Running dog training classes should be about working with dogs and their owners – not wrestling with admin. Yet many trainers spend hours managing bookings, chasing payments, and answering the same questions again and again. The result? Less time training and more time firefighting.
The good news is that managing bookings doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right system and a few smart habits, you can cut out the chaos, fill your classes, and focus on what you love: helping dogs learn. Here’s how.
1. Make booking quick and simple for owners
Dog owners are busy. If they can’t book easily, they often won’t book at all. The key is to make it effortless:
- Offer online booking so clients can sign up 24/7.
- Keep your booking form short – just names, contact details, and dog information.
- Display clear class descriptions, locations, and prices.
- Make it easy to pay upfront so spaces are confirmed instantly.
With a system like Book That In, owners can book and pay in under a minute, without back-and-forth messages.
2. Automate confirmations and reminders
No-shows are one of the biggest frustrations for trainers. Automated emails take the pressure off:
- Send instant booking confirmations with key details like time, venue, and what to bring.
- Schedule reminder emails or texts a day before class.
- Include directions and parking info to prevent last-minute confusion.
These small touches keep owners organised and drastically reduce missed sessions.
3. Manage payments the smart way
Chasing payments creates unnecessary stress. Instead:
- Use integrated payment processing (like Stripe) so clients pay when booking.
- Offer flexible options like block bookings, PAYG, or subscriptions.
- Automate invoices and receipts to save time.
Book That In handles payments automatically through Stripe, giving you peace of mind and predictable cash flow.
4. Keep communication clear and professional
Good communication builds trust and keeps clients coming back. Make sure your messages are:
- Friendly and professional in tone.
- Consistent across confirmations, reminders, and updates.
- Clear about policies for cancellations or missed sessions.
You can easily customise automated emails in Book That In to reflect your tone and business style, keeping everything professional without spending extra time writing.
5. Encourage rebookings and loyalty
Once an owner finds a trainer they like, they’ll often stay loyal – but they need reminders. Automate gentle nudges to keep your schedule full:
- Send re-enrolment messages before a course ends.
- Offer incentives for booking the next block early.
- Use follow-up emails to thank clients and invite feedback.
Positive experiences and consistent communication build a loyal client base who rebook without prompting.
6. Simplify admin with one central system
Many trainers use spreadsheets, forms, and messaging apps to manage bookings – but juggling tools wastes time. Switching to one central system keeps everything organised:
- All bookings, payments, and communications in one place.
- Automatic updates when people book, cancel, or move classes.
- Real-time visibility of class numbers and waiting lists.
Using a dedicated booking platform like Book That In removes the stress of manual admin and helps your business scale smoothly.
7. Learn from what works
To grow your classes, it helps to track what’s working:
- Look at which classes fill fastest or generate repeat bookings.
- Use simple reports to monitor income and attendance.
- Gather feedback to improve future courses.
Book That In gives you these insights automatically so you can focus on teaching, not spreadsheets.
Final thoughts
Running dog training classes should be rewarding, not overwhelming. With clear systems, automation, and online payments, you can reduce admin, avoid no-shows, and create a smoother experience for clients.
Book That In is built for small business owners like you who want simplicity without sacrificing professionalism. You can book a free demo to see how it can make your bookings (and your days) far less stressful.