Tips for Choosing the Right Group Training Class for Your Dog
Group training classes can be an excellent opportunity for your dog to learn new skills, improve focus, build confidence, burn energy, and strengthen your bond. With so many options available, finding the right class can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you make an informed decision for you and your pup.
What Are Your Goals?
The first step in choosing a training class is to define what you’re looking to achieve. Consider:
Learning New Skills: Are you starting from scratch with basic obedience?
Building on Existing Skills: Do you want to refine behaviors or work on advanced training?
Engaging in Extracurricular Activities: Are you looking for something fun and enriching for your dog, like sports or tricks?
Addressing Specific Issues: Do you need help with reactivity, focus, or confidence-building?
Clarifying your goals will narrow down your choices and help you select a class that aligns with your needs.
Key Considerations:
When evaluating a class, think about these practical factors:
Environment
Classes can take place in various locations, such as training centers, parks, or community halls. Consider how the environment might affect your dog. For example, if your dog is easily distracted by squirrels, a park setting may not be ideal.
Time of Day
Timing can influence your dog’s ability to focus. Puppies, for instance, might struggle with late evening classes. Choose a time that aligns with your dog’s natural energy levels.
Class Length and Schedule
Most classes run for 45 minutes to an hour, typically once a week for 4 to 6 weeks. An hour can be a long time for some dogs, especially in stimulating environments. If weekly classes don’t fit your schedule, look for facilities offering drop-in or membership-based options.
Commute to Class
A long or stressful car ride can affect your dog’s performance. Puppies prone to car sickness or dogs that are anxious in the car might struggle to focus after a taxing commute.
Green Flags in a Trainer or Class
The quality of the trainer and the class environment is just as important as the curriculum. Look for these green flags:
Trainers Who:
Have experience or work under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
Adapt exercises to suit individual dogs.
Provide sufficient spacing or barriers for dogs that need them.
Welcome questions and explain the reasoning behind their instructions.
Offer tailored suggestions for treats, tools, or gear.
Classes That:
Maintain a manageable size (4-8 dogs is typical).
Have prerequisites or requirements that ensure participants are a good fit.
Prioritize the well-being of all attendees, not just packing as many dogs as possible into the room.
Types of Classes
Once you’ve evaluated the practicalities, it’s time to explore the type of class that best suits your goals.
Manners and Obedience Classes
Perfect for foundational skills like leash walking and stays. These classes provide structured environments to work on behaviors amidst distractions. If you have a puppy, thats Puppy School. We then offer Teenage Tyrants and our Canine Good Citizen Classes.
Nosework and Tracking Classes
For dogs who love to sniff, nosework classes build on natural foraging instincts. Tracking combines exercise and nosework, where dogs navigate the environment to track. We have our Scentwork courses for all levels (in-person and online).
Sports Classes
Activities like agility, dog parkour, or lure coursing provide excellent physical and mental stimulation. These classes are great for high-energy dogs and help build confidence. If you think your dog would love these, join out Hoopers or Out and About Classes!
Tricks and Dog Dancing
For a fun and creative outlet, tricks or dog dancing classes are wonderful ways to refine training mechanics and show off your dog’s skills. The Fun Class is the perfect class if this is what you’re looking for.
Specialized Classes
Many facilities now offer unique classes, such as cooperative care for vet visits or senior dog activities. Explore the options in your area to find the perfect fit. We have something for every dog- from the reactive dog course to our online cooperative care course.
When a Group Class May Not Be Right
Not every dog thrives in a group setting. If your dog struggles with focus, shows signs of over-arousal (e.g., incessant barking, whining, jumping), or exhibits avoidance behaviors like growling or moving away, a one-on-one training session or online course might be a better fit. Tailoring the training environment to your dog’s comfort level can make a big difference.