Which is better, a class or private lessons?
This question is usually asked by people considering options
for training their dogs. The truth is, there are advantages to both. I would like to address a few commonly held beliefs regarding
these pros/cons.
Classes
Many people are under the impression that classes are preferable for a variety of reasons. Mainly, socialization
to other dogs, working around distractions, and cost. All are valid concerns. Let's address each.
I have always felt that if your dog needs socializing to dogs or people, a class
environment is not ideal. Typically, the other dogs present will be untrained, often unruly dogs handled by novice trainers.
These dog owners may not understand appropriate body language, use of space, orientation, etc. required to make socialization
the positive experience it needs to be. Many dogs' issues are exacerbated from attending a class before they are ready
for that type of social pressure. If socialization issues are present, the best way to deal with them is to get basic training
underway in an environment your dog can be relaxed in, so learning can take place. Only once your dog has mastered these new
skills should they be gradually introduced to new situations, people, places and things. This process must set your dog up
for success, and work well within their comfort level for learning to occur, and for them to acquire new emotional responses
to these stimuli. Bringing a dog with social issues to a class environment is like kicking them into the deep end of the pool
without first being sure they know how to swim.
The second point common for a preference for classes is that of working around distractions. While
no one can argue that a class situation is rich with distractions, again, we are putting the cart before the horse. It is
unrealistic at best and unfair at worst to ask an untrained dog to have the focus to learn new things and the self control
to work with you in such a stimulating environment. The ideal way to introduce any new training lesson is in a familiar, distraction-free
setting. This way the dog (or person) can fully attend to the lesson. Once the new skills have gotten to a degree of reliability,
distractions can be gradually introduced. This is the classic, time-tested, science supported method to achieving good results.
Lastly - cost.
There's no way around it. Classes cost less per session. A trainer who has 8 people in class for an hour can obviously
charge less per person than when that hour is devoted solely to one person. The cost is divided between multiple students.
In a private lesson, that trainer only has one student.
Private
Lessons
Private
lessons offer a multitude of advantages to you and your dog. As discussed above, both of you can learn new skills in a familiar
environment, allowing your entire focus to go toward the lesson. It is not uncommon for people and dogs to learn much more
rapidly in a private setting. These skills are then applied in increasingly more difficult situations to ultimately reach
mastery with less frustration.
For
the dog with social issues, this is the only sensible approach. Dog and person alike learn new coping skills, and begin to
establish a means to change the emotional reactions from fear or reactivity to calm, focused attention. Since they can be
worked within their comfort level, their trust in you as their handler increases dramatically. You truly become a team.
It is never difficult to find distractions to work your dog
around! Walk out your front door, go to town, etc. It is in knowing how to handle new and challenging situations that make
or break your training. Just as with socialization issues, willy nilly exposure to distractions can undo training in a hurry.
Learning what types of distractions, the level of intensity, and frequency of practicing around distractions can vary tremendously
from dog to dog. This type of one on one instruction is what the private lesson is all about.
While with classes you are bound to a strict schedule of attendance
and content, private lessons offer complete flexibility as to frequency, duration of lessons and content. Typically a first
lesson may run 90 minutes; once instruction is in place and you have practiced the skills enough to feel confident, subsequent
lessons are usually 30-45 minutes. This is in part due to the fact that, since we are working only your dog, that length of
time is usually the maximum most dogs can remain mentally focused. Also, it takes less time to address the questions of one
person over those of 8-10 people. Since I am always available to my students by phone for questions or issues that arise during
practice, many opt for bi-weekly lessons as they work on building skills.
Content is completely customized in a private lesson setting.
While there are certain skills I feel every dog should know, if you are happy with everything your dog does except for one
thing, I am happy to assist you in that one area.
Cost. A big consideration for many people. While it is true that private lessons have a higher
per-session rate, let me give you some comparisons to consider. An average class session averages around $20 per hour (total
cost depends on whether it is a 6 or 8 week course). Private lessons can range from $50 to over $100 per hour (my rate is
$65). So, if you sign up for a 6 week class, your total output is $120. With private lessons, it is possible to achieve equal,
if not superior results over a class while spending the same over a period of time. For example, one recent client found,
over a 6 week period, that a total of 4 lessons (1-1 hour, 3-30 minute lessons) gave them far superior results than other
classes they had previously attended, at a total cost of $170 (which, by the way, is the cost of classes in some parts of
town).
The way
to a trained dog is not found in a class or lesson, but taking what you learn there and applying it to your everyday life
with your dog. A motivated owner can achieve amazing results with very few lessons.
If you
live outside Sandy, a modest travel fee is additional.
Half hour -
$35
1 hour - $65
4
or more paid - $50/hour
