Group classes suck, seriously. I haven’t met many dog owners that feel like they got much out of them. I also haven’t met many dog trainers that like to teach them. It is hard to take a group class with your dog, especially when most dogs haven’t learned how to listen to you around distractions.
Dog trainers talk about making sure you aren’t adding in too many things that make learning difficult for the dog… well, the group class can be one huge distraction which can make it very difficult for your dog (and more importantly you) to learn.
While group classes sound good for a few reasons. I mean, the lower cost is pretty attractive. You feel like the education will be the same as if you were doing one-on-one lessons. I mean, this is a dog trainer teaching dog owners. You probably also think your dog will be socialized during the class. You also feel like you will be able to remember what you learned, it can’t be that hard… right?!
Here is some hard truth about group classes though…
A lot of trainers use very scientific sounding words. You just want to know how to train your dog. A few of the “whys” are helpful but you don’t need an essay on the scientific reasons behind dog training. You just want your dog to learn how to listen and behave. It is hard not to zone out when they start talking about the science behind the training.
The rates are cheaper for a reason. You don’t get as much out of the group classes… PERIOD. You don’t have the full attention of the dog trainer, and you never will in a group class. It can be difficult to get a chance to ask a question for clarification.
If you haven’t worked with your dog on training before, you are going to need to learn right along with your dog. That sounds great to start off with, kinda like the fun group classes at the gym. However, you learning right along with your dog means you are going to have to listen to and hear the trainer. If your dog is freaking out… you probably just want to melt into the wall and disappear from embarrassment.
Dog trainers should not tell you that the group class will work for you if you have a dog that is super distracted by other dogs, or if it has a hard time focusing outside of your home, or especially if your dog barks and lunges on the leash around other dogs. These dogs do not do well in a group class setting because they need to work one-on-one with fewer distractions.
As for socialization, very few group classes offer true socialization. It is just the class, and then you leave. Which probably leaves you feeling frustrated right along with your dog.
On top of all of the issues with group classes, you feel like the dog trainer is disappointed that it seems like you haven’t been working with your dog at all during the week. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN PRACTICING (at least what you can remember of what was taught)!! Your dog just really cannot handle the group class setup. They have been doing so well at home with all of the exercises you can actually remember. You tell the trainer they are doing well at home, and they smile… but you can’t tell if they actually believe you.
The only time I offer something like group classes is when I have clients in a training program. The class is a way for the owners to actually be able to practice stuff around other dogs and distractions. I use that to help owners cement the work that we have done together.
Group classes really should be a part of a bigger picture of dog training so you aren’t frustrated and put off of dog training. Dog training really can change the way you and your dog work together. It is a beautiful thing to watch your dog start to learn and to see them “get it.”
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