Is group class right for my dog?

Not every dog benefits from group classes. Some dogs fit right in with no worries, others need a little help or a different arrangement, and some need more intensive one-on-one support before joining a group class. And then there are those who will never be comfortable in a regular group class. That’s okay, because there is plenty on offer at PosiDog even if regular group classes are not for you.

About group classes

Regular group classes at PosiDog Canine Learning Center are best suited to friendly dogs who are reasonably comfortable in new places and with strange dogs and people.  Extremely reactive, shy, anxious or aggressive dogs can be disruptive to the learning environment of others, but more importantly their disruptive behaviors are a message to us that they are having a difficult time and that they need some assistance and maybe even an entirely different arrangement.

How we can help

While it is normal for many dogs to be barky at the beginning of a new class, or to be temporarily overwhelmed in a new, strange, bright and bustling environment, reasonably quick adjustment is expected.  Your Lead Trainer can help you determine the best course of action for your dog, including minor adjustments, converting your class fee to a private training session, or referring you for a behavior consultation.  Review some of the ways we can help you meet the needs of your very special dog, and please do not hesitate to call us for more information.

Yellow bandanas

At PosiDog, you will notice that some dogs wear bright yellow bandanas.  This is to serve as an easy visual signal that the dog wearing the bandana needs some space.  Whether the dog is a little shy of humans, or has some difficulty with face-to-face dog greetings or butt sniffings, be aware that this dog needs a bigger bubble than most.  Some dogs can function very well in a group class if their personal space is respected.  Five or six feet is a good distance to keep between your team and a space-needs dog.   

If you suspect that your dog might benefit from a yellow bandana simply ask a PosiDog Trainer to get you one.  You can always take it off later as your dog becomes more comfortable with the proximity of other dogs and people.  In the meantime, enjoy the extra space.

Scheduled drop-ins

For dogs who are just a little bit nervous of new environments, coming early to class and having a chance to settle in and get comfortable can make quite a difference.  If a class is scheduled directly before yours, this will not be possible.  Dropping by for short appointments to just play with and feed your dog can also help build a positive association with the facility that can carry over to group class.

If you are signed up for a group class and have a dog who takes a while to warm up to new environments, consider arranging to be let into the building 15 minutes before the doors would normally be open.  Also, you can call and ask about available times for drop-in appointments when you can secure the space for just you and your dog.

Barriers and tethers

Inside the space there are barriers that you can use to block your dog’s line of sight to other dogs. You will be able to see over the barrier and remain involved in the class.  If your dog tends to get barky around other dogs, starting off with a barrier can really help. It is much easier to venture out once your dog is accustomed to the sounds and smells and you know that you have her full attention, and you can pop back behind the barrier quickly if needed.  Sometimes a visual barrier is all that’s needed to help you and your dog focus on the lessons in class.

If you have a dog who is sometimes rowdy or boisterous and you are concerned about your ability to maintain control of your dog while you are both learning, there will be some tethers available for you to use as a back-up system of control.  Ask your Trainer how to attach to the nearest tether so you can feel more secure and able to enjoy your class time.

Kongs™

Chewing on a Kong™ can settle a overstimulated dog in a new environment.  When you and your dog are new to class, it can be hard to listen to instructions if your dog requires a lot of your attention.  You can bring a Kong™ (or other food chew toy that your dog enjoys) to class if you think it will help him, we also have stuffed and frozen Kongs™ available to you.  [If your dog has ever growled or snapped at you when you entered his space while he was eating or chewing, avoid using food chew toys in class. You might consider a private consultation to help you address this issue.]

If the modifications already mentioned will not be enough for your dog to comfortably and safely enjoy a group dog class, here are some alternatives to group class that might be just what you are looking for.

Private coaching

Dogs that have a difficult time with a group class environment can often do very well with private coaching.  The same behaviors covered in a regular class can be learned at the pace that is best suited to you and your dog and with far less distraction.  Lessons can be customized to focus on any behaviors you would like your dog to learn or practice, and any training skills you would like to further develop.  You might be surprised at how quickly your dog can acquire new skills when she is the star of the show.  If you and your dog are unable to come to PosiDog for private coaching appointments, in home private coaching sessions are available in some areas.

Day Training

Let us do what we love!  Drop your dog off for day training. The same behaviors covered in a regular class can be taught to your dog by a PosiDog Trainer, with the same modern, gentle and effective methods.  Or, lessons can be customized to focus on any behaviors you would like your dog to learn or practice.  We teach the dog, then spend time in transfer sessions ensuring that you understand how to cue and maintain the behaviors we have taught.  If you are unable to bring your dog to PosiDog for day training, in home day training sessions are available in some areas. 

Specialized group classes

You are not alone, and your dog’s difficulties are likely shared with other dog and handler teams.  PosiDog Canine Learning Center offers several specialized group classes including classes for shy dogs; wheeled-movement reactive dogs; dog-reactive dogs; and difficult to groom and handle dogs.  Class sessions are formed based on interest, so please let us know if you would like to attend a particular specialized class and we will put you on the list to be contacted when our next session is open for registration.

Private consultation

Many behavior problems that prevent a dog from attending group classes, including shyness, barking and lunging, guarding, and nervousness, can enjoy great improvement when properly assessed and an appropriate behavior change plan implemented.  Please contact us to schedule a private consultation if you have concerns about your dog’s behavior.  Our behavior change plans are modern, gentle, and effective.  If appropriate progress is not made in a predetermined amount of time, your behavior change plan will be reviewed and a referral considered.

Referrals

Your own veterinarian should be considered a vital member of your dog’s behavioral health team.  In some cases, what originally presents as a behavioral concern reveals an underlying medical issue at its root.  Always consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical causes, particularly when there is a sudden behavior change.

Many dogs who are suffering from severe anxieties or phobias, or who have a history of dangerous aggressive behavior, may benefit greatly from the latest supportive medications that are designed to work in conjunction with a behavior change plan. 

For this reason, the best help that we can offer you in such cases may be to refer you to a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified to properly assess and treat your dog, including with behavioral medications if appropriate.