When you think about dog training, what comes to mind? Most of us imagine a hall filled with excited pups and their slightly frazzled owners. But that traditional scenario isn't the only way to help your dog thrive. 2020 taught us that in the most unexpected way possible.
Breaking Down Old Misconceptions
There's a common belief that dog training is only for "naughty dogs" and that you absolutely must see your trainer face-to-face for them to help you. But that's simply not always the case.
The Great Training Revolution of 2020
Remember when lockdown hit and suddenly we couldn't meet anyone in person? Well, that didn't stop people from getting puppies (the opposite was true, actually!) and it certainly didn't stop the need for proper dog training. Enter virtual dog training conducted via Zoom.
I'll be honest, many of us were sceptical at first. "How on earth can you train a dog through a screen?" we wondered. But you know what? It worked brilliantly.
One of our members got her puppy just before lockdown began. She'd had dogs before but never quite such an active breed. When she asked what we were going to do about training, I said, "Well, we're going online." Her response? "How's that going to work?" My honest reply: "Not really sure. It might work, it might not. But we're going to give it a go."
Five years later, she's still training with us. That should tell you something about how well virtual training works.
Why Virtual Training Is Actually Brilliant
Starting from Day One
What blew our minds during lockdown was that families could start puppy classes just two days after bringing their new pup home. No waiting for vaccinations, no worrying about the weather - just you, your puppy and professional support from your living room.
Traditionally, most people don't start puppy classes until around 12 weeks, sometimes not until 16-18 weeks. That's a considerable stretch without professional guidance, where well-meaning owners might accidentally reinforce unwanted behaviours. Starting immediately means support from day one and fewer problems down the line.
Perfect for Particular Situations
Virtual training is brilliant for reactive dogs, nervous pups or anyone living somewhere remote where the nearest training venue is an hour's drive away. When your dog learns in their safe space, they're in the perfect state to absorb new information. You can have loo breaks whenever needed, work in bite-sized chunks and take your time without feeling rushed.
The Magic of In-Person Training
Before you think I'm abandoning in-person classes entirely, I’m not - they're absolutely essential too. In-person training exposes your dog to new spaces, people and scenarios. It's brilliant for the distraction and proofing process and provides the perfect testing ground.
Plus, some issues only happen at home. If your dog barks at the front door, goes mad at the telly or has a meltdown every time you sit down for dinner (one of mine does exactly that), those need home-specific solutions.
Best of Both Worlds
This is where the magic happens - combining virtual and in-person training. We call it a "blended" method and it's honestly the best approach.
Virtual support means having your trainer on hand for information, feedback and analysis. You can send videos, maintain ongoing communication and get crucial guidance throughout your journey.
We structure our puppy courses this way now. They begin online so you can start the moment your puppy arrives home, then transition to real-life sessions when they're old enough to join us.
Learning from Each Approach
Don't just train online but equally, don't dismiss virtual training entirely. We've had people do brilliant work through apps and online platforms but then their dogs struggle in public settings because they've not been around other dogs. In-person training teaches dogs to be around other dogs without necessarily interacting because we don't want our dogs saying hello to every single dog they meet on walks.
Unexpected Benefits
Here's a lovely example from our lockdown days. We ran scent detection classes virtually and our dogs ended up searching bathrooms, staircases and kitchens - places we'd never normally train in at our venue. The result? They became better scent detection dogs because they'd practised in such varied environments.
Opening Doors to New Possibilities
Virtual training means geography no longer limits your choices. Sometimes the trainer you want to work with might not be local to you. I work with coaches all over the world because I want to work with specific people whose approach resonates with me.
Virtual training opens up a world of opportunity. It's not a substitute or downgrade from in-person training. It's complementary and designed to help you succeed.
Finding Your Perfect Balance
Don't be put off by online dog training and don't feel you have to choose between virtual and in-person methods. A blended approach is absolutely the best way forward.
Use virtual training for building foundations and addressing home-specific issues. Use in-person training for real-world practice and socialisation. A blended approach isn't a compromise, it's an upgrade – the sweet spot that gives your dog the best of both worlds.
Curious about online training and ready to find out more? Keep an eye out for our new Paw Academy online training hub, packed full of training videos to give you and your dog everything you need to thrive.
If you have questions about anything dog-related, head over to our
Potter Paws Facebook Group. We’re a bunch of fellow dog-lovers sharing advice and experiences on all things dog. We love welcoming new members so pop by and say hello!
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