“Why Group Dog Training Might Be Slowing Your Dog’s Progress (And What to Do Instead)”
When it comes to dog training, owners often face a common dilemma: private training or group classes? Both options offer benefits, but the right choice depends on your dog’s personality, training goals, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between the two, helping you make the best decision for your dog.
Private Dog Training: Tailored, Focused & Fast-Tracking Success
What is Private Dog Training?
Private training involves one-on-one sessions with a professional dog trainer, where the program is tailored to your dog’s specific needs. This approach is ideal for dogs needing personalised attention, whether for basic obedience, behaviour modification, or advanced skills.
Benefits of Private Dog Training:
✅ Customised Training Plans – Every dog is different. Private training allows the trainer to assess your dog’s strengths, weaknesses, and temperament to create a fully tailored program.
✅ Faster Progress & Fewer Distractions – Without the added distractions of other dogs, private training helps dogs focus better and progress faster on key skills like recall, loose leash walking, and behaviour correction.
✅ Ideal for Behaviour Issues – If your dog struggles with reactivity, aggression, or anxiety, private training provides structured, one-on-one coaching to address these challenges safely and effectively.
✅ Flexible Scheduling & Locations – Private training allows for sessions at your home, in public spaces, or controlled environments, making learning more practical and relevant to real-life situations.
✅ Stronger Owner Involvement – Since training is done in a one-on-one setting, owners receive detailed coaching and hands-on practice to reinforce learning between sessions.
Who Should Consider Private Training?
✔ Dogs with behaviour issues such as reactivity, fear, or aggression
✔ Owners wanting faster, more focused training results
✔ Puppies needing individual attention to build strong obedience foundations
✔ Dogs struggling in group settings or with high distractions
✔ Owners who prefer flexible scheduling and personalised coaching
Group Dog Training Classes: Social & Structured Learning
What Are Group Classes?
Group training involves multiple dogs and owners working together in a class setting, typically led by a professional trainer. These classes are structured around basic obedience, manners, and socialisation exercises.
Benefits of Group Dog Training:
✅ Socialisation Opportunities – Dogs learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and people, which is essential for puppies and young dogs.
✅ Lower Cost Training Option – Group classes are generally more affordable than private training, making them a budget-friendly choice for foundational skills.
✅ Basic Obedience & Distraction Training – Dogs practice commands in higher distraction environments, helping to improve focus in real-world scenarios.
Challenges of Group Training:
⚠ Limited Individual Attention – Since trainers must work with multiple dogs at once, individual challenges may not receive the attention needed to be fully resolved.
⚠ Not Ideal for Reactive or Anxious Dogs – Dogs that struggle with fear, reactivity, or aggression may find a group setting overwhelming, leading to increased stress or poor engagement.
⚠ Generalised Training Approach – Unlike private training, group classes follow a set curriculum that may not address a specific dog’s needs or learning pace.
Who Should Consider Group Classes?
✔ Owners wanting to socialise their dog in a controlled setting
✔ Dogs that thrive in high-energy, social environments
✔ Owners looking for structured, budget-friendly training
✔ Dogs with no serious behavioural challenges
Private Training vs. Group Classes: Which One Wins?
The choice between private training and group classes depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a tailored approach, faster progress, and more focused learning, private training is the clear winner. If your main focus is socialisation and basic obedience, a group setting may work well—provided your dog is comfortable around other dogs.
At Brisbane Canine Coaching, we specialise in private, one-on-one training to help dogs succeed in real-world scenarios. Whether your dog needs obedience, behaviour modification, or advanced skills, we tailor our programs to suit their individual needs.