Software for dog trainers: evaluations, packages and waivers

Most private trainers sell the same way: a phone evaluation, then a package of 4 or 6 lessons at the client's home. The admin is in the edges: the waiver signed before the first lesson, the intake that tells you the dog has bitten before, and the package that's paid but still needs each session booked. SoloWOS covers those edges for one-on-one work.

From the first call to the last lesson

1. The owner books a free 15-minute evaluation call from your Link in Bio page. The booking asks the dog's age, breed and the main problem.
2. Before the call, an intake form asks about bite history, vaccinations, the vet, other pets and children at home. If they check "has bitten", a conditional question asks for details.
3. After the call you send a proposal for a 6-lesson package: lessons, homework videos between them, and terms that say packages expire 90 days after purchase (example terms).
4. On acceptance, the training agreement and liability waiver go out through E-Signatures. Training outcomes depend on the dog and the owner's practice, and the agreement should say you don't guarantee results.
5. Invoice the package from the proposal, in full or with a deposit, and the client pays by card.
6. Send a single-use booking link for each lesson, so the client books exactly one 60-minute slot at a time. A drop-in lesson at your hourly rate can be a paid meeting type instead.

A typical week

• Monday: four evaluation calls booked over the weekend. One owner of a reactive dog gets a referral instead of a package.
• Tuesday: two proposals out after the calls. One is accepted that night, and the waiver is signed before bed.
• Wednesday: five in-home lessons across town, with 30-minute buffers for driving.
• Thursday: you record a 4-minute video explaining the "place" exercise on your training plan, and the client comments at the second they're stuck.
• Saturday: a package ends. An automation asks for a review a week after the final invoice was paid.

All 13 tools, one by one

How a private dog trainer uses each tool:

• Link in Bio: A page on your Instagram with the free evaluation booking, your packages and a signup for your monthly training tips email.
• Short Links: A QR code on the flyer at the pet store and the vet's bulletin board, so you see which one brings evaluation calls.
• Forms: The intake on the dog: age, bite history, vaccinations, the vet's name, triggers, other pets and kids. Answers land on the client's contact before the first lesson.
• Scheduling: Free evaluation calls and paid 60-minute lessons with a deposit, buffers for driving and an email reminder the day before. One dog and owner per slot, so group classes need another tool.
• Proposals: Training packages (3, 6 or 10 lessons) with what's included, an expiration date and the price, accepted online. The client pays the package from the proposal.
• E-Signatures: The liability waiver and training agreement before lesson one, with both owners as signers when two people handle the dog.
• Document Tracking: Your training plan or a handout on loose-leash walking as a tracked PDF, so you can see whether the owner read it before the next lesson.
• Screen Recording: Homework videos of up to 5 minutes on Solo: walk through the plan or a diagram on screen, and the owner comments at the exact second they have a question.
• Notes & Boards: A page per dog with session notes and progress, and a board with each client's package stage: evaluation, paid, in progress, finished.
• Time Tracking: Times behavior consults that run long, so you can price the next one by what it really takes.
• Invoicing: The package invoice from the proposal, a deposit for a big program, and drop-in lesson invoices, with reminders if one goes unpaid.
• Expenses: Treats, leashes, a long line, insurance, certification fees and mileage, with receipts.
• Automations: Send the intake form when someone books an evaluation, and email a rebooking link when a client misses a lesson.

Waivers, licenses and taxes

• Waivers: whether a liability waiver holds up, and what it must say, depends on your state. Have a lawyer in your state review it once, then send the same PDF to every client.
• Business licenses: the SBA notes that local governments set their own licensing and permitting rules, so check your city and county. If dogs ever stay with you overnight, check local rules on boarding too.
• Taxes: if you train as a sole proprietor, you're self-employed; see quarterly estimated taxes.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state; check yours with a lawyer or your licensing board.

SoloWOS or Acuity: which fits

Choose Acuity if:

• You sell packages that count down by themselves as clients book.
• Your clients want text reminders before each lesson.

Choose SoloWOS if:

• You want the evaluation, the package proposal, the signed waiver, the homework videos and the invoice in one account.
• You work one-on-one, mostly in clients' homes.

Acuity's price and plans were checked on October 17, 2026 on its own site; check their site before you decide. See Acuity Scheduling vs SoloWOS for more.

Start with these three

Scheduling with a free evaluation call and a paid lesson, E-Signatures for your waiver, and Proposals with your main package saved as a template.

Free tools that help

• Mileage deduction calculator for in-home lessons.
• Freelance rate calculator to price a lesson from the income you need.
• Customer lifetime value calculator for clients who come back for a second package.
• QR code generator for flyers at pet stores and vet offices.

What SoloWOS won't do for a dog trainer

• No group classes or capacity: each slot takes one booking.
• Packages don't count down. Send a single-use link for each lesson in the package.
• No memberships or cards charged on a schedule, and no text reminders.
• No dog profiles with vaccination records; the intake answers sit on the client's contact.
• SoloWOS doesn't file taxes, issue 1099s or collect sales tax for you. Invoicing sends the invoice with a pay link (card through your Stripe account) and your other payment details; your accountant or tax software handles the rest.