How to Stand Out From Other Pet Training Specialists (Even in a Crowded Area)

New Zealand’s pet training scene is buzzing with skilled trainers, so standing out can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re a solo dog whisperer in Wellington or a team of trainers in Auckland, this guide will share 10 practical tips to help you attract local clients and grow your reputation with friendly, Kiwi-style savvy.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Highlight Your Unique Training Style

Every trainer has a different approach-whether it’s positive reinforcement, clicker training, or behaviour modification. Pinpoint what makes your style special and make it front and centre. For example, some owners in NZ prefer gentle, reward-based methods that build strong bonds between pets and families.

Lizzi from Keen As Dog Training in Nelson emphasizes reading dog body language alongside owner cues to tailor sessions. Highlighting these unique touches makes your service easier for clients to connect with.

Think of your unique style as your brand’s personality-it's what people will remember and recommend.

2. List Yourself on Kiwi Directories

Get yourself on local pet business directories like K9 and Kats, APDTNZ’s trainers directory, and the Yada platform. These listings help potential clients find you when they’re ready to train their pets.

Yada is especially handy since it has no lead or success fees for specialists, allowing you to competitively price your services while reaching local pet owners easily on a mobile-friendly platform.

Also consider community-focused platforms where locals search for trusted services, such as Neighbourly or your city’s Facebook groups.

3. Show Genuine Client Success Stories

Nothing builds trust quite like real feedback. Share testimonials and before-and-after stories from happy clients-like how you helped a cheeky puppy in Hamilton learn calm greetings or assisted owners with a stubborn older dog in Wellington.

For instance, Lizzi from Keen As Dog Training features detailed reviews praising her practical and kind approach, helping new clients feel confident to book sessions.

Adding photos or short videos showcasing progress can make these stories even more compelling.

4. Host Free Workshops & Meetups

Create opportunities for pet owners to meet you in person and see your work first-hand by running free local workshops or training demonstrations at parks, pet stores, or community centres.

In cities like Christchurch or Dunedin, hosting these events can quickly grow your reputation as a friendly neighbourhood expert.

Weirdly enough, these casual meetups often lead to more bookings and word-of-mouth referrals than paid ads.

5. Build Partnerships with Pet Businesses

Link up with local vets, groomers, pet shops, and shelters to exchange referrals and cross-promote services. For example, team up with a groomer who can recommend your training when dogs show behavioural challenges.

Such partnerships benefit everyone-your clients get holistic care, and your business gains trust and visibility within the community.

Yada’s rating and internal chat system also supports these professional connections, making communication easy and private.

6. Keep Pricing Clear and Competitive

Kiwi pet owners appreciate honesty and transparency. Avoid sneaky fees by clearly stating your pricing upfront. If you use Yada or similar platforms, leverage the no-lead-fee advantage to offer fair quotes.

For mobile training, clarify travel charges for remote areas like rural Waikato or Southland-this builds trust and reduces surprises.

Think of pricing as a tool to reassure clients you value your work but respect their budgets.

7. Stay Active on Social Media

Share snippets of daily training wins, tips, or even fun moments on Instagram and Facebook. People love watching progress and learning simple training hacks they can try at home.

NZ owners are active in local community groups, so engage there-answer questions and offer advice without hard selling.

Keep videos and posts short, friendly, and down-to-earth to build familiarity and encourage bookings.

8. Utilise Local Feedback & Ratings

Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on your Yada profile and other platforms like Google or Facebook. 70% of consumers trust online reviews nearly as much as personal recommendations.

Make it easy by sending follow-up messages with direct links to review pages, or by asking if they'd post a small testimonial.

Positive ratings on platforms with active Kiwi users boost your visibility and credibility.

9. Offer Online Consultations and Follow-Up

Today’s clients appreciate flexibility. Offering video calls or chats-especially for follow-ups-helps those who can't always make it to training sessions due to work or weather in places like Auckland or Tauranga.

Yada’s private internal chat feature makes this easy and secure, helping maintain quick, direct communication with clients.

It signals that you provide supportive service beyond just the in-person sessions.

10. Invest in Ongoing Learning

Keep your skills fresh by attending courses from APDTNZ or similar organisations that focus on humane, effective training techniques.

Share your learning journey with clients and online-this shows you’re serious about providing the best service and helps you stand out from those who don’t invest in professional growth.

For example, trainers certified by APDTNZ are highly trusted by NZ owners seeking skilled help.