I often get asked which is better; private dog training or group classes, and although I have my preference, it’s not for everyone!
Let’s talk about the benefits of each…
Benefits of Private Dog Training:
Training is more personalised
Every dog is an individual, and should be treated as such. Although some training is the same for everyone, most of what I teach people varies depending on their dog breed, age, intelligence, traits, size, and their family, children, work commitments, house arrangements, lifestyle, other pets, and more!
Training as a group doesn’t allow for these dogs - and you - to be treated as individuals. Or, if they do, only on a short time scale, bringing me to my next point.
More time for you!
In group sessions, the trainer will be sharing their time between six - or more - dogs and their families. With private training, you get ALL the focus on yourselves!
Your dog will be more focussed
Training in a hall with six plus other dogs, plus their families is bound to be distracting for a young puppy. Initially, it’s likely that your puppy will be either fearful and anxious, or over excited, which is not a good state of mind to be learning in. Even once settled, there will still be much more focus in a private training session with less distractions than a group class.
It’s at home!
Where do you need your dog to be trained? At home and on your regular walks, right? So you may as well train your dog there!
Of course there is the argument that ‘if your dog can learn in a distracting environment, they can learn everywhere’. While that’s true, the science shows that it’s best to train dogs at a pace they can handle: easy first, and gradually build in the distractions.
The other huge bonus is that you can have the whole family involved in training, kids included! In many - not all - group classes, human attendance will be limited to reduce the distractions for the dogs.
Training for YOUR needs !
Training with just your family allows your trainer to focus on you and your individual needs, whether that be relaxation with other dogs or recall or lead walking. In a group, you’ll be following a set curriculum which teaches everyone the basics, whereas in private training you can choose your priorities!
Benefits of Group Classes:
Socialisation
Socialisation is really important for young puppies, and meeting other dogs is part of this. Group classes gives you an easy opportunity to have your dog meet other dogs in a safe environment.
Although there are ways to socialise in private sessions (such as inviting a friend and their dog to your lesson), generally a class is easier. Easier doesn’t always mean better, but with a a good dog trainer it’s certainly more efficient!
Distractions
In a group class, your dog could learn to listen to you around distractions, which is a huge benefit when out and about! Something to bear in mind though, is that dogs can learn to listen in that particular environment and still be reactive or excited when our and about on their regular walks. This is really common, so make sure you get a trainer who can teach you how to work through those problems!
Affordability
The biggest benefit of group classes is the affordability of them. When you’re sharing a trainer’s time with six or more other people, the cost of the time is also shared out between those people, allowing the training to be much cheaper for you.
My Preference:
I personally prefer private sessions. In fact, I now only offer private sessions because I like to give dog owners the time that they need and deserve, as well as treating them and their dogs as individuals.
There are definitely benefits to group classes, so I have put things in place to give owners those benefits without having to attend group classes, such as in my Very Important Puppy Program, you’ll gain access to a socialisation group for puppy parents to meet up!
Overall, I believe private training is more effective for both puppies and adults, but it’s not for everyone, so make sure to do your research on both kinds, as well as the trainer before getting started.
Happy Training!
I'm curious what you think... Let me know in the poll below!
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Which do you prefer?
0%I have tried both and prefer private training
0%I have tried both and prefer group classes
0%I've not tried both, but think I'd prefer private training
0%I've not tried both, but think I'd prefer group classes
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