Top 6 Benefits of Private Dog Training Lessons
When it comes to teaching your four-legged friend, private dog training lessons aren’t your only option. Some people in the Portland area attempt to train their own pets, and others enroll their dogs in group classes or a board-and-train boot camp program. There’s no wrong choice – it really comes down to what works for you and your family.
That being said, private dog training lessons, led by an experienced professional trainer, can be the best way to get the results you want. Below, the Blackwood Canine team explains the many reasons to consider private lessons for your beloved pooch.
No. 1: Custom Training Plan
Every dog has unique training needs, and as a pet owner, you may have goals for your furry friend. A professional trainer can effectively address both through private lessons, developing a personalized training plan to cover the particular skills and behaviors your tail-wagger needs to learn.
No. 2: No Predefined Pace
Just like people, some dogs are fast learners and some need a little more time to master new skills. Private training lessons can proceed at your pooch’s pace, with the professional dog trainer making sure that they get the hang of one skill before moving on to teach another.
No. 3: Individualized Attention
Choose private dog training, and your pet will have the full attention of a professional trainer. They’ll be completely focused on your four-legged friend and their specific areas of need – and that means private lessons are one of the most time-efficient and effective dog training methods.
No. 4: Minimal Distractions
Our furry friends can be easily distracted, and when other dogs and people are around, your pooch may have difficulty concentrating on training. Private lessons involve only the distractions intentionally introduced by the professional dog trainer, which facilitates comprehension of the skills being taught.
No. 5: Flexible Scheduling
Go with private dog training, and you won’t have to worry about rearranging your schedule. Simply tell your professional dog trainer what days and times work for you, and the two of you can come up with a timetable for training. Many Portland pet owners prefer weekly lessons, but the decision is yours.
No. 6: Choice of Location
Private training lessons can take place at your Portland home, the main place where your tail-wagger will be putting their new skills into practice. Or, if you prefer, you can ask the professional trainer to hold lessons elsewhere, such as the neighborhood dog park. In any case, you’ll be in control of the environment.
Alternatives to Private Dog Training
Now that you understand the many benefits of private dog training, you might like to take a brief look at your other options.
Tackling the dog training on your own is one approach, and you can’t beat the cost. But you’ll need to learn how – and getting results may not be all that easy. Moreover, if you go this route, be prepared to invest a great deal of time.
Group classes at a local pet store are another option, but your pooch won’t get customized dog training or one-on-one time with the professional trainer. And, the available class times may not match up with your schedule.
You could also choose a Portland board-and-train dog boot camp program. Having your furry friend stay with a professional dog trainer for several weeks may be ideal if you’re too busy for private training lessons.
Should You Arrange for Private Dog Training?
Private lessons can be an incredibly effective and efficient approach to teaching your dog new skills and helping them overcome bad habits. When you consider all of the benefits, it’s easy to see why many Portland pet owners take this approach. You may want to do the same, especially if any of the following are true:
Your dog is extremely anxious or shy, making it difficult for them to learn new skills in a group setting
Your furry friend has mastered the basics and you’d like to move forward with advanced dog training
You need a professional trainer to help resolve behavioral challenges, such as aggression or separation anxiety
However, as with most things in life, private dog training lessons have both pros and cons. The cost is one potential drawback, as it tends to be higher than that for group classes. Another downside may be the lack of interaction with other dogs – but as we mentioned, lessons can be held at a local park or at a dog training facility, so your tail-wagger can get opportunities to socialize.
Taking everything into account, private training lessons may be the best solution. But before making that decision, we suggest scheduling an evaluation with an experienced professional trainer – like the team at Blackwood Canine.
Our professional dog trainers want to get to know you and your pet, and before recommending a training approach, we need to understand your training goals and needs. Plus, you likely have questions, and during our consultation, you’ll get answers, along with expert advice tailored to your specific situation. To learn more about what Blackwood Canine has to offer Portland pet parents, or to discuss the benefits of our private dog training lessons, contact us online or give our office a call today.
