what to look for in a group class
Group Dog Training Classes are a popular training option for many people, but are they right for your dog?
Group Dog Training Classes usually consist of a number of other dogs and owners, usually 4-10. The lower price point, and smaller time commitment make them a popular option among dog owners, but they are NOT right for every dog. Not all Group Classes are created equal and not every behavioral issue can be addressed in them. It’s important to ensure you are selecting the RIGHT training option for YOUR dog.
Although their price point and availability makes them an accessible option for people, the instructors attention is divided among a group, and there is generally a set curriculum lined up for the class. Typically Group Class instructors advertise a set number of commands or tricks that your dog will learn during the length of the program, it is far less often that Group Classes tackle behavioral concerns, such as; Reactivity, Anxiety, Fearfulness, Aggression, Excitability, etc. These behavioral classes DO exist (my own tackle these issues and are designed for dogs experiencing these problems) but they are less common and it should not be expected in the average class. Typically if you’re experiencing a behavioral issue with your dog, one-on-one help is the right place to start. Private Training programs can tackle specific issues with your dog and work on their time-frame and at their pace (all dogs learn differently, just like us), you have more focused help and your trainers undivided attention, you are also not pushing your dog over-threshold in a distracting and likely stressful environment for them. After your dog has made progress in private training options, you can then look for a Group Class to practice the new behaviors in, and continue to work your dog through problem behaviors when they’re ready for that increased stimuli. Pushing your dog over-threshold can worsen behaviors and leave you feeling frustrated and your dog stressed and unengaged.
Many Group Classes have a large focus on play, this is not what you want in a Group Class. One of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog that will benefit their overall behavior, and your life with them is; NEUTRALITY. You want to be able to pass other dogs on a walk or hike with ease, ask your dog to listen to you and do what you have asked of them when those distractions are present. By allowing your dog to greet and play with other dogs in an extremely aroused state, you are reinforcing that chaotic excited behavior (jumping, mouthing, barking, whining, pulling, disregarding you), and teaching them that EVERY time they see another dog or person that is how they are supposed to behave. It creates an over-aroused, anxious dog and it is the number one issue owners reach out to me for help with. 70% of the consultations I conduct are owners wanting their dogs to be able to listen to them around distractions and exist calmly around other dogs and people. Socialization is NOT just play, it’s teaching your dog how to safely, and calmly navigate this modern pet-life, play is but a small fraction of the equation. If play is included in group classes it should be structured and monitored for appropriate patterns and not exacerbating excitability, and unfortunately they often do. Play with other dogs is not even a focus in any Group Classes I conduct. If it is included (mostly for puppies) we focus on building a calm, focused, and confident dog first, and add play in as they are able to handle it. We make sure we’re teaching them appropriate play, by ensuring they are receptive to other dogs cues and that they are still able to listen to you and switch it off when needed.
It can be challenging to find the right Group Class, the number one place I can tell you to avoid is Big Box Store Group Classes. They’re typically led by in-experienced instructors using lack-luster methods and recipe training. Recipe training is using one method to teach a dog a command or behavior and has very little variation. Inevitably this recipe will fail with some, if not most dogs, because they all learn differently - these instructors typically lack the skills to adapt in these scenarios, and are unable to find what works for your dog. They use cookie cutter, one-size fits all methods and typically do not focus on neutrality or engagement - only bribery, and commands that will fail for you in the real world because there was no work on creating a calm, neutral mindset.
A well organized and led Group Class CAN do wonders for you and your dog - but it’s certainly not the right choice for all dogs and all problems!
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By Autumn Somers - 6/16/23