Group classes vs. Private sessions: Which is Best for Your Dog?

It’s a question I hear all the time: Group classes or private sessions? The answer really depends on your goals for your dog’s behavior and training needs. Both options have their strengths, and understanding what each offers can help you make the best choice for your dog. Let’s break it down.

Group Classes: Obedience and Socialization

Group classes are a great way to work on obedience, socialization, and listening in the midst of distractions. Obedience training is what most people think of when they begin the process of training their dogs: teaching basic commands like sit, down, stay, leave it, watch me and come. These commands not only help your dog follow your lead but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog—obedience training can be fun and rewarding for both of you!

The real benefit of group classes is that they create a strong working relationship between you and your dog in a distracting environment. The commands you learn will be useful in everyday situations, whether it’s making your dog sit before meals, maintaining a down-stay outside a coffee shop, or coming when called at the park.

Another huge advantage of group classes is the socialization aspect. Being around others helps dogs develop good manners, but it can also help fearful or mildly reactive dogs get more comfortable being around others in a controlled environment. In my classes, dogs are not physically interacting, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected encounters if your dog isn’t ready for it.

While almost every dog can benefit from group classes, keep in mind that they focus on obedience, not on solving specific behavioral issues. Obedience is just one piece of the puzzle.

Private Sessions: Tailored Training for Specific Issues

The other piece of the puzzle is your dog’s behavior in day-to-day life, and this is where private sessions come into play. While group classes focus on teaching commands, private sessions allow for a customized training approach that directly addresses your dog’s specific needs.

Private sessions are particularly beneficial for addressing issues such as reactivity, fear, aggression, anxiety, accidents in the home, leash manners, and destructive behavior. When a dog first comes into your home, they often don’t know the rules—they need guidance on how to behave within the family dynamic. This includes teaching them not to jump on guests, go to the bathroom outside, leave furniture alone, and wait patiently at doorways.

These behaviors often require in-the-moment training tailored to your dog’s daily environment. Basic commands alone won’t resolve these challenges, and many cannot be effectively addressed in a group setting. Your dog needs to learn what is expected of them at home, and it is our responsibility to communicate those expectations clearly.

Initially, I come to your home to observe your dog in their natural environment. This in-home session is tailored to your individual goals, allowing us to develop a personalized training plan that maximizes the effectiveness of each session. I will guide you on how to continue the training independently, ensuring your dog can keep learning even after I leave.

I take a holistic approach to training, addressing all aspects of your dog’s well-being. During our first session, we will discuss your dog’s schedule, diet, exercise, and any prior training experiences. This comprehensive understanding helps create a lifestyle that supports your dog’s success and happiness.

We’ll also discuss your specific concerns and training goals, developing a clear plan for communicating your expectations to your dog.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between group classes and private sessions comes down to your goals. After a quick conversation, I can usually recommend the best route for you and your dog. Many of my clients prefer a combined approach: starting with one or two private sessions to work on specific behavioral challenges and then joining a group class to practice what they've learned in a more distracting environment.

Group classes are great for learning basic commands and building socialization skills, while private sessions are ideal for addressing individual challenges that can't be solved in a class setting.

Let’s Create a Plan for Your Dog

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d be happy to discuss your dog’s needs and help create a training plan that will set you both up for success. With the right guidance, your dog can become the well-behaved, happy member of the family you always knew they could be.