Group or Private Training?
Group Classes
Working in a group of other dogs and people is one of the best ways to teach your dog to connect with you in distractions and is great fun. Most puppies and dogs benefit from group classes. See below to make sure you and your dog are a good fit for group training.
Is your dog too excited by other dogs for a group class?
Exercise your dog, then take some fabulous treats (hot dogs, cheese, steak, chicken) on a walk with you. When you see a dog or a person, put the treat in front of your dog's nose and try to turn the dog's head towards you. If they turn away and will eat the treat, then a group class will most likely work for you.
Is your dog too afraid of new situations to attend a group class?
Take your dog to a new place (park, trail) and bring some fabulous treats (hot dogs, cheese, steak, chicken). Find a quiet place a little away from the activity and just sit with your dog. After a few minutes, put the food at your dog's nose and try to turn the dog's head towards you. If they are willing to look at you and will eat the treat, then a group class will most likely work for you. If your dog is too afraid to eat or tries to hide, then behavioral counseling would be the best place to start training.
Private lesson or Behavioral Counseling?
Private Obedience Lessons: Whether due to scheduling or personal preference, private lessons allow you to work individually with an instructor. Private lessons cover all the basic commands or can focus on just the obedience problems you wish to solve.
SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SESSION
Behavioral Counseling: This type of specialized training service is for animals exhibiting signs of anxiety or aggression. These sessions are scheduled with our certified behavior specialist, Valerie Olszyk.
