Group dog training classes are a great way for you and your pup to learn how to get along better. But, are they really worth the money? Before you sign up for group classes, read this article and find out whether or not it’s worth it!
If there is one thing that can make any pet owner irate, it’s having their precious pet misbehave in front of company. From barking when guests enter the home to jumping on people with muddy paws, pets have the tendency to embarrass us more often than we would like them too. Thankfully there are ways around these behaviors that don’t involve yelling at our furry friends until they cower away from us (though sometimes we may want to let out a little scream).
Enter the world of group dog training classes. Group classes are an excellent way for you and your pup to learn how to get along better, while also giving you access to some great resources that can help with behavioral issues outside of class time. But is it worth the money?
Before signing up for group classes, here are three questions you should ask yourself:
-Do I have other people in my home or on my property who could work one on one with our pet? If so this might not be needed because there would already be someone assigned to work through problems without having more distractions around them.
-Am I committed enough and will go at least every week, including holidays? If not, sign up for a series instead of paying per class.
-Is it worth the cost? Some people are willing to pay extra for things like safe and caring trainers whose sole focus is your pet’s welfare.
Are group dog training classes worth it?
There are many benefits to group dog training classes. First of all, they’re great for you and your pup because it’s a good way for the two of you to bond together while learning how to get along better. Group dog training will help teach your pup some manners as well! In addition, the instructors in these classes are usually experts on canine behavior who can provide guidance with any other issues that may come up – such as housebreaking or separation anxiety.
Group Dog Training Classes Are Worth It If You Have:
- A young puppy (less than 12 months old)
- Kids at home under age 13 years old
- Too much time spent away from home and don’t have enough people around to take care of your pup
- A puppy that is aggressive or reactive with other dogs and people
- An adult pack leader dog who needs some help reigning in the rest of his/her family members
If you answered yes to any of these queries, group dog training classes are certainly worth it. We recommend finding a school near you by looking on sites like Yelp! where there are ratings for each individual company to see which one would be best for your situation.
Many Group Dog Training Classes Aren’t Worth It If You Have:
Expectations set too high – many companies offer group programs but not all have certified instructors teaching them so just because their website says they teach groups doesn’t mean what’s promised will actually happen when signing up. Be cautious about the trainer and company you are signing up for.
No time – It’s tough to find the time to take your dog out of their pack regularly enough, let alone make it to a class once or twice a week with one less person in the house now that children are grown and gone. The more consistent trainers recommend group classes because they can get most lessons done during one visit as well as give homework instructions and provide helpful tips on how to handle behavior issues at home.
Allergies – For those who are allergic or sensitive around dogs, this may not be an option unless there is some other way you can interact (i.e., viewing online videos). If someone else will accompany you or if it’s possible to watch from afar, it may be worth checking out to see if you are able to participate in the group.
Risks – Group training classes can pose risks for those who are more timid or shy around dogs, as there are several being handled by different people at one time and times when they’re all barking loudly. It’s best to make sure that any trainer the group offers are experienced in handling an anxious dog or, for those who may be more sensitive to being around dogs, that they have a way of watching the classes from afar.
