Post pandemic, I have been frequently contacted by owners looking for help with their dogs.  In many instances, the behaviours they are experiencing – barking at other dogs, barking at strangers coming into the home, anxiety when being left or being overly keen to greet others can be easily misread as “training needs”.  On this basis, owners often assume that a short, obedience class is what they need to help their dog.  Sadly, this is frequently not the case.

Obedience classes are ideal for teaching basics such as “sit”, “lead walking”, “leave” etc but where a behaviour is as a result of an underlying emotion being felt by a dog, obedience classes are unlikely to make much of a difference – they could, in fact, result in the behaviour becoming worse.  Let’s consider reactivity towards other dogs (by ‘reactivity’ I refer here to lunging towards, barking, dropping to the floor on sight or being ‘overly excited’ etc.) – normally, classes will place a dog in a small area with up to 5 or 6 other dogs.  If a dog is unable to pass another dog at distance without remaining calm, being in a confined environment for a period of 45/60mins is likely to be very difficult for them.  If they are reacting in such an environment, their ability to learn and progress will be severely impacted.

Simply put, if exposure to other dogs resolved all reactivity – we wouldn’t have any reactive dogs – you see so many every day on your walk!

There are some trainers who offer specific group training sessions for reactive dogs, but such sessions are carefully organised, with the dogs attending often already part of a behaviour modification programme which has been specifically designed for them.  Such classes can be very useful for both dog and owner, but they are not generic “obedience” classes and are often run by trainers or behaviourists who are working with the dogs outside of the classes on a one-to-one basis.

Whilst one-to-one training is more costly, it is often vital when assessing your individual dog and their behaviour.  Training plans are personalised and tailored to be carried out in environments where your dog is likely to succeed based on the needs they have, be it at home, on walks, off-lead etc. One-to-one training offers you the chance to ask all the questions you have, and also for the trainer to fully explain what is happening and why.  Understanding why your dog is exhibiting the unwanted behaviour is the first place to start when working alongside them on a training plan or behaviour modification plan.

As a trainer, part of my job is to guide owners to the correct training route for them and their dog.  This is different depending on the behaviour occurring, the age and background of the dog, the health status of the dog, the availability of the owner etc.  The answer can be obedience classes, the answer can be one-to-one training, the answer can be Vet check first or behaviourist required.  If you’re in doubt, ask.  I’m here to help!

Louise Burton IMDT
Hilton Dogs Training Academy