In-Person vs. Online Dog Training: What to Expect Training Dogs at Home

Navigating the world of dog training can be a challenge. For years, many have opted to hire a dog trainer and attend in-person lessons. It’s a time-tested method, offering socialization for your dog and immediate feedback from the trainer. 

But it’s not without its challenges. From the risk of diseases to the chaos of group classes that might overwhelm your pet and the human tendency to overlook at-home practice – it all adds up.

But now, an innovative solution can turn these challenges on its head: online dog training. It’s the world we operate in at the University of Dog, where learning happens at your pet’s pace and in the comfort of your home – where interactive live sessions ensure accountability and continuous learning.

Let’s delve deeper into the comparison between in-person and online dog training and explore how training your dog at home might be ideal for you and your furry friend. 

The Traditional Approach: Hiring a Dog Trainer for In-Person Lessons

In-person dog training has been the norm for many years, with professional trainers providing lessons for your dog in class settings. If you’re thinking about training, this method likely crossed your mind.

In-person dog training can offer several benefits:

• Your dog can interact with other dogs, helping with socialization
• The dog trainer can provide immediate feedback and corrections

But before you take the leap, there are some challenges you need to be wary of:

1. Group classes can be extremely overwhelming for some dogs, especially if they’re reactive. 

In these settings, dogs may become so distracted or overwhelmed by other dogs that it’s difficult for them to concentrate on training. Consequently, group classes can ultimately be counterproductive to the dog’s training progress.

2. Not all dogs and their owners fully grasp training during classes. 

During in-person classes, you’re dividing your attention between the instructor, managing your dog, and keeping an eye on the other dogs in class. These distractions can make you miss crucial points in training – you might only retain about 60% of what the trainer is saying.

3. It’s easier to neglect at-home practice when you attend in-person classes.

When you regularly attend in-person classes, it’s easy to forget to practice lessons at home or put practice off on the assumption that you’ll get to it later. Consistent practice is necessary for reinforcing what the dog has learned during class.

4. There’s a higher risk of illness from in-person dog training.

Your dog could contract diseases or illnesses from interacting with other dogs. Exposure is especially concerning for young dogs and puppies.

In-person dog training has its merits, but you can’t ignore the challenges, especially when there’s a better solution. But if you’re set on finding a dog trainer, then check out this blog post with tips for choosing the right dog trainer.

The New Wave: Online Dog Training

As we embrace technology in all areas of our lives, why not use it to make training with your pup easier and more accessible? Welcome to the world of online dog training.

Virtual dog training comes with benefits that address challenges faced in traditional, in-person settings:

1. You have easier access to training resources.

At University of Dog, for instance, our robust online platform lets you easily tap into instructional videos and readings that you can revisit as many times as you need. 

Typically, instructors only explain things once during in-person classes. But with an online hub of instructional materials, you can watch and read repeatedly until you understand – you get to learn at your own speed. 

2. You’re better equipped to help reactive dogs.

If your dog is reactive and easily overwhelmed, online dog training helps you gradually introduce distractions without pushing your dog past its comfort zone. You can ensure your dog feels safe while they learn without adding dogs to stress them out. 

3. There’s no need to worry about your dog catching a cold or worse from other dogs.

This point is self-explanatory. In-home dog training keeps your dogs safe from catching illnesses from other dogs in class settings. 

4. You never really miss a class.

Because you can always go back and watch a recording, you never miss out on learning something important.

5. There’s more time for questions and answers.

Because the instructor’s attention isn’t divided between multiple dogs in a classroom, there’s more time for them to go in-depth and focus on teaching the human.

6. Interactive live sessions help you stay on track.

During in-person classes, there are always those that don’t practice, and instructors have to take time to fix issues, slowing and interrupting the class. But you don’t have to worry about that with interactive live sessions. 

These sessions foster accountability by having participants record and upload their training homework prior to each class. Doing so helps them remember to practice and create a routine that reinforces their dog’s learning. 

Don’t let this new wave of dog training pass you by. With so many benefits and flexibility at your disposal, it’s time to consider stepping into the future of dog training in your home and giving your dog the best chance at success.

Online Dog Training with University of Dog

Don’t let traditional barriers keep you from empowering your dog with the training they need to thrive. With University of Dog, you can embrace the convenience of online dog training and see firsthand how our interactive live sessions, extensive library of resources, and built-in accountability can bring out the best in your furry friend.

Are you ready to change your approach to dog training? We’re here to guide you and your pet to conquer challenges and reach new milestones. Sign up to take a course today and experience the benefits of online dog training. We can’t wait to see what you and your dog can achieve together.