« Back

Why Group Classes Aren’t Ideal for Reactive Dogs

23/05/2022 - Training

If you were learning to swim and someone threw you in the deep end of a swimming pool, what would happen? Likely, you’d frantically tread water and search for the edges, you’d flail your limbs to keep yourself above water and from drowning. You’d be panicking because you’d never been in that situation before, you don’t know what to do, you don’t have the skills yet to help yourself and you’re terrified.
 
It’s the same for anxious or reactive dogs being thrown into a group class. Without preparation, they flounder.
 

What are group training classes for dogs?

Dog group classes can be a great learning opportunity for dogs and their owners. They enable socialisation for dogs, enhance psychological growth and help your dog learn with distractions. Some dogs thrive in group classes from the off. However, many others take time getting there and need to be built up to it.
 
For success, students (both the human and canine variety) need to feel calm and relaxed in order to process information. Calmness promotes rational and logical thinking which leads to good decision-making, positive pathways being created in the brain and a boost in confidence, allowing you to move to the next step. It’s the foundation of learning.
 
If your dog is anxious or reactive, immediately plunging them into group sessions as part of your training will not only cause them distress, but they also won’t be learning or taking anything in - so the session is pointless.
 

What should you do instead of group classes?

Just because your dog is reactive or has complex needs, doesn’t mean they’re untrainable or that they’ll never be able to take part in group training. It simply means you need to start slow - in the shallow end.
 
The best way to do this is with 1-2-1 training, at least initially. Starting with 1-2-1 dog training sessions gives your dog a foundation prior to group classes (if group classes if what you want to build to). It gives your dog preparation and the skills they need to fall back on when daunted by an unfamiliar group.
  
 
At Potter Paws, a dog training school in Buckinghamshire, we offer 1-2-1 dog training sessions that specifically cater to your dog and its needs.
 
Our 1-2-1 Dog Training and Support Program offers a full 90 minute consultation and x4 one-hour training sessions, just you, your pup and the trainer. We also provide training plans, reports and regular phone and email support.
 
This way, you are creating an environment your dog can cope in - and therefore learn in.
 
Once you start to see improvements and learning from your pet, you can then consider group classes. At this point, your dog will have the prior knowledge and experience from all your 1-2-1 training to fall back on in the class. It won’t be such a shock and your dog will not only learn and improve, but have fun. And so will you!