Women Who Own Dogs

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.