Traditionally, dog training has been, and is, done in person, within a group class or 121 with a trainer.
And that certainly has its merits.
However, many basic puppy and/ or dog training exercises, or working on behavioural ‘issues’, actually don’t require the trainer to be present or ‘do the training’ in person.
After all, what is most important is that the dog’s guardian learns ‘how to’ work with their dog, how to manage their dog’s environment, how to provide the right physical and mental enrichment and so forth.
And it’s certainly been my experience that this hands-on approach by the dog’s guardian creates much quicker progress and results.
Also, there are of course behaviours where the trainer’s presence would be hugely disruptive, such as when working on separation related issue or fear of strangers.
So, whereas it might feel a bit strange at first not to have a trainer physically visit your home or to attend a group training class, remote (or online) dog training can actually be a highly effective and convenient option.
It offers personalised support for both you and your dog, all from the comfort of your own space. Plus, it gives you access to experienced professionals you might not have locally.
What to expect from my puppy and Dog online training Programmes
Everything starts with a pre-consult questionnaire; whether you are looking for help with raising a happy puppy, tackling specific behavioural concerns or working on basic behaviours such as coming when called, loose leash walking etc. This is so I can prepare for our first consultation, having gathered all the basic information required.
The first consultation is more often than not conversation-based, so your dog’s presence isn’t necessarily required. We’ll go over the information you provided on your pre-consult form; from your dog’s daily routines, to diet, health, what you’ve tried already (what worked and what hasn’t) and so forth, so we can take a holistic approach ensuring we cover all bases and set your dog up for success.
Then we dive into your education: from learning to understand and communicate with your dog to providing adequate physical and mental enrichment all the way to how dogs learn and how this applies to what we will be working on together.
We’ll put management strategies in place, how to teach new skills (where applicable), map out your training plan, and decide whether a vet referral or medication consult might be helpful. And all of this is then summarised and send in an individually tailored training plan for you to implement.
From there, we will be in touch daily on messenger to ensure progress. This is where you will provide updates on your training plan (notes, videos) and I will provide feedback next steps or answer any questions you may have.
Depending on the training programme you’ve chosen, we may then have future online sessions to discuss progress, troubleshoot, set next training steps and goals and adjust previous laid out training strategies, if needed.
If you would like to find our more about my services and how I can help you and your dog, please get in touch.
Wolfgang & I look forward to hearing from you.