Group Or Private Training?

[Cosmolo]

Given the turn a different topic has taken, i think this would be a good opportunity for everyone to voice their opinions about the different types of training available. This is not about methods, just the advantages and disadvantages of the above 2 types of training.

Here are my thoughts to kick it off-

Private Training Advantages

* Tailored techniques can be taught

* Tailored content specific to owner and their problems

* Pace and style can be adjusted for dog and owner

* Flexibility in terms of days and times

* Clear assessment and discussion of expectations/ needs etc

* Dog and owner often learn more quickly due to lower levels of distraction

* Training is relevant to the environment the dog spends the majority of time in

* Controlled environment for aggressive dogs- not as many variables and breaching of critical distance

Private Training Disadvantages

* More expensive for owners

* Lack of socialisation and distraction training (although i think this is a perception held by some that can be rectified in some circumstances by trainng in busier environments or using trainers dogs etc)

Group Class Advantages

* Socialisation and Training in distracting environments

* Most economical way to train

* Access to a number of trainers with different ideas/ knowledge bases (note the similar point in disadvantages)

* Social for owner and way to meet other like minded people

* Can be fun fast paced environment

Group Class Disadvantages

* Set times and days make it difficult for some busy people to attend

* Confusion can arise if different trainers provide different advice from week to week

* Critical distance is more likely to be breached for a reactive/ aggressive dog

* Dogs can become 'ground smart' where they behave one way at training and another at home

* Class content has to be more general than specific

* Will sometimes have dogs of varying levels/ new dogs each week

What do you think? What have your experiences been with both types of training? Interested in hearing from both sides of the coin- trainers and clients/ owners. I like a combination of both types, starting with private training as i feel it yields the best results.

[PAX]

I prefer private lessons but it is not possible in the regional area I live in.

Often in class situation different people have diferent opinions and that can take away valuable class time. I would rather pay to get the info I need and want and take it on to socialise my dogs in my own time.

Great topic.

[Nevafollo]

guess it just depends on preference i wouldnt swap group training for anything but thats just me!!!

[Purpley]

I would prefer group training, as I find it beneficial to listen to advise offered to others, as there is generally something in it, that you can take on board and utilise aswell.

[SwaY]

Private, then move along to group once we know what is expected and we know what to do.

[BC]

I do both, private and group. If I just wanted to train my dog to be well behaved I would just stay with group classes, as you can get everything you need from there, but when it comes to trialling, private lessons are needed. You need someone to tell you exactly what you are doing wrong on a one on one level, and how to improve on things. Its hard to get any of this in a class situation as you have many people with only 1 hour to get through them all. I still got to group classes though for a bit of socialisation and fun.

[Rom]

I agree. Excellent topic

For my dog, group training didn't work. There are a number of reasons that I think I can put this down to.

-the distraction levels were too high.

-the pace of the lesson was a one size fits all. In a class situation it was hard to both keep up, but also take the time I needed with my dog. I couldn't focus both on what the instructor was saying and give my dog the focus and attention that she needed in order to help her with the distraction problem...then if I did, I became a distraction for the rest of the class.

On a personal level, I'm a fairly brisk walker. My slow pace is equivalent to most peoples normal pace and my normal to their fast. But there are many walking styles that seem to be a hinderance to the block heeling patterns in a class environment. I found that borderline annoying and a distraction that I didn't really want to be dealing with. But the instructors need to keep some semblance of order so that they can watch all dogs and handlers so that they can give advice where needed. I found that those with walking difficulties often missed much of what was going on while they were catching up to everyone else.

While my dog did obtain a degree of obedience, her performance was....lack lustre to say the least. This probably won't be as much of a problem for someone who is a pet owner as opposed to a competition owner. However, since I attend clubs now mainly as an observer, I note that many pet owners are struggling with similar issues.

I don't think I'd put another dog of mine into a class environment, even if they didn't have similar issues with distractions. I just feel that its fairer on the dog to gradually add distractions and that the class environment is too much too soon.

I still train my dog on club nights, but I do it off to the side on my own and not in a class. If there is ring runout practice on, I take part in this and also the group stay exercises. My dog still gets to socialise with other dogs before classes start.

I think I would opt for personal training if issues arised with what I was doing, but my standards have become higher than my financial budget since I started TID and personal training would necessitate interstate travel

For clubs though, it may not have to be an either or situation. Perhaps an option of personal training could be added in those areas where resources allow? Could be an additional source of income for clubs and for qualified trainers......a win/win.

[JulesP]

To learn I prefer private lessons. I go to group lessons purely for practise in a busy environment and for socialisation. But in saying that I haven't had a group lesson with a top instructor.

[jesomil]

I think group training is great for your average pet owner who wants to learn manners but for trialling and to preserve drive in a dog, one on one is best.

[Erny]

The other advantage of private lessons - at least initially, is that the owner/handler learns TIMING more accurately. In class environment I frequently encourage the attendees to release and reward their dog for improved behaviour when it is appropriate for THEIR dog. But I can only presume that some of the more novice people are not confident of exactly what and when they should release because I often find they'll insist on waiting until I call out to release their dogs. In a class environment it's very awkward if not impossible for the instructor to tell each person individually (to the second) when to do this. (The same applies in relation to corrections - whether that be P+ or P-.)

In private lessons this can be done and the handler, as a result, learns more readily to recognise what to release for and when. In a class environment people do pick this up and manage but I think initial private lessons prove for more expedient learning by the handler (and, as a result, the dog).

Also, some people strike hurdles in class time training and a few one-on-one lessons can serve to get them through and beyond those. In addition, a private lesson here and there for those who might already attend classes often helps to imprint what they've already been learning but haven't understood with clarity and certainty.

I think classes are great for people and their dogs and there aren't too many places that are easily accessible where one can work amongst so many dogs in a controlled environment. But there are some people who simply want the basics without the constant interaction in higher distraction environments. They might also want to be able to progress more swiftly with less lessons.

For the all round reliable dog and handler education however, I don't think you can go past the combination of both private and then (if not also inbetween) class instruction.

Edited July 27, 2007 by Erny

[DeadWombat]

I'd like private tuition during teaching phases (particularly for the handler) and group exercises for training and proofing.

I've always felt the strength of private sessions is in developing the handler, whilst the strength of group sessions is in developing the dog. (subject to the handlers skill set)

[Wyhldher]

We did both; group training on the weekend, and private during the week. The best of both worlds I guess! It certainly worked well for us - like a kid getting extra tuition!

[Vickie]

What do you think? What have your experiences been with both types of training? Interested in hearing from both sides of the coin- trainers and clients/ owners. I like a combination of both types, starting with private training as i feel it yields the best results.

I like a combination as well & think it works for most people for many of the reasons you have listed.

Personally, if I had a behavioural issue of a moderately serious nature, I would go straight for private lessons as I would want it fixed ASAP. I also think it's possible in a group/club situation where the experience of the instructors vary, that things can get worse instead of better.

For agility, both as a student & a teacher, I like to do a combination of both.

Privates are good as:

I want to be able to recognise an issue & deal with it fully there & then without disrupting the rest of the class.

There is flexibility to change the lesson if needed.

Some people learn better when they are not worried about others watching, especially in the early stages when they are learning to motivate their dogs & can feel self conscious.

Groups are good as:

There is a necessary downtime between exercises where the dogs need a break & more can be covered.

They provide great opportunities to see a variety of issues, that students may need to draw on later.

Some people run better when others are watching (the opposite of the self conscious ones).