Learn How to Enjoy More Success with Your Virtual or Live Training Programs by Implementing Motivational Interviewing & Commitment Strategies

Transform Your Clients Experience

Behavior change for clients is a game we continue to play without always getting reliable results. How many times do clients drop out of programs, not rebook sessions, or ask to be referred to an alternative trainer?

One of the most stated reasons by professional trainers for a failure to perform successful services in pet training is that the client was not committed, or was noncompliant. Clients, just like all human beings, make choices that do not always align with their goals and may, at times, lack self-control. However, commitment to a training program can be resolved by unmasking and addressing ambivalence. Consequently, compliance can be sought through the implementation of commitment strategies.

As professional trainers, we may feel intense pressure to quickly prove to our clients the efficacy and effectiveness of our approach and methods. As individuals advocating for humane, effective approaches, we strive to stand out amongst the competition. Lacking speedy results, we may fear the abandonment of clients moving towards quick-fix solutions and electronic devices, many of which leave pets in peril.

While professional pet trainers are armed with the relevant academic knowledge and skills needed to train pets, their success as people trainers is predicated on changing their clients’ personal behavior in their interactions with their pets. What the pet trainer needs and what has been provided through their education is not the same. They also need up-to-date, evidence-based and innovative approaches to changing human behavior, not only for their individual case success, but also to promote the humane and ethical side of pet training.

In this short program Niki will introduce the concepts of Motivational Interviewing and Commitment Strategies. Learn how these can be used to harness a client’s ambivalence, and then use this ambivalence to provide motivation for effective behavior change. The session will also discuss various types of commitment strategies that can be used to hold clients accountable for their own words and goals.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the concepts of Motivational Interviewing and Commitment Strategies.
  • Learn to be more patient and understanding of the concept of the “Two Selves” and how difficult it is for clients to match behavior with intent.
  • Recognize the process of change management and how resistance to change is a biological response.
  • Understand the behavior economics of Limited Resources, Fading Benefits and Temptation Options.
  • Differentiate between soft and hard commitments and how to incorporate these tools into your behavioral consults.


Your Instructor


Niki Tudge M.B.A, PCBC-A, CABC, CDBC
Niki Tudge M.B.A, PCBC-A, CABC, CDBC

Before following my passion into small business and non-profit management, I enjoyed a distinguished career in the hospitality industry holding executive positions all over the world. My real passion in my corporate role was the identification and development of female talent in the workplace. I enjoyed managing and coaching my team through both their personal and professional development and loved watching the process of female empowerment and growth at a high level of management. Along with my business degrees from Oxford Brooks University my professional credentials include; ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, ISSA Transformation Specialist and Nutritional Coach. I am also Six Sigma Black Belt Certified specializing in data analysis and process improvement. I also carry the International Training Board (HCITB) certified people trainer qualification at levels TS1, TS2 & TS3 and am a certified Facilitator and Project Manager. In addition, I was recognized for my outstanding contribution to the business community and honored with a Fortune 500 Company Leadership award for my accomplishments.

As the founder and President of, The Pet Professional Guild, DogNostics Education and The DogSmith, I have substantial leadership experience in business management and administration particularly in the non-profit sector which encompasses my role as the President of Doggone Safe, a non-profit educational organization. I have had numerous articles published, and some have been featured in many publications including The New York Times. I have also authored five books, my most recent project going to publication in 2019 titled: Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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