Dog Training Sessions
When you sign up for dog training classes or one to one dog training sessions with a professional dog trainer, they should give you an outline of what you and your dog/puppy will be learning. In a one to one dog training session the trainer will often be guided by the information you have already given them about you and your dog. This is often in the initial email or phone call.
Owners often struggle with teaching their dogs to walk easily on a lead, recalling their dogs successfully and helping their dog to cope around other dogs. These are basic, but very important tasks, which can be covered in one to one or group sessions. Training can cover a huge range of tasks so you need to find a trainer who can delver the right training for you and your dog/puppy.
1-2-1 classes
One to one dog training sessions are great as a starter, to get you and your dog/puppy on the ‘right’ track. By letting the dog trainer know what you and your dog are struggling with, or what you want to learn, the dog trainer can then tailor the training to meet those needs. These sessions should be supported by written guidance and/or videos, plus email, telephone or social media support (e.g. WhatsApp). Some dog owners prefer to stay with the one to one dog training sessions, while others prefer to get signed up to a dog training class.
Group classes
Group dog training classes should have structure and you should be given details of what will be covered in the group classes, before you attend your first one. During the training, the trainer should be able to adapt to the needs of the individuals in the class. Not everyone’s dog/puppy will learn at the same pace. Not every owner will follow the guidance at the same pace. We all need to feel comfortable when learning and we need to be able to understand the purpose of the tasks we are asked to do.
Award schemes
Some trainers will provide the opportunity for you to work towards awards or set standards. For example there is the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme or the APDT Good Companions Awards, plus some trainers build their own awards schemes. These are great if you want to reach a certain standard and criteria with your dog/puppy. Not everyone wants this challenge so you should have the option to opt in or out.
During any training sessions you should have time to ask questions, watch a demonstration of the tasks you are asked to do and also have time to put these tasks into practice with your own dog. The trainer should be there to guide you and support you and your dog/puppy, with patience and enthusiasm.
Venue
The venue should be comfortable for you and your dog/puppy. There should be plenty of space between you and the other dogs and owners. The training can take place indoors or outdoors or a combination of these, every venue is different.
Classes can vary in length from 45 minutes to one hour. One to one training sessions can vary from 30 minutes up to two hours or more. Prices will vary for each venue and trainer so do make sure you find out the cost before signing up as you need to work to your own budget.
If you go to a training session (one to one or group) and enjoy working with the trainer, it’s worth your money. If you don’t enjoy it, speak to the trainer and explain how you feel. Most trainers will do their best to help you feel at ease and encourage you to persevere.
Remember a professional trainer will not want you to waste your money and their time if their training methods are not right for you! Do your research to the find the right trainer for you and your dog/puppy.
