Dog Training Programs (cont) Group Classes

Another popular dog training program is the group class. Group class quality varies from trainer to trainer and class dynamics also plays a part in how well the dogs in the class end up trained. Typically class size varies from 5-25 students depending on the trainer. I personally prefer to limit my students to about 8 students to 1 trainer. This allows for individual attention as well as group dynamics. Occasionally I will take on larger class sizes, but that is not the norm for me. (We will at some point in the future write another post on finding a good group class). 

Pros: Group classes can provide excellent opportunities for teaching a dog how to behave around distracting situations. The group dynamic CAN be a benefit, if all the students are doing their homework and progressing, individual owners feel peer pressure to complete their homework and progress with their dogs. They can provide opportunities for owners to commiserate and share with other owners in the joys and sorrows of training a dog. It is typically an initially inexpensive way to train a dog IF (and I repeat IF) you are self disciplined and complete the homework each week. Otherwise it can be a waste of an initial investment. 

Cons: A lot of the cons to group classes can be overcome by good class management with a good instructor, though there are still some that are just part of doing a group class. Class size can be a positive or a negative depending on your dog. Too large of a class can be intimidating to some dogs, and too small of a class may not provide the distractions you might need to teach your dog to behave around distractions. If you are a new dog owner, and your dog needs particular attention, it may be hard to get that in a group setting where the instructor must divide his/her attention between all of the students. 

While there is typically SOME time for individual attention, there are many problems that an instructor should not deal with in a class setting. Most instructors will not allow an aggressive dog in class (particularly without permission) and some problems don’t show up in a class environment. 

Scheduling can also be a pro or a con. Typically group classes meet at the same time every week, and you may have to look hard or travel far to find one that meets at a convenient time for your schedule. 

Group dynamics can also play a role. If you are competitive and yet have a dog that learns a little more slowly then the other dogs in class, it may put too much pressure on you to push your dog beyond his/her limits. This adds stress to the training which can have a negative impact. Also, classes seem to take on an identity all their own. In some 9 years of teaching group classes regularly, I’ve come to notice that each class has its own personality. Some are light and fun, others seem more serious, some challenge everything I say and progress at a snails pace, others train above and beyond my expectations and we’re able to move quickly and add fun and games to the classes. A lot can depend on the individual owners in the class. 

 

I personally prefer group classes to be combined with my other training programs. I find them to be extremely useful in adding a new dimension of handler control. I also think they provide a fun outlet for both handler and dog when they’re well run. Owners that put in the effort and time, can make significant progress with their dogs. Normally, I find group to be most effective when combined with private or in kennel training. I have some students that will take a group class to add some basic control to their dog, then send the dog in for advanced training. Or I might have students who do 1-2 private in homes to get some control and address in home problems, then they attend group for more control. It all depends on the dog. 

Group is appealing to some owners because of the price. Provided you are willing to put in the work, attending a group class can be far more effective then not training the dog at all!