Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – In an inspiring story that blends passion with profit, a 32-year-old software engineer from Visakhapatnam is earning a staggering Rs 5.72 lakh per month from an unlikely side hustle: professional dog training. While most IT professionals spend evenings relaxing after long hours of coding, this techie has built a canine coaching empire that now rivals his primary salary.
From Coding to Canine Coaching
The techie, who works with a leading multinational IT firm in the city, started his dog training venture as a weekend hobby. Initially, he trained his own Labrador after struggling with behavioural issues. Word spread among friends and neighbours impressed with the results. Soon, requests poured in from pet owners across the city.
“I never imagined this would grow so fast,” he shared, requesting anonymity to avoid professional complications. “Within six months, I had more clients than I could handle alone. Dog owners in Visakhapatnam were desperately searching for reliable trainers, and I saw an opportunity.”
The Numbers That Impress
His side business now generates Rs 5.72 lakh in monthly revenue through:
- Group obedience classes: Rs 3,000 per pet per month
- Private one-on-one sessions: Rs 8,000 for a series of 10 classes
- Behavioral correction programs: Rs 15,000 for intensive training
- Day boarding with training: Rs 500 per day
- Online consultation services: Rs 1,500 per session
With over 45 active clients across Visakhapatnam, the techie manages his schedule meticulously. He dedicates early mornings, weekends, and public holidays entirely to his canine clients.
How He Balances Two Careers
A typical day begins at 5:00 AM with outdoor training sessions at a rented ground near his home. By 8:30 AM, he logs into his IT job. Evenings are reserved for follow-ups and new client consultations. Weekends feature group classes that attract pet owners from as far as Anakapalle and Bheemunipatnam.
“It requires extreme discipline. My IT job pays my bills, but dog training fulfills my soul. I never compromise on client commitments. The secret is strict time management,” he explains.
Market Gap in Tier-2 Cities
Visakhapatnam, while growing rapidly, has limited professional dog training services. Most pet owners rely on amateur trainers or online videos. This techie spotted the gap and filled it with certified techniques. He completed a six-month online certification in canine behavior from a Mumbai-based institute.
His training focuses on positive reinforcement, avoiding harsh methods. Popular programs include leash training, socialisation with other dogs, and curbing aggression. Many clients report remarkable changes within two weeks.
“My German Shepherd was aggressive with strangers. After two months of his training, she’s a completely different dog. Worth every rupee spent,” says Ravi Teja, a grateful client from MVP Colony.
Challenges and Future Plans
Managing both roles isn’t without hurdles. Client cancellations, unexpected dog injuries, and late-night emergencies test his patience. Yet, the techie remains undeterred.
He now aims to franchise his training model across Andhra Pradesh. “There’s demand in Vijayawada, Guntur, Kurnool. People are spending more on pets post-pandemic. I want to train local entrepreneurs to replicate my system,” he reveals.
Conclusion
This software employee’s story is a powerful reminder that side businesses can flourish with passion and strategy. By turning a simple love for dogs into a Rs 5.72 lakh monthly venture, he has proven that opportunities exist even outside one’s primary career. For pet owners across Andhra Pradesh, his success means access to world-class training right at their doorstep. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s a blueprint: identify a gap, upskill yourself, and watch your passion pay off.