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Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast

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

Dec 15, 2025 · 3 hr 22 min · Season 1 · Episode 42 · 194.0 MBExplicit
0:00-3:22:03

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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