Whether you've experienced a group dog training class or are searching for one, what are you looking for? What does your ideal class look like, how is it run, what does it cover, how many dogs are in it, what is the instructor like? I'm talking here about group classes aimed at producing a well behaved family pet (not specialised classes in gundoggery or dog sports). Keen to hear ideas on this What does your dream class look like?
When we first got Lady she was 6 months old and we had no clue how to deal with her so puppy classes seemed the answer and we signed up to a group in the village. Only went once as it was an absolute nightmare. About 30 dogs and one trainer all packed together in the village hall. Did nothing and learnt nothing - too many dogs, too much noise, too many dogs out of control and my girl scared to death of the place. Lucky to find another trainer in the next village who had space and only took a maximum of 6 dogs. Plenty of space between dogs, all under control. The dogs had to sit on their own mat until called out. We practiced the usual puppy stuff like walking to heal etc, but most importantly the trainer was training me how to train Lady. So I'd be looking for just a few dogs with plenty of space and all dogs under control at all times. Then a trainer who trained me. Lady and I also do gundog training where we are in a group of 7 dogs. Again all dogs under control at all times and the trainer training me. After all the dogs may learn stuff at the session but the real payoff is the follow up training and proofing by the handlers between sessions.
I've not been to a class with my two, but did with old family dogs. They were chaos and we learned absolutely nothing. I've had one gun dog training session with them in a one-on-one environment, which was fabulous and I will be doing again at every opportunity, but I would also like to bring them into a group class at some point, so they learn to work around other dogs. Like David, this: I suppose "under control at all times" might be a bit too much to ask of us at this stage, since we'd be new to training in a group situation, but certainly being taught methods of how to achieve this, and getting there in time.
I've been to a lot of training classes, the very best one has the following characteristics: It's outside with plenty of space and lasts a whole morning (with lots of rest time for the dogs). It's 100% positive only training. Dogs are left in the car until everyone has had a cup of tea and the first exercise has been described (determined in discussion with the group in terms of what the majority of people think they need to work on) and if we need props, we go and set these up. Dogs come out of the cars in an ordered way, with attention on the handler, and we go to our first exercise. There is no "meet and greet" on lead (which I find is complete chaos at other classes). A fair amount of individual attention from the instructor (so we will be getting on with an exercise, then the instructor will come round and as if we have any problems, or give us tips on what we could do better). There is instruction on what we should be doing with our dogs during "down time" when the instructor is talking (we are not micro managed, but have all had a discussion about what is best for our dog so we know how to manage this time). Time spent "waiting in turn" is kept to a minimum, in that dogs and handlers that are waiting to do a particular exercise have several options as to what to do (eg calming circles, working in pairs on impulse control and so on). Dogs go back in the car and there is discussion time - talking about what we did, problems or successes, and a bit of theory (how to put things on cue, why dog A struggled with exercise B) and so on. Possibly something demonstrated with one dog being clicker trained etc. (so we have time to concentrate without managing our dogs). Working in pairs with other students on structured exercises (either one dog at a time with the other in the car, or both dogs together) is often part of the session, and I find this incredibly helpful. I rarely have "distraction dogs" and this is great, getting Charlie to recall away from another dog, walk in line with another dog and so on. Lots of "new" things - things I would have never thought of doing myself, like observing how aroused my dog is by his environment, and thinking of ways I can influence this. New ways to train things that I wouldn't have worked out on my own and so on.
I think there are two elements to a good class; firstly, and most importantly, a good instructor and, secondly, a good venue. In my younger days I was part of a local swimming club. The best swimming coach there had a somewhat unusual attribute ... he couldn't swim! But he knew exactly what needed to be taught and how to teach it in a manner that would help the swimmers become better. Similarly, when it comes to dog training I'm not necessarily looking for someone who is good at training dogs, I'm looking for someone who is good at teaching me how to train my dog. Having done lots of research I'm also looking for a trainer that uses positive training methods - they have been proven to be the most effective method and I'm happy to use these methods with my dog. As regards the venue, I'm looking for somewhere that has enough space for all attendees and, ideally, an enclosed outdoor training area for those times when the weather permits some outdoor activity.
From my experience with a previous dog of training classes both indoors and outside, both with and without clicker and numerous trainers, I would say no thank you. Indoors were a nightmare through numbers/space and outdoors allowed Flynn to abscond for 1.5 hours while practicing recall when he spotted a cyclist while also mimicking other dogs poor behaviour with things he hadn't done before! Juno has been trained 1-2-1 with the training focussing on different scenarios and different experiences and off lead whenever possible, going past madly barking dogs in their gardens, meetings dogs and walking both on and off lead with other dogs, to walk on a loose lead without pulling, to go up and down steps without rushing or pulling More expensive but 1-2-1 for me every time.
We looked around for a dog trainer for a while and were really put off by the types of places where you pay $100s for a couple of weeks and those that guaranteed quick results. We stumbled upon the place we're with now and so far so good. It's a not-for-profit group where you pay an annual membership and can go to whatever classes you want to go to. The trainers are there because they want to be, not because they're being paid a salary to be there. It's all outdoors and well spread out, especially the beginner classes. The beginner classes have two trainers so that one can be walking around providing additional assistance where needed. You are also encouraged to wander off to the side to get a bit of space during a class if you feel your dog is getting a little overwhelmed. They all use positive training methods and most trainers have their own dogs there during class to help with any demonstrations (they all usually sit perfectly to the side of the class, not moving an inch while our wild puppies fly around them hehe). I also like the fact that, whilst you have to pass to move to the next class, you can also chose to stay in the class and not test if you don't feel ready and, because it's on a membership, there's no additional fees for staying in a class as long as you like. Finally, for this club, it's not just about training and passing classes, they have BBQ, cake sales raising money for the RSPCA and generally encourage you to join in the social side (they are licenced as well - definitely a bonus for after the evening sessions during the summer months ☺)
I have only been to one trainer/training class, and thought it was the best ever........but more and more my experience of this forum, Pippa's website, and just finding more about positive training has thrown up the flaws. This is a bit uncomfortable though, as I felt he was a fabulous trainer! Our classes were outside - I couldn't imagine an inside class - that would be pure torture for me and my dog. Our classes started off small and as puppies they were allowed to interact and blow off a bit of energy, then were called to order. As older dogs, the "before party" wasn't encouraged. And the classes gradually got bigger, and had newbies as well as those who had worked their way up, so lots of repetition of stuff we already could do. I felt quite safe....it was a large area, a bit away from a road which was admittedly fast and busy. Dogs with poor recall were put onto very long training leads. There were often deer in the area though . And one dog did a runner and ended up on the road verge We did concentrate quite a lot on sits, stays, and did this singly, then in pairs, then in groups, then developed this to 100yrds out of site. Sometimes we walked back to our dogs, sometimes a recall. We also worked on walking with our dogs and getting their attention, working towards off-lead walking by dropping leads when we felt we had attention. No clickers, no real speak of cues. Quite a lot of shaping which was good. And what I liked, was using body language - a sit being raised arm rather than the word "sit". Down a hand signal, same for stop. So a class could be held in virtual silence. (In theory, some owners just did not get that!!) Some of the body language was more on the negative side though - walking into your dog, using quite aggressive body language at times. We all were recommended non-stoppered rope leads and there was a fair bit of tugging for attention or to bring your dog back into line. And sometimes aversives like shake bottles. Some dogs had aggression problems, they weren't always dealt with very positively Some "forced meetings" where dogs had previously come to blows. I guess its difficult. If you see something that works and you have no other way of doing it (know no better way exists....), you think its the answer. I think you have to take the good things and throw out the bad. If your trainer isn't prepared to adapt to your needs, then he or she isn't a good teacher. After all, its US as the owners/handlers that are being trained, not our dogs.
For me, a training class has first and foremost to be FUN - for me and the dog. It needs to be outside, but especially for young dogs in a secure area. The trainer needs to be kind, and genuinely to like dogs (and people). I don't like training for young dogs that is too serious, but at the same time there has to be overall control, and it helps if the dogs are at the same level of training. Not too much waiting around. I prefer group training to one-on-one, as it really helps with socialization and steadiness. Haha -am just remembering one day when Pops was around a year old and we were teaching 'down and stay' with a group of six pups. Five of the six had to stay lying down, while one was called forward by its owner. After this worked fairly well, we progressed to four of the pups lying down, and two of the others being called to come through them... It was working brilliantly... Then suddenly Poppy lost the plot and charged forward, immediately followed by all the others, running and charging around the (luckily enclosed) paddock... It was terribly funny, we had such a laugh - but then we went back to training again, it was a really great session.
I have been to 2 very different training classes. One was in a hall with 7 other dogs (Max of 8 in each class). They were allowed to say a quick hello to each other then onto training. I did learn a lot and I suppose it really helped Harley with her settle as there was a lot of talking. It was really good in terms of there being distractions. Harley did really well and I learned a few new things which I have continued with. The downside was the amount of talking by the trainer (we both got bored at times) and the fact that all dogs/owners were not seen as individuals - the exercises were done the trainers way and didn't allow for the different size, temperment, breed or capabilities of each dog. The second class I went to was for adolescents. This was held outside in a secure field. All dogs had a quick walk around the field to let of some steam/have a sniff then they were popped back into the car. Harley is not good in the car so the trainer checked with everyone that it was ok to keep Harley out, but sat by me calmly whilst the trainer explained the session that day. One by one the dogs were got out of their cars - the trainer taught everyone how to stop dogs just jumping out which was really good and was done differently with everyone as some were on the back seat, some in a crate in the boot and others just in the boot. All exercises were explained, but the trainer came around and changed things for individuals if things weren't working. I remember one session Harley was a nightmare - she wouldn't concentrate, constantly barking, trying to run off. In the end we went off for a 10 min off lead run over the other side of the field and behind some bushes to not disrupt the other dogs. This really helped. End of sessions involved dogs in cars and us all chatting about what worked/didn't and the trainer was really good at explaining other techniques to try. By the last session I was able to put Harley in the car for our end talk Out of the 2, I got the most out of the second as the trainer was teaching us, but giving us all techniques if the first way didn't work
I've only had experience of two classes. First, a puppy class in the village hall when Pongo was 12 weeks - 17 weeks old. Then more recently, agility classes (from when he was about 14 months old). I really hated the puppy classes. They were inside, in a small hall, with at least 15 puppies. There was no 'meet and greet' playtime, and nothing about it which Pongo enjoyed. Being a labrador, he just wanted to go play with everyone, so my entire time was spent either throttling him at the end of his lead or shoving treats down his throat. As a new puppy owner feeling very protective of my little boy, this felt very unpleasant. We learned a little bit about sit and stay, and heel work, but not much. The trainer had no time to give any individual attention or consider the particular needs of any dog. I gave up after five unhappy weeks. So my key points from that would be: (a) not too many puppies please; and (b) make it at least a little bit enjoyable for the pups (so that over-sensitive new owners like me don't feel miserable!). The agility classes are another thing entirely. They are outdoors, there are only four dogs in the class, and the whole thing is focused on making it 'fun' for the dogs (otherwise they don't perform). Pongo still really struggles with staying calm around the other dogs (which is the main reason I am taking him, and - believe it or not - he is getting better). But he really, really enjoys the exercises, even if sometimes he runs off to a corner of the field to sniff instead of doing what he should! I'm much happier because the trainer is very clear that if Pongo's not enjoying it then there is no point forcing him, so we'll do something simpler... which means I feel happy that he is happy (even if I'm also cringing in embarrassment.....).
Reading this thread, I dug around and found the list below which I made about a year ago, when I was pretty frustrated about some classes I was going to. Whether the class is good is mostly about the trainer I think, and whether or not they are able to teach humans as well as train dogs! The venue is also important, and I don't think I'd take any future pups to indoor classes (I have better waterproofs now ), but a good trainer/teacher will make a good job of adjusting the environment they have so it works: My ideal trainer: - makes me and my dog feel relaxed because mistakes receive guidance not criticism - is confident about his/her own abilities so doesn't try to show how much better he/she is than I am - can individualise activities in a group class so everyone moves forward but no one is out of their depth - does not take my dog from me as this proves nothing and makes my dog anxious - knows that dogs behave differently in different environments, so asks questions about what we do at home and what goes well/ less well - gives encouraging praise, and sets clear targets about the next step to work on and how to practice Happily I've now found classes which tick most of my boxes, and I feel we're making good progress as a result . One feature of these classes is, similar to Julie's, we have time at the start and finish when all dogs are in the cars and we can discuss issues, strategies and successes without trying to keep one eye on our dogs - I think this is really helpful.
