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How to Stop Drowning in Admin Tasks (and Get Back to Doing What You Love)

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

By Brianna Dick

brianna dick

Running a Dog Training Business Shouldn’t Feel Like This


You didn’t start your business to spend your day buried in emails and admin work. But now you’re managing calendars, chasing payments, and answering the same questions on repeat and wondering where the time went.


Here’s how to get some of it back.


1. Automation is Your New Best Friend

I know, I know- when you hear “automation,” your eyes glaze over and you picture yourself knee-deep in tech stuff you don’t care about. But hear me out! Automation is like that quiet, reliable dog in class who just does the right thing without needing you to say it. You set it, forget it, and it does the work for you.

  • Scheduling Software: Stop playing email ping-pong trying to schedule clients. Use tools like Busypaws or Gingr to let clients book their own sessions. You set your availability, they choose a time, and boom—you’re free to train, walk, or, I don't know, take a nap for once!

  • Invoicing Automation: Hate sending reminders to clients about unpaid invoices? Same. That’s why invoicing software like QuickBooks or one within your CRM is a total game-changer. Set up automatic reminders and let the software be the bad guy when payments are late. Trust me, your stress levels will thank you.


2. You Don’t Need to Do It All Yourself

If you’re overwhelmed, that doesn’t mean you’re disorganized. It means you’re doing the job of four people. The fix isn’t more discipline. It’s support.

  • Hire a VA: You can bring someone in for just a few hours a week. They can handle emails, scheduling, even light social media support. You stay in control, but they handle the repetitive stuff.


Delegating isn’t weakness. It’s what allows you to focus on the work that actually moves your business forward. If you don’t know where to start with this, book a one-on-one and I’ll help you sort it out.


No sure how to get this stuff done? Let's work together 1-1 so I can start this process for you!



3. Say No More Often

Not every client is a good fit. Not every opportunity is worth it. If you’re taking on work that makes you feel drained or resentful, it’s time to start filtering.

  • Qualify your clients: Be clear upfront. If someone’s looking for a one-and-done miracle session for a serious case, or if they’ve canceled on you three times already, it’s okay to say no.

  • Raise your rates: If you’re pricing out of fear, stop. If a client walks because you charge what your work is worth, let them go. They weren’t the right client anyway.


Working with the right people makes everything easier. It’s not about being exclusive. It’s about being sustainable.


4. Build a Few Systems That Keep You Out of Admin Hell

You don’t need a full operating manual. You just need to stop reinventing things every time a new client reaches out.

  • Onboarding: Have an intake form. A welcome email. A clear next step. Whether you automate it or keep it simple, it should feel seamless — for you and the client.

  • FAQs: Write out answers to the questions you get the most. Put them on your website. Set up an automatic reply. If people are always asking what your rates are or whether you offer virtual sessions, don’t keep typing it out.


Whatever tools you use, Google Docs, email templates, even a Notes app - just keep it consistent.


Final Thought

If your business is wearing you out, that’s not a reflection of your abilities. It’s a sign that your systems don’t support the size and scope of what you’re doing.

Change one thing. Automate one task. Hand something off. Set a boundary. Create a simple repeatable process.


And if you want someone to help you build all of this? You know where to find me.

Brianna Dick





 
 
 

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