Every time I hear, "Oh, my dog's too naughty to come to classes”, I want to gently shake the person and say, "That's exactly why you SHOULD come to classes!" It's one of those backwards bits of thinking that stops so many dog parents from getting the help they actually need.
Let me set the record straight once and for all.
Dogs Aren't Actually "Naughty" (Controversial, I Know!)
This might sound a bit mad but I genuinely don't think dogs are ever naughty. Before you roll your eyes and think I've gone completely soft, hear me out.
Dogs do what works. They do what gets them what they need in that moment. They're not sitting there plotting ways to wind you up. They're just being dogs in a human world. It's what we call the great culture clash - and it's where most of our frustrations come from.
When your dog jumps up at visitors, they're not being naughty. They're being sociable and trying to get closer to faces, which is perfectly normal dog behaviour. When they pull on the lead, they're not being difficult - they're just excited to explore the world. The behaviour only becomes "naughty" because it clashes with what we want from them.
The Perfect Dog Myth
Isn’t it daft that so many people think their dog needs to be perfectly behaved before they can attend training classes? Think about that logic for a second. If your dog was already perfect, why would they need training?
It's a bit like saying you can't go to the gym until you're already fit or you can't take driving lessons until you can already drive.
As trainers, we don't expect your dog to rock up and demonstrate flawless sits and stays. We expect them to have areas they need work on. That's literally why you're there!
When Classes Might Not Be Right (Yet)
Now, I'm not saying every single dog is ready for group classes straight away. Some dogs genuinely aren't emotionally ready for that environment and that's perfectly fine.
If your dog is highly reactive, extremely nervous or gets so overwhelmed they can't cope, then a busy group class might not be the right starting point. These dogs often benefit from some individual support first or perhaps one of our specialist reactive dog classes where everyone's in the same boat.
But here's the key difference: there's a world of difference between a dog who's learning how to behave (doing normal puppy or teenage dog things) and a dog who's genuinely struggling to cope emotionally.
What We Actually Expect in Classes
The occasional bark? Absolutely fine. A bit of pulling on the lead? That's what we're here to work on. Finding it hard to ignore other dogs? Welcome to the club!
Our golden rule is simple: if your dog can still engage with you despite all the distractions and they're not so stressed that they can't learn anything, then group classes are probably perfect for them.
I honestly don't even notice when dogs bark in class (unless it's a stressed, fearful bark - that's different). A "hello" woof or an excited bark because they've spotted a pigeon? That's just dogs being dogs.
Why "Imperfect" Dogs Learn More
It might surprise you to learn that I actually prefer it when dogs aren't perfectly behaved in class. Why? Because that's when the real learning happens.
If your dog behaves like an angel throughout the entire class, what are you actually learning? Sure, it's easier for everyone. But when you get home and they go back to their usual antics, you're stuck without the tools to deal with it.
When your dog has a wobble in class - maybe they get a bit excited or struggle with something - that's gold dust for training. We can work through it together, show you exactly how to handle it and you leave with practical skills you can use in real life.
The Sweet Spot
What we're looking for is that sweet spot where your dog can embrace the learning experience without being completely overwhelmed. We want them thriving, not just surviving.
This is why we have different classes for different needs. Got a nervous dog? Come on a quieter weekday when there's only one class running. Got an overexcited teenager? We'll pop you in a class that's better suited to high-energy dogs who need to learn impulse control.
Finding Your Place
There's a space for every dog in training - you just need to find the right fit. A good trainer will chat with you first, understand where your dog is at and recommend the best starting point.
Don't let anyone make you feel like your dog isn't "good enough" for training. That's complete nonsense. Every dog deserves the chance to learn and grow and every dog parent deserves support on their journey.
Keeping it Real
Training classes aren't about having the most obedient dog in the room. They're about learning together, building your relationship and picking up skills you can use in everyday life. Plus, there's something brilliant about being in a room full of people who understand exactly what you're going through.
Your dog doesn't need to be perfect to start their training journey. They just need to be ready to learn alongside you. And honestly, the "naughtiest" dogs often make the most progress because their humans are so motivated to help them succeed.
So please, don't let the perfect dog myth hold you back. Your dog - wonky behaviour and all - is absolutely welcome in training classes. That's what we're here for!
If you’d like to chat about training classes for your dog or anything else dog-related, you should check out our Potter Paws Facebook Group. We’re a supportive bunch of dog lovers sharing stories and advice on our furry friends. We love welcoming new members so come join us!
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