Private training VS. Classes?

[JoJo]

Boomer97, as stated by Judy W

When private vs group is normally discussed, it is with the owner doing the training and the instructor coaching them.

My own personal opinion, a good trainer does not train the dog exclusively, he trains YOU how to train the dog. It's a no wonder all those months of private training AWAY from the owner never worked. So that makes me wonder....what kind of "trainer" is this person?

There is nothing wrong with private lessons, but let's get an understanding of what private means......one on one with handler and dog.

JoJo

[Mary Bouchard]

As I have 3 rotties I thought private would be better originally but I really liked the socialization of the classes and as Guess would just be going for follow up and re-inforcement.

The puppy is going to be 6 months in October and we have been socializing her alot lately as she started acting very aggressive to any one who came into the door. So I was leaning toward the classes.

I just thought one on one might be better as the number of rotties I have, however each person in my house has bonded with a different rottie so I have enought people to take them to the classes!:)

And it would be something the whole rotten rottie family can do!

[LavenderRott]

What an excellent idea for family night! Couple of hours of class with each person's favorite four legged companion. On non-class nights, a walk around the block after dinner. To practice what you have learned. How great is that!?!

I think that is a great plan Mary. Enjoy the class. And with the whole family going, you won't have to try to explain to everyone how to make the dogs behave.

[Boomer97]

Originally posted by spidey
30-odd minutes a day (or less) and a one hour class a week is not a big time investment. I don't see the point of sending a dog away for training, aside from the dangers of not knowing what's being done to/with your dog while you're not there (which I feel is an abdication of your responsibility to your dog), it's missing out on one of the huge joys of dog ownership. I'm genuinely confused - if you don't have that minor amount of time to spend with your dog, why have a dog? If you have time to walk it, you have time to train it, if you have time to play with it, you have time to train it.

Private training is just fine, but sending a dog away for training as if it were a TV that needed fixing, as if a dog needed an "expert" to train it, rather than just taking classes so that you can train it yourself...I don't get it.

I'm sorry you don't see the point. Case in point as follows. I currently have a couple who are 87 and 84 who brought their dog to me for training on a once a week basis. Try as I may to explain and demostrate to them what they need to do they do not work the dog except when they come to me. The 87 year old is almost deaf so I end up shouting in his good ear and hope he catches some of what I say. I work with the dog while it's here but I can't force people to work their dog once they leave. This is an instance when a board and train was the way to go vs. 'private' training. So though you may not like it or 'get it' people do have a need for "private" and "board and train" type programs.

[spidey]

Keith - we seem to have our wires crossed, my problem isn't with private lessons (I never said that, and nowhere in the quote of mine does it say anywhere that private lessons are what I'm talking about - I was talking about using "not enough time" as an excuse for sending a dog away for training). I do think that the vast majority of people shouldn't be sending their dogs away for training, in no small part because it robs them of a great bonding opportunity, and I also think many people who do so often have unrealistic ideas of what dog ownership entails - of course there are some exceptions, there always are, but as a general rule, people who can't find the time to work with their dogs aren't going to solve that problem by sending the dog away for training, and since training is a lifelong effort, I don't really see how sending a dog away for training makes any long-term sense. Of course, it's just my opinion. :)

[Judi W]

And I'm sure there is a high demand by pushing 80-90 year old people to have their dogs trained. A needed service indeed.

Truthfully, there are people who can handle a dog if the edge is taken off by a professional trainer. There is nothing wrong with this although I truly believe that even if the dog is being trained daily and by the professional, the owner who has the longest term interest in the dog should be present.

[Boomer97]

Originally posted by Judi W
And I'm sure there is a high demand by pushing 80-90 year old people to have their dogs trained. A needed service indeed.

Truthfully, there are people who can handle a dog if the edge is taken off by a professional trainer. There is nothing wrong with this although I truly believe that even if the dog is being trained daily and by the professional, the owner who has the longest term interest in the dog should be present.

Well I can see by the 5311 posts you have made you have an opinion on about everything. I don't believe people are pushing 80-90 year old people into having their dog trained. So please spare me your facetious remarks. While I agree most here on the boards consider training to be an on going process, not everyone thinks as we do in the world outside the realm of dog training. I field on the average 5-6 calls a day with people who just don't have a clue about dog ownership. Some want me to crate train or house-break their new companions over the phone. How do I get my dog to come to me, those sort of things. Alot people wait until they have a problem before seeking help. One of the first things I ask is the age and breed of the dog. Usually followed by does "Fido" have a specific problem when I find out the dog is 2 years old. 99% of the time is well yes this or that. Usually this has been going on for some time but now it has become a problem they can no longer manage. Sometimes it's a very minor problem sometimes it is not so minor. Could training at an earlier age have help? Yes for most instances. I explain they now have to deal with however long of ingrained bad habits. It's my place to try and help, not force feed my moralities down their throat.

[Mattweiser]

my opinion:

private vs. group has many differences

Group is cheaper (main benefit)

Private is more effective

here is why...

the main point of dog training is to train the handler/owner, not the dog. If the handler didn't need to be trained, they would not be going to a trainer in the first place. In a group, you only get a fraction of the instructor's time. Also, group training seems to be more "en vogue" for puppies. I believe this to be the absolute worst time (puppyhood) to send a dog to group lessons. It is difficult enough to keep a puppy's attention, let alone having other dogs around. You want to socialize? go to a park/store/mall/etc. You want to learn? go to a trainer.

Is the cost difference a prety big factor? you bet!! $10-30/per group lesso vs between $50-500 for a private lesson (depending on trainer and dog's individual needs)... but in the end, you get what you pay for.....

This is not a knock on group lessons, they still manage to do wonders for the average dog/owner. Just that there is no comparison with private lessons.

[Mattweiser]

Originally posted by Judi W
Truthfully, there are people who can handle a dog if the edge is taken off by a professional trainer. There is nothing wrong with this although I truly believe that even if the dog is being trained daily and by the professional, the owner who has the longest term interest in the dog should be present.

Yes and no...

from my experiences, behavioral issues such as heavy social dominance, fear aggression, and dog aggression are better treated by a knowledgeable trainer, in a controlled environment. Once the issues are addressed (not necessarily fixed), then the dog can be brought back into "his world" for final "adjustments".

As for "In board" dog training.. it accounts for a great number of training requests from J.Q.P owners. Like it or not.

[Burnsway]

Originally posted by Boomer97
Well I can see by the 5311 posts you have made you have an opinion on about everything.

That would be a highly educated opinion I myself would not want to do without and doesn't cost me a dime. Thank you Judi!

from my experiences, behavioral issues such as heavy social dominance, fear aggression, and dog aggression are better treated by a knowledgeable trainer, in a controlled environment. Once the issues are addressed (not necessarily fixed), then the dog can be brought back into "his world" for final "adjustments".

I agree with this.

[MicheleMarie]

quote:
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Originally posted by Boomer97
Well I can see by the 5311 posts you have made you have an opinion on about everything.
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That would be a highly educated opinion I myself would not want to do without and doesn't cost me a dime. Thank you Judi!

DITTO BURNSWAY!!!

[Judi W]

OK, yep, I'll admit that I do have an opinion on many issues involving character as well as training and breed type and conformation. and??????????

I do not BTW have the intention of interferring with anyone's livelihood. I do however pretty much come down on the side of the dog.

[Boomer97]

Originally posted by Judi W
OK, yep, I'll admit that I do have an opinion on many issues involving character as well as training and breed type and conformation. and??????????

I do not BTW have the intention of interferring with anyone's livelihood. I do however pretty much come down on the side of the dog.

Opinions and differing views are what makes the world go around. Now that being said I find your innuendoes in poor taste and really uncalled for. That being my opinion.

(Looking for flame retardant clothing)

[Vista]

Please keep opinions focused on the topic.

[Mattweiser]

dammit!

I hate it when I post good information, that happens to be in the middle of an argument and my posts go un-noticed!!

and yes, I am feeling a little underappreciated today!!