Most people contact me wanting to sign up their dog for a Group Manners Class as a first step in formal training. While Group Manners Classes are great for most dogs, some really struggle for a variety of reasons. Group classes are great for dogs who can focus somewhat in the presence of other dogs and new people. We continue to work on focus in all group classes.

The dogs that might not do well in a group class include:

• Dogs that are extremely timid around new people or dogs

• Dogs that display reactive or aggressive behavior in the presence of new people or other dogs (lunging, growling)

• Dogs that are over aroused in the presence of other dogs or people (inability to focus with known cues, does not take treats, vocalizes excessively)

Dogs that fall into the latter category are much better suited to Private Training where we can introduce the distractions of new people or other dogs gradually.  Dogs, like people, cannot learn when they are excessively anxious, fearful or distracted. If you are unsure about which type of training will be best for your dog, please reach out we can discuss your dog in more detail. It is better to use your time (and money) wisely instead of starting with a training type that will be less than optimal. We want you and your dog to be successful!