Inherent Problems with the Group Training Method

            Every dog is unique. No two dogs share exactly the same genetic makeup or encounter the same experiences despite the fact they may have come from the same litter and cohabit in the same home. This phenomenon is also observable in families with two or more children. Sometimes the differences between siblings (appearance, character, personality, temperament) are nothing short of astounding. Despite the fact that each child might receive the same educational benefits, each will require a different approach or seek other ways for grasping knowledge.

            Every client is also unique. No two individuals will have the same life experience and undoubtedly will have different canine obedience training objectives, expectations and needs. A professional trainer must take into consideration their client’s age, sex, physical and mental health, home environment as well as goals and expectation. Furthermore, the dog’s age, sex, physical and mental health, home environment and ability to follow basic obedience directions must also be ascertained

before beginning an obedience training program. There is little hope of success in attempting to train any dog with a physical or mental limitation.

            Consider the following questions and the number of factors that might confront a trainer in a class consisting of only three participants. Most group training sessions consist of 8 or more participants and their dogs.

Question 1: Are the participants all the same age?

            If not, their generational proclivities and needs will have to be addressed.  It is unlikely that an 80-year-old person will need the same training directive as a 23-year-old.

3 people x 3 different age brackets = 9 different factors

Question 2: Are the dogs all the same age?

            There can be a considerable difference in behavioral patterns between a 6 and 12-month-old dog. An older dog (more than 1 year old) may be intolerant of more rambunctious puppies or adolescence dogs participating in the class.

3 dogs x 3 different age brackets = 9 factors

Question 3: Are the human participants all the same sex?

Women and men typically have different needs, expectations and objectives. Because there are only two sexes the equation will be presented the same for both humans and dogs.

                                                                    

2 individuals x 2 sexes = 4 factors  /  2 dogs x 2 sexes = 4 factors

            Each person (3) and dog (3) has a different personality, (3 x 3 = 9)

            Each person and dog has a different temperament, (3 x 3 = 9)

            To conduct a class of only 3 people and three dogs, the trainer will have to be cognizant of approximately 44 different factors (9+9+4+4+9+9= 44). Most group sessions consist of 8 or more participants. In a class of 9 individuals and 9 dogs that becomes 132 different factors (Each group of 3 dogs and 3 owners: Group 1 + 2 + 3 (44 + 44+ 44 = 132)! Despite the fact that veterinarian’s, canine authors and television canine training celebrities continue to tout the benefits of group training, I see little evidence for its continued support.

            If you must participate in a group training program at least ask the trainer if they might consider offering age-appropriate programs for both humans and dogs. For example, a senior citizen group with puppies ranging in age from 3 to 5 months or an adult group that owns adult dogs. Mature dogs tend to have little toleration toward rambunctious or out-of-control puppies.

            If you decide to forgo the group training and decide to purchase an obedience training manual, at least try and find one that is breed and age appropriate, e.g., “What Every St. Bernard Puppy Should Know” or “Health and Training Concerns for the Older Dog.”                                                       

            Whenever possible enroll in a private obedience training course. The trainer will be able to determine your needs and the dog’s ability to follow direction. They can then design a special non-confrontational training program contoured to your dog’s ability.

            How much is such a service worth? Let’s consider a canine obedience course as an insurance policy. If the policy cost $5 per month x 12 months = $60 x 10 years (average life span of a dog) = $600. Most trainers offer their services for considerably less, $250 - $500. Always check the trainer’s references and do not be swayed into believing that a more costly program is necessarily a better one. 

            Be sure the sales representative for the service is also the trainer. The sales representative might be a polished professional but his work associates may not have the same standards. Many national obedience training companies may use a number of different trainers for each course, which not only breaks the continuity of the sessions but means the dog will have to adjust to a new trainer’s approach and personality. Such disruptions arguably may cause a dog to act up during class, become confused by a different training approach and undoubtedly suffer a learning setback. 

             

One Size Fits All?

A training approach for one dog may be entirely inappropriate for another. Female dogs tend to be more passive or reserved because they are the caretakers in the canine world and therefore more likely to respond negatively to harsh tones, questionable training devices or heavy-handed training methods. Male dogs, who typically don't mate for life, nor care for their brood, may have difficulty discerning what a pleasant and soft-spoken female owner is trying to say.

Like you, dogs are individuals and have their own unique temperaments, personalities, physical and mental abilities. When you enroll your dog into a canine training obedience class you rightfully have certain expectations, objectives and concerns regarding how that's to be accomplished, but men and women think differently and therefore will seldom agree. One-on-one training is perhaps the only sensible approach to take when selecting a training method for you and your canine companion..

Be pet smart...train your dog in the real world, not in a building.  Support dog trainers who conduct a one-on-one training curriculum. Perhaps together we might cease the practice of training dogs in groups or the-one-size-fits-all approach (which is insulting to the consumer). Support the private class training method and learn how to create a unique and positive human-canine bond that meets your unique needs and will last a life-time.

 

A Terrible Trend

Before continuing with my previous blog I wanted to interject some information that I believe is pertinent to both men and women who own dogs. I terrible trend is occurring in the dog industry and I will no longer remain silent about my concerns. I will try to avoid "preaching" but doesn't it strike you as odd that so many canine businesses: e.g. veterinarians, kennels, groomers, and doggie day care centers are now offering dog training classes?

This concept would have been laughed at by savvy dog owners just 30-years ago. Why? Because even 30-years ago the American consumer was still somewhat in touch with their dog and nature and dubious about businesses attempting to multitask or offer services outside of their expertise. Corporate greed has contributed to the decline of the skilled worker, the artisan, and the craftsman.  Quality dog trainers, like my mentor Peg Benson, a Shuzthund certified trainer, who retired after being in the business for more than 40-years, are unfortunately also becoming a "thing of the past."  A business card = you can become a dog trainer. No questions asked. No requirements needed,

American ignorance fuels the engine for incompetent dog trainers and provides them with the platform they need to continue to "push their wares" to an unsuspecting and perhaps apathetic consumer. The increased use of prong collars (banned in many European countries), e-collars, and  the ubiquitous group training classes (the one-size-fits-all approach) being offered today bears testament to the decline of a once respected profession.

How else can we explain why so many dog owners today will enroll their treasured pet into less-than-stellar dog training services being offered at some veterinary clinic, groomer, kennel or day care center, but fail to ask, "How can I expect my dog to act predictably in the real world when these classes are taking place in a building?" It defies logic.

How many of these dog trainers are cognizant to the fact that men and women acquire, interact and then train their dogs with different objectives and expectations?  Are you aware that men tend to experience fewer behavioral problems with dogs than do women? Think the dog can't discern the unique psychological and physical differences between a man and a woman? Think again.  Are any of these dog trainers who conduct group training sessions at your local veterinary clinic, kennel, groomer or doggie day care center addressing these concerns. Think again:)

It's your money ... its your dog.