06/01/2023 12:54
It might be an unpopular opinion, but January is 100% the time of a puppy boom. It is a time where a whole plethora of new workshops and courses are available for dog parents and when you might be thinking “I really need to do more with my dog”.
But…how do you know if they class you have chosen is going to *really* improve your dog’s training?
The motto here is: NO class is better than a bad dog training class, so here is a quick guide to what you are looking for….
1
The trainer is a great trainer
Sounds like it should be a no brainer, no? The truth is that literally ANYONE can call themselves a dog trainer - and many do. Owning dogs for 20 years does not a dog trainer make. The easiest rule of thumb is to look for someone who is a member of the ABTC, or failing that, the Charter of Dog Trainers. More to be revealed in a another post but this will ensure that you have someone who is trying to bring up the standards
2
Small Ratio of Dogs:Trainers
A maximum of 8 dogs per trainer is a good rule of thumb (and actually I would say the ideal is 6). This means individual attention, they can get to know your dog, and you can enjoy a less chaotic class.
3
The Venue
If there are more trainers and hence more dogs, look at the space. All dogs should be able to have a little training area where they cannot be reached by other dogs if they don’t want to - and this will massively increase your success. If it is outside, be prepared that there will be changes depending on the weather - especially for puppies. Venues can be notoriously hard to come by, so it is how the trainer makes best use of the space which is important.
4
The Atmosphere
Some dog classes are chaos, and simply ‘dog socialisation’ where dogs have an hour off lead to do whatever they like. It is totally inappropriate in terms of training - and begs the question of why you paying for this when you can have it for free, under your own control, at your local park…! Conversely, look out for dogs forced to be quiet, marched around on short leads and expected to obey commands. Oppression is not a great ingredient for successful dog training, contrary to some old fashioned opinions 💁🏼♀️
5
You're always learning
Classe should be well structured so you always have something to do & know what you should be doing during any lulls. Having everyone watch dogs walk into a ring one at a time is stressful - and yes, me and Alto have done this once, fluffed it, and never returned 😆
6
E T H I C A L
The government itself promotes positive, science based, reward based training - as do the RSPCA, RCVS, Dog’s Trust, and all other official animal organisations. So, if you see anything that is causing fear, punishment, or aversion, then it indicates a trainer who doesn’t know what they are doing, doesn’t care about what they are doing, or who thinks they are above it all (arrogant, no?)
AVOID 🚩 Choke chain collars, slip leads, pet corrector, water sprays, rattle box of stones, shouting, using physical force to move dogs around, 'I don't use treats', balanced training. Oh, and if you see any e-collars or prong collars…RUN AWAY🏃🏻 Don’t get gaslit into thinking these are ok!!!!
7
Reviews
I am also a little hesitant to recommend reviews because there is such a variable in who is actually reviewing the classes. However, hearing great reviews from people who have lovely dogs and great training skills can be incredibly useful. If it’s a small company, head over and see the class for yourself.
8
Clear Schedule of Training
Classes shouldn’t feel like a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. You should have a clear path of learning what you need and layering on that learning week by week - and things to actually go and practise, too. You should also receive the best homework you have ever been given ie training your dog in the skills you have learnt!
9
Dogs are grouped of the same ability
Ideally, puppies should be in their own classes (under 5, maximum 6, months), as they have such different needs. If this isn’t the case, then dogs should be grouped as to whether they are beginners, advanced, intermediates….you shouldn’t feel ashamed of starting out, or feeling held back. You definitely shouldn’t be in a class where people are trying to socialise their reactive, aggressive dogs with your tiny baby puppy 🚩 this would be a huge red flag to me if that was the case....
10
You and your dog love it!
We used to have cake, coffee and celebration at the end of every course together and that’s the vibe that you should feel!
Even though Dog Mum Mindset is online only, I hope that this blog will help you get the best in person help there is 🖤 Using our online boutique of courses alongside a great class can be a potent combination!
EMAIL US if you would like to take part in a special, 4 week online training course - contact@dogmummindset.com
Let me know in the comments your best (and worst) class experiences.