How do you know if group classes or one to one dog training would be best for you and your dog? That all depends on yourself and your dog.
When one to one dog training would be best
If your dog is 6 months or older and has not been in a group environment before and had no prior training. When they have not carried out any prior training it is common for them to find it all a bit much. They can find it over exciting and then struggle to focus or be able to engage with you. In this situation we would generally advise some one-to-one training first so that we can put some foundations in place before entering a group setting.
- Do you have a couple of specific goals you want to work on with your dog? This might be recall training, lead walking, separation anxiety, calming techniques. What ever your goals might be by doing one to one puppy training I can tailor the sessions to your specific requirements and set up a training program for your dog / puppy. There are also some areas of training that might not be suitable for a group class.
- Your working hours vary. Many people struggle to commit to the same time each week and so are unable to commit to a group class. With one-to-one dog training the time of the sessions can vary each week to fit in with your working commitments.
- Your dog is reactive or has shown aggression to other dogs. We would require your dog to undertake an assessment before entering a class. We may advise that group training would not be suitable and show you other ways to manage and overcome your dogs behaviour without putting your dog or others at risk.
- You want to build upon areas that were carried out in group classes. We cover lots of different areas in classes and I have a lot to fit into the courses so it might be that further training in that area might be beneficial.
When to attend dog training classes
- Your dog has undertaken one to one dog training and is now ready to add in some additional distractions /other dogs.
- You have a puppy under 5 months of age and wish to attend puppy training classes to meet other people who have a puppy.
