> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.pawgress.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setting Up Your Profile

> Complete your trainer profile to build trust with potential clients and make a great first impression

## Complete Your Trainer Profile

A complete profile helps build trust with potential clients and makes a great first impression. This guide will walk you through setting up your Pawgress profile with all the essential information clients need to know about you and your training services.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pawgress/2waxvPSCsDxZr3Ic/images/guides/getting-started/setup-profile/profile.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=2waxvPSCsDxZr3Ic&q=85&s=f82bef7cd39ff7cdbfd5d0dd954df69b" alt="Pawgress profile page" width="1040" height="1758" data-path="images/guides/getting-started/setup-profile/profile.png" />

<p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">The profile page lets you manage your personal and professional information</p>

## Personal Information

### Adding Your Profile Photo

Adding a professional profile photo helps clients recognize you and builds trust:

1. Click on the avatar or the "Change Photo" button
2. Select a clear, professional photo of yourself
3. Upload an image smaller than 2MB in JPG, PNG, or GIF format
4. Your photo will appear on your profile and in client communications

### Basic Contact Details

Fill out these essential fields in the Basic Information section:

* **First Name:** Your first name as you'd like clients to see it
* **Last Name:** Your last name as you'd like clients to see it
* **Phone Number:** Your business contact number (visible to connected clients)
* **Location:** Your primary training area (city, neighborhood, region)

<Tip>
  **Location Tips**

  Being specific with your location helps potential clients understand your service area. Use the location autocomplete feature to select a city or neighborhood where you primarily offer training services.
</Tip>

## Trainer Professional Details

As a professional dog trainer, you'll want to showcase your expertise:

### Biography

Write a compelling biography that highlights:

* Your training philosophy and approach
* What makes your training style unique
* Your background and how you started training
* Your passion for working with dogs and their owners

### Specialties

List your areas of expertise in dog training:

* Puppy training and socialization
* Behavior modification (reactivity, aggression, anxiety)
* Specific training approaches (positive reinforcement, clicker training)
* Specialized skills (therapy dog preparation, service dog training)

Click the "Add Specialty" button to add multiple specialties to your profile.

### Certifications

Include your professional certifications to build credibility:

* Professional certifications (CPDT-KA, IAABC, KPA-CTP, etc.)
* Educational credentials
* Specialized training programs completed
* Professional memberships

Click the "Add Certification" button to include all relevant credentials.

### Years of Experience

Enter the number of years you've been professionally training dogs. This helps clients understand your level of experience at a glance.

<Note>
  **Profile Completeness Matters**

  A complete profile makes you more discoverable to potential clients and instills confidence in your professional abilities. Take time to fill out each section thoughtfully—it's your virtual first impression!
</Note>

## Saving Your Profile

After filling out your profile information:

1. Review all information for accuracy
2. Click the "Save Profile" button at the bottom of the page
3. Wait for the confirmation message that your profile has been updated

You can return to this page and update your profile information at any time as your business evolves.

## Next Steps

Now that your profile is complete, you're ready to:

* [Add your first client](/guides/getting-started/add-client)
* [Create training packages](/guides/getting-started/create-package)
* [Set up your availability](/guides/scheduling/set-availability)
