A question I often get asked is what the difference in benefits is between private dog training in comparison to group dog training classes.

Let’s begin with the benefits of private training. This usually consists of arranging for a dog trainer to visit a client’s home and work with the dog on a one-on-one basis.

The Benefits of Private Training:

• The Dog Gets To Learn New Behaviors At Home!

  • This is super helpful because this is the environment where the family dog is comfortable and where he will need to perform these new behaviors. This makes it easier for both the client and the dog to practice and to more efficiently incorporate and transfer these new behaviors in the home after the session is over.

• 100% Personalized Attention From The Trainer.

  • There is a HUGE benefit to be able to ask questions and to be coached based on your and your dog’s preferred method and speed of learning. In addition, not having to wait for others in a group class setting, who may have needs or questions that you and your dog don’t have or are not interested in, saves a lot of time (and potential frustration).

• Easily Expand The Scope Of Training Services Needed.

  • Private training easily allows an owner and his dog to address training needs that are specific and personally-tailored to the owner, the dog and their environment. For example, a client can ask the trainer for support while encountering distractions at the local park or at the local coffee shop, where the dog might have the MOST trouble behaving, and work on manners there.

• Homework And Support Based On Your Exact Needs.

  • Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, you’ll know that the homework and the supporting materials are to address the needs that require the most attention.

Now let’s talk about group training classes, which consist of taking your dog to a facility once a week for a number of weeks. The class takes place in a group setting with 4 to 6 pups and follows a specific agenda of behaviors being taught each week.

The Benefits of Group Training:

• Socialization!

  • People and their dogs get to spend time with other people and dogs. The dogs are usually about the same age and they get to interact with each other before, during and after the class.

• Working Around Distractions

  • Group classes allow for a unique challenge — dogs have to learn around other dogs. This can come handy when you need your dog to ignore other dogs and distractions and focus on you instead.

• Set Curriculum & Skills To Be Taught

  • Depending on the subject, group classes are set up to cover a very specific number of topics & skills that you know your dog will learn and practice for the duration of the class.

• Affordability

  • Group classes are often times more accessible to the general public because of their pricing. One trainer can teach up to 6 (or more) dogs and their humans, which allows for the cost to be spread out between the participants.

I personally prefer to work with my clients in a private settings. I think that the freedom to focus on the training needed for the specific dog and handler is invaluable. This doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t teach group classes! I do love the community aspect of group classes.

So in order to decide on the type of training that’s right for you and your dog, consider whether you prefer to learn in a private environment or in a group setting, consider the type of training your dog needs (group classes can be good for basic obedience, while private training can help with behavioral issues), the budget you have for training your dog and your dog’s personality (fearful and shy dogs would do better learning at home, while confident and friendly dogs would probably enjoy group lessons).

Whatever type of training class you and your dog do eventually go with, I personally recommend that you seek out the help of a positive dog trainer when issues arise. This will help prevent the situation from escalating and improve the relationship with your dog. The same goes for puppies and newly-adopted adult dogs.

If you have any questions about puppy/dog training, as well as doggy doula & dogs and toddlers training/support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.