End Training Equipment | Top-of-the-line training equipment is not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your dog obedience school |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the training experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving training quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by clients. |
| Exclusive Training Tools | Using rare training tools can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by clients and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Materials | Personalized training materials are a minor detail that most clients overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most clients are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Training Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Training Props | Elaborate props are often ignored by dogs and add to the cost. |
| High-End Training Gear | Luxury training gear is prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by clients. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Marketing Materials | Frequently redesigning marketing materials is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense.Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Training Equipment | Specialized training equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your dog obedience school!
Managing a budget for a dog obedience school when funds are tight can feel overwhelming. It's like being stuck in a cycle where any unexpected expense can throw you off balance.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more resources to enhance your training programs.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of dog obedience schools just like yours. Get them now!
Make your dog obedience school more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best obedience schools in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
