Training a dog is one of the most important things you are going to do. In order for your dog to enjoy life with you, and vice versa, dog owners have to have control. If a dangerous situation arises, you want your dog to listen to you immediately so that no one gets hurt. The big question many dog owners have is “Should I take my dog to group classes or have private lessons?” There are advantages to each, but overall private lessons are probably the most effective in the long run. Here are some reasons why:
- Few to no distractions: When you and your dog take private obedience training at home, you are able to control the environment to ensure your dog can focus. Unlike a group class where there will be 8-10 other dogs and their handlers, private home lessons are not too much of a variance from your dog’s daily experience. Your dog will be able to learn more easily and enjoy him or herself when there are no strangers to stimulate his curiosity.
- Dog owner learns too: The idea that you can drop off your dog at a class or a trainer without your own involvement is a bit of a fantasy. Dogs do not learn in a vacuum and they need you there to learn too. Since you will be at home with your dog 90% of the time you give him or her commands, it makes sense that the dog owner needs to learn how to interact with the dog at home. Your dog will learn to respond to the people who teach them. A trainer who is around for a few weeks, and then out of the dog’s life, will not be nearly as effective as if you are present at the trainings. You knowing how to get your dog to respond is just as important as your puppy knows what to do.
- Behavioral issues targeted: While puppies can be very successful in a group class, dogs older than 14 weeks are generally not. They are more mature, and the way they learn has changed from these early weeks of life. Also, if you have adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue organization, it is possible he or she will have specific behavioral problems. Food aggression, digging, jumping, and nipping are just a few common ones. In a private setting, the trainer can devote all of their time and energy to correct your form as well as the dog’s behavior. Priorities that a dog owner wants to focus on can be accommodated.
- Consistency of lessons: Many of us have enrolled our dogs in classes. We go once or twice and then our busy lives take over. Our dog training hopes take a backseat to other things. In order for dog training to work, it has to be practiced and reinforced consistently. When a trainer comes to your home, there is often more flexibility about times and days for lessons to occur. Plus, you save time not having to pack up the dog, the treats, the water bowl etc. to go to obedience school.
- Familiarity with place: When private lessons happen at home (or where the dog is going to be most of the time), it will be much easier for them to make connections between learning in and out of sessions with the trainer. The visual cues of their environment will be associated with commands, and this is very useful until a dog is very well trained.
Private obedience training for most adult dogs is optimal. This is especially true for dogs that have been adopted and may come with “baggage”. Behavioral issues are easier to fix in a one-to- one setting with a trainer. Remember, obedience for your dog is the one thing you can give them that will provide safety and happiness for them as well as for you. If you live in the Cincinnati area, I recommend Assertive K9 Training. We used Dennis and he was great. He came to our house and trained us all, including our two young sons.
Image: www.surviving6to6.com
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