When was the last time you tried to learn a new skill, something that was totally unfamiliar to you? When was the last time you tried to change a behavior or get rid of a bad habit? Was it easy or hard?
If you’re like most of us, you just have to think back on the last New Year’s resolution you made to find your answer!
Learning new skills and changing behaviors can be a challenge for all of us, dogs included. Just like humans, dogs have different learning styles and personalities to consider.
Fortunately, when it comes to dog training, you’ve got several options. One of the best options is private training. Here are 7 reasons why it might be the best option for your dog.
Flexible Scheduling
There are so many demands on your time already and fitting in a dog training class might be tough. With private training you can set a schedule that works for you.
With private home training, a trainer comes to you at a time that is convenient. No more hustling to get the dog in the car to make the class on time! It’s the ultimate convenience.
Customized To Meet Your Particular Needs
Group training classes cover the broad needs of dogs and their families. But what if your dog is *special?* If your dog has an issue that isn’t covered in a group class, then private training is a great option for you.
You won’t waste time working on the things your dog already knows, giving you time to address your dog’s particular needs.
Better Focus
The smells, the sounds, the tail wagging, the sniffing…being with other dogs is great fun! It can also be distracting.
With all those distractions eliminated, your dog can focus much better on you and the lesson to be learned. The same goes for you! You’ll be able to focus on what your dog is doing rather than on the progress (or the noise and chaos) others are making.
Set Your Own Pace
The time you spend with your trainer is your own and not dictated by anyone else’s needs. You can go as fast or as slow as is right for you and your dog. Quick learners can stay engaged and challenged. Slower learners won’t get stressed or rushed.
100% Focus on You and Your Dog
Private training means that your trainer is totally focused on you and your dog’s needs. Have questions? Ask away! Want to take a deeper dive into a skill? Go right ahead! Private training eliminates the fear of monopolizing the trainer’s time at the expense of others.
Flexible Learning
Discovering your dog’s particular strengths, weaknesses, and issues is a part of the joy of training. You’re learning and deepening your relationship as you learn. With private training, you and your dog are the guides. You’re not restricted to a set list of skills to learn. Private training is all about freedom and flexibility.
Support Outside of Training Sessions
Most private training also comes with additional support. Learning anything new takes time to process. You’ll think of questions and make observations at times other than when you’re with your trainer. Having additional support means you can get the help you need, even outside the lesson time.
A Word About In-Home Private Dog Training
As you can see, there are SO many benefits to private training.
Private training in your own home provides a major benefit beyond private training at a facility: addressing behaviors in the place they occur, where your dog is most comfortable.
Being in your home provides context and information that isn’t as easily gained outside the home. All that extra information helps your trainer be incredibly specific about how to correct unwanted behaviors. They’ll be able to give you precise, individualized suggestions for your needs.
And your dog will be better able to understand without having to transfer the behaviors he learned elsewhere to his own home.
Private training, whether in-home or at a facility, provides the freedom and flexibility that is difficult to achieve in group classes.
Less stress, more focus. Less restriction, more learning. Less general, more specific.
These are the freedoms and flexibilities of private dog training!