Group training sessions for dogs can be a great source of enjoyment for owners, trainers, and pups. But, such sessions are not for all dogs. If you realize that group training isn’t cutting it for your pup, you might want to look into private lessons.
Group classes can be stressful. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean your furry friend has to drop out of class. If your dog is best suited to learning in a private setting, go for it. You can check out some private training programs at www.ridgesidek9ohio.com/programs/private-training. To get you started, here are five tips to maximize private training sessions for your pup:
- Keep Your Training Goals in Mind
Having a plan of attack helps a trainer understand your dog’s needs. Doing so makes it easier for a trainer to tailor their training to your dog’s learning goals. If you are after obedience training, spell that out to your trainer from the onset to promote mutual understanding.
Also, note that your dog’s training needs usually determine how long training is likely to last. For instance, sessions intended to correct unwanted behavior can take longer than basic obedience training.
Setting clear goals also provides a focal point. You can assess or evaluate your goals as training progresses to determine if they are being met. If not, you can discuss with your trainer how to tweak the training program to achieve your pup’s learning goals.
- Dial Down Your Expectations
Every good thing takes time, at least in most cases. Private training is no different. If your dog is to get to a point where they can perform complex actions, they need to start somewhere.
Adopt an incremental approach to training. Your pup isn’t going to learn complex behaviors overnight. Even if you’re not a parent, consider, for a moment, the process a toddler takes before making their first baby steps. It requires dedication on a toddler’s part and encouragement on yours to get them going, not to mention the many times you might have to help them up when they take a tumble.
In the same vein, training your pup needs to be incremental. As a pet parent, understand that there’s no instant gratification. If I may, be realistic, as dogs need ample time to get into the swing of things.
- Practice Makes Perfect
The only way to become competent at something is by practice and repetition. Make the most of the hard work of learning new skills by regularly practicing at home with your pup. Rope in other family members to ensure everyone is in on the cues or commands you use.
Continually practice the lessons your dog learns to reinforce their expected behavior. Over time, they can gradually improve and learn more complex actions.
- An Open-Minded Approach Works
What training methods have you tried before? Did they all work as well as you expected? Some suggestions may have been dead on arrival, and you’re probably looking for alternatives.
A private trainer uses positive reinforcement to promote your pup’s learning and behavior at a basic level. While doing so, a trainer can understand the type of feedback your dog is most responsive to, which can speed up the learning process. Actively listen to and take heed of their suggestions to gain a clear picture of how best to provide positive or negative feedback to your pup.
Ideally, treat your dog as an individual. After all, no two dogs are created equal. Their temperament, reaction to stimuli, and behavior vary from one pup to another. A training program that works for one dog doesn’t have to work for yours. Have that in mind as you assimilate the lessons from your private sessions.
- Carry Treats or Toys
Positive reinforcement requires the use of treats to encourage expected behavior. But there’s more you might need to consider.
Avoid overfeeding your dog during training, as this can render them unresponsive, especially if they lose interest in their treats due to a full belly. Also, some pups are more responsive to playtime.
If your pup isn’t into treats and would rather play, bring their favorite toys along for a training session. By understanding your dog, you can use the ideal approach to reinforce your trainer’s training approach.
To get the most value from private dog training sessions, it’s best to come prepared. Doing so makes training sessions painless for all parties concerned. If you need to sign up for private lessons, consider working with a trainer who knows their craft to derive the most benefits from each session.
