Training is good for our dogs. This is a statement that we as pet guardians know is true. It comes with numerous benefits that include better communication and a better bond with our pup.
There are also a variety of options available when it comes to dog training and an increasingly popular choice is group training classes. The popularity stems from a unique set of benefits achievable by working in an environment like this at an affordable price.
What to Expect in a Group Class
The key difference between private lessons and group classes is rather obvious – there are more dogs, and humans, present during the learning. This set up can feel overwhelming or daunting initially, especially for a pet parent who has a much more social dog. Some people also find themselves worried if they have a particularly nervous dog.
The good news is class can prove to be a positive environment for both of these sorts of pups! Group class provides a learning atmosphere where your dog can gain invaluable experience around other dogs.
While one-on-one lessons can be wonderful tools to focus on aspects of behavior specific to your pup, group classes tend to be much more generalized. This makes them curated to be useful and practical in numerous real life scenarios while helping you apply the skills to get there.
This also means that most owners are able to see various demonstrations throughout these lessons with different dogs usually working through different struggles. While also working on maintaining a calm and focused dog around numerous distractions, a skill which is incredibly useful to have in your training tool kit!
What are the Benefits?
Attending a group class taught by a professional trainer can provide lots of helpful information but also benefits:
Socialization
If you find yourself wanting to work on your dog’s basic manners in the presence of other dogs and distractions then group class is the perfect environment for you. It will challenge your timing and teach you how to reinforce your dog according to their environment to keep them engaged with you.
Built in Distractions
Your dog will learn that being in the presence of other dogs is not permission to check out and ignore you. Group class sets up plenty of opportunities to connect with your dog through distractions that mimic the real world.
Meeting Fellow Owners
Because you are learning in a group atmosphere, owners get to share personal stories and learn from each other throughout the class experience. Some members of the group may even find themselves motivated by other owners or helping one another after class by setting up similar training environments outside of class.
New Skills and Commands
As with any training, your dog will be using their brain and bonding with you while learning new behaviors and tricks! Group classes are great places to pick up new cues and skills that will make communication with your dog easier both at home and in public that you may not have focused on otherwise!
Learning Through Listening
During the class you will have plenty of chances to listen to questions posed throughout the lesson, which means you also get to listen to the answers revolving around those behaviors and cues. This knowledge can come in handy in the future if you ever find yourself experiencing similar behaviors that you want to shape or change.
They Are Fun!
Fun for both you and your dog! These classes are not just a great way to keep your dog socialized and learn new skill sets, but also a wonderful way to increase confidence in both yourself and your pup while keeping it fun!
What Group Classes Are Available?
The best thing about group classes is that they come in all shapes, variations and sizes! This means that you can find all sorts of skills that might interest you and your dog, from generalized obedience to more specific workshops, there is a group class for you to get your paws into!
Here at “I Said Sit!”, we offer several group classes throughout the year! These include:
- Puppy Preschool
- Adult Manners
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
- Your Capable Canine (Impulse Control)
- Rock Your Recall(Come When Called)
- Feisty Fido (For Reactive Pups)
- Tricks for Treats(Fun Tricks)
- Walking Wonders(Loose Leash Walking)
For more information about the classes we offer here at school please contact us!
