Pawsitive Results Professional Dog Training & Behavior Services Beaver Falls, PA ~ (724) 847-0577
Is a group class right for my dog?
Not all dogs are a good match for group training classes. At Pawsitive Results we work with owners to find the right training service for their dog.
About our classes Our group training classes are designed for dogs who are friendly with people and friendly with other dogs. While many dogs are barky and overly excited the first night of class, this usually passes and they can calm down and focus.
Groups classes are not the place to work through serious behavior problems. Dogs who display aggressive behavior toward other dogs or people such as growling, lunging, aggressive barking, snapping when approached, dogs who sometimes "don't get along" with other dogs, or dogs who are excessively shy/fearful should not be in a group class setting. These dogs can be disruptive to class and in some cases present a safety risk.
We want to ensure all our students - human and canine - are safe and enjoy their training with us. A dog who is reacting aggressively or fearfully is crying out for help which we cannot offer in a group setting.
The Instructor will work with you to determine the best situation for your dog. This may mean implementing some of the special-needs accommodations listed below or converting your class fee into a private obedience training or behavior counseling session.
How we can help your dog Some dogs can do fine in class with some special accommodations. These can include:
Visual Barriers: Some dogs get worked up seeing other dogs. We can provide a visual barrier for your dog to work behind so he cannot see other dogs but you remain involved in the class.
Tethers: If you are concerned about your physical ability to maintain control of your dog in class, let us know so we can work with you to find a training tool that helps. We can also offer tethers to trees or the picnic shelter that you can attach your dog to so you can feel safer.
Warm up Time: We've found that many dogs do better in class when they have time to settle in before all the other dogs arrive. Coming early and taking your dog for a nice calm walk around the park can really help a nervous dog settle in while a brisk pre-class walk can help a high energy dog relax and focus better, especially if he's been crated or home alone all day.
For some dogs, even these special accommodations are not enough to safely and comfortably participate in a group class. That's okay! We offer private obedience lessons and behavior counseling to help these dogs. Click here to read more about our private training services.