Training classes can be an excellent opportunity for your dog to learn new skills, build duration and resistance to distraction, become proficient in working through various levels of difficulty and distraction, burn energy, gain confidence, and build your relationship.
When looking into finding a class, the first question to ask is: What are you looking to accomplish? Are you looking to build new obedience skills? Give your dog an extra curricular activity? Work skills that you already have and take them to a new level?
Considerations
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a class:
- Environment – Training classes can take place anywhere from doggy daycares, to church basements, to an open park. It’s important to consider the distractions that are likely to be present and how that might affect your pup. If your dog is OBSESSED with squirrels, working in a park is likely not a practical option at this time.
- Time of Day – Especially when you are working with puppies, time of day can really affect your dog’s ability to focus and participate. I used to teach a puppy class at 8:30 pm, and regardless of the dogs ages, they were always falling asleep by the last 20 minutes of class!
- Length of Class & Class Schedule – Training classes often run 45 minutes to an hour and take place weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. Even an hour can be a very long time to ask your dog to focus! It’s typical for dogs to slow down in the last 15 to 20 minutes. If a weekly schedule doesn’t work for you, many facilities/trainers offer membership style or drop-in style classes where you can come when you want!
- The Commute to Class – This one is often one that pet parents don’t think about until it becomes an issue. Many puppies get car sick, and this can affect their energy levels, focus, and willingness to take treats. Some dogs get very nervous in the car which can also affect their performance in class.
Along with the details around type of class, schedule, and commute, finding the right trainer is just as important as the class curriculum.
Green Flags
Let’s pinpoint some green flags we look for when it comes to finding the right trainer or class.
Look for trainers who:
- Have experience or are being observed by another experienced trainer
- Can adapt exercises to work better for your dog when applicable
- Will adjust spacing or provide barriers if possible to make your dog comfortable
- Encourage questions
- Can explain the “why” behind their instructions
- Has customized suggestions for different treats and gear
Look for classes that:
- Stay appropriately sized (most classes contain 4-8 dogs max.)
- Have criteria for your dog to join such as pre-requisite skills, required previous classes, speaking with the trainer or facility about your dog’s temperament and needs, and age guidelines.
It’s important to know the well-being of all class participants is considered rather than just packing as many dogs as possible into a class.
So what’s right for you and your pup?
Training Goals
If you are looking to learn new foundational skills or increase the difficulty of the ones you already have, look into manners/obedience classes. This is a great way to not only touch up on your leash walking or stays, but work through it with the distraction of other dog and handler teams. If you want to get competitive, you can look into Competition Obedience or Rally.
If your pup LOVES to sniff, consider a nosework or barn hunt class! Nosework is an incredible opportunity for your dog to practice those foraging skills. Some people go on to compete or work their dogs professionally in search and rescue. Barn hunt is a great combination of agility and nosework where your dog searches out hidden rats (safely secured) through straw and hay obstacles.
If your pup needs to get out the zoomies, consider a sports class like agility, dog parkour, or lure coursing. These activities offer different types of physical and mental stimulation that can help burn some energy, as well as build confidence.
If you want to have some fun with your pup while refining your training mechanics, look into a tricks class. There are also dog dancing classes where you can show off both of your skills with routines!
There are lots of other great classes out there to explore. More facilities are offering classes like cooperative care or senior dog specific opportunities. Check out training facilities near you and see what they offer!
A Final Note on Group Classes
The right training classes can be helpful in working through discomfort and building confidence. However, not every dog is a good candidate for training class! My own pup, being leash reactive and easily overwhelmed, doesn’t thrive in a group environment. She is much more successful working one on one with me or with a couple dogs she already knows. If your dog is frequently having trouble focusing, is performing avoidance or distance increasing behaviors like growling or moving away, or is displaying over-arousal through behaviors like incessant barking, whining, jumping, etc. class may not be the right fit for you. If you feel this is your situation, there are facilities and websites that offer online classes.
Now What?
While we are moving into the colder weather, take a look at facilities that offer classes around you! This can be a great activity to do with your dog inside that still burns some energy.
Happy Training!
Claire