Dog Behavior Consultant

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Startup Cost
$6,000-$30,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
8-15 months
Profit Potential
$65,000-$310,000/year

Overview

Dog behavior consultants work with serious behavior issues including aggression, anxiety, and fears using behavior modification protocols.

With 20%+ of dogs having behavior problems and consultants scarce, behaviorists generate revenue of $100,000-$360,000 with 75-90% margins.

The business requires advanced certifications (CDBC, CAAB), in-home consultation capability, behavior modification expertise, and liability insurance.

Services include aggression cases (dog and human), separation anxiety, fear and phobias, reactivity, resource guarding, and behavior modification plans.

Pricing typically $150-$350 per consultation, $1,500-$5,000 for behavior programs.

Success factors include advanced behavior certifications, understanding behavior science and learning theory, working with vet behaviorists, managing liability with aggression cases, and targeting referrals from trainers and vets.

Marketing focuses on vet partnerships, trainer referrals, and serious cases.

With behavior problems causing relinquishment and consultants needed in 2025, behavior consulting offers specialized opportunities requiring advanced expertise.

Required Skills

  • Behavior certification (CDBC/CAAB)
  • Behavior modification protocols
  • Aggression assessment
  • Learning theory
  • Behavior science
  • Safety and liability

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very high per-client revenue
  • Specialized expertise
  • Scarce consultants
  • Referral-based
  • Meaningful impact preventing euthanasia

Cons

  • Advanced certification required
  • Aggression liability high
  • Emotionally challenging cases
  • Long behavior programs
  • Serious responsibility

How to Get Started

  1. Get behavior certifications
  2. Study behavior science
  3. Work with vet behaviorists
  4. Develop assessment protocols
  5. Get specialized insurance
  6. Build referral network
  7. Start with less severe cases

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