The Complete Dog Training Setup Checklist
Here's the challenge with training: A single session rarely changes a dog's behaviour. Real results come from a program. But most clients book one session at a time and never return.
This guide walks you through setting up Petboost to lock in that commitment.
Quick Setup Checklist
Services Setup:
- Create Initial Consultation service
- Create 1-on-1 Training Session service
- Set "Require Initial Service" on training
- Create location-based services if mobile
Packages Setup:
- Create 6-Session Training Pack
- Create 12-Session Training Pack
- Enable self-service purchase
Session Notes Setup:
- Configure note templates (goals, exercises, homework)
- Set up client-visible vs internal notes
Automation Setup:
- Enable Pre-Hold Funds
- Enable Auto-Start/Complete
- Enable Auto-Pay
Self-Service Setup:
- Enable self-service on Initial Consultation
- Keep packages staff-recommended initially
- Share booking link
1. Training Packages That Lock In Commitment
The Problem
The one-at-a-time trap: Client books an initial session. You identify reactivity issues. You recommend a six-session program. Client says "let me think about it." You never hear from them again. The dog doesn't improve, the client blames training in general, and you've lost a client who genuinely needed help.
How Petboost Solves It
6-session, 12-session bundles — Create training packages with volume discounts.
Package purchase flow — Clients commit to the full program upfront.
Session balance tracking — Remaining sessions visible to client and trainer.
Multi-service packages — Combine assessment + training sessions.
Pro tip: The psychology is simple. When someone has paid for six sessions, they show up for six sessions. Money on the table changes behaviour, for the human and the dog.
The Outcome
Packages mean clients commit to the program, not just the first session. Better outcomes for the dog, better retention for you.
2. Session Notes That Build Complete History
The Problem
Where do you keep your training notes? A notebook? Google Docs? Your memory? If a client comes back after two months, can you instantly recall what you worked on? What triggers you identified? What homework you assigned?
How Petboost Solves It
Appointment notes — Captured during or after each session.
Session history — Complete timeline per pet.
Structured fields — Goals, exercises, homework, progress.
Photo/video attachments — Reference clips for specific behaviours.
Client-visible notes — What owners can see vs trainer-only notes.
Pro tip: The client-visible notes feature is powerful. Send them home with documented homework. They can't say they forgot: it's right there in their pet's profile. Accountability for everyone.
The Outcome
Every session builds on the last, and it's all documented. No more digging through notebooks or relying on memory.
3. Initial Consultations Before Intensive Programs
The Problem
This is a liability issue: Someone books your "Reactive Dog Training" package without any prior contact. You show up. The dog has serious aggression issues that need veterinary behaviourist intervention, not training. Now you're in a difficult situation.
How Petboost Solves It
Service eligibility rules — "Must complete X before booking Y."
Initial consultation service — A prerequisite for advanced programs.
Automatic unlocking — Once consult is complete, programs become bookable.
Notes from consultation — Inform whether to proceed or refer out.
Pro tip: The consultation also protects you commercially. Once you've met the dog and owner, your program recommendation has weight. They've seen your expertise. Conversion to a full package is dramatically higher than cold booking.
The Outcome
Initial consultations are mandatory, not optional. Every intensive program starts with an assessment, and the system enforces it.
4. Mobile Training and Location-Based Services
The Problem
Many trainers work in-home or at parks or at client locations. The dog's problem behaviours often happen at home, not in a sterile training facility. But most software assumes you have a location with time slots.
How Petboost Solves It
Location-based services — "In-Home Training" as a service type.
Client address capture — Location stored with the pet/owner profile.
Service area configuration — Suburbs or zones you cover.
Travel-aware scheduling — Buffer time between appointments.
Different pricing by location — Travel surcharge for distant suburbs.
Pro tip: Set up different services for different locations: "In-Home Training" vs "Park Session" vs "Facility Training." Each can have its own duration, price, and eligibility rules.
The Outcome
Mobile training is first-class, not an afterthought. Whether you're at a client's home or a local park, the scheduling works.
5. Payments That Just Happen
The Problem
Training sessions often happen at parks or client homes. You're not at a counter with a card terminal. You're in a living room with a dog who just made progress. The last thing you want is to kill the moment by asking for payment.
How Petboost Solves It
Card on file — Captured during first booking.
Package prepayment — Full program paid upfront.
Session-by-session charging — If pay-per-session, auto-charge after each.
Invoice generation — Automatic, professional, immediate.
Pro tip: With packages, the payment conversation happens once: at purchase. Every session after that is already paid. You can focus entirely on training.
The Outcome
No payment chasing, no awkward asks at the end of a session. The money part is handled.
Key Stats for Dog Trainers
- Higher program completion with packages
- Full session history per dog, documented and searchable
- Consultation-first protects liability
- Zero payment chasing
What Our Customers Say
"Petboost has truly been a saving grace! As a platform that's actually all-in-one, it has streamlined so much, saving me time and reducing costs. One of the biggest time-savers has been the automated invoicing feature." — Camille Hartnett, Trail Sniffers, NSW
Start Your Free Trial
If this resonates with what you need, start your free trial at business.petboost.com/register. No credit card required, no sales call needed.
