- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Training is essential to helping your dog navigate life in a human-centric world. And while training at home is great, a good training class can sometimes offer benefits that you can’t get on your own—like the socialization and support that comes with learning with other dogs and pet parents.
“Good classes help build and work on communication, confidence, and life skills,” says certified professional dog trainer, CPDT-KA, Nicole Ellis. “One of the biggest benefits of classes is that they teach owners how to work with their dogs. Timing, consistency, reading body language, reinforcement, and management are all skills that are often easier to learn with professional coaching and immediate feedback.”
Below, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a dog training class, plus what to avoid. We’ll also cover the different types of classes so you can find the best fit for your pup. And if you’re still on the fence about taking a training class, we’ve got a few more reasons why you should consider it.
Did you know? Some dogs need a little extra support outside of group classes. Discover how a professional dog trainer near you can help give your pup the one-on-one attention they deserve.
Types of Dog Training Classes
Different types of dog training classes are available, depending on your dog’s age and skill level, and your individual goals. Below, we’ll break down common group training classes to help you better understand which one is right for your dog.
Basic manners
These beginner classes are for puppies and dogs just starting their training journey. The focus is primarily on everyday life skills, such as walking nicely on a leash, coming when called, and greeting people politely. These classes also cover basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and down.
Intermediate/advanced obedience
This level is the next up from beginner. It builds on the foundational skills built in the basic manners course. In these more advanced classes, dogs may learn things like off-leash skills, holding a stay for longer, strengthening their recall, and advanced heel work.
Behavior modification
These classes are designed for dogs who have behavioral challenges, such as reactivity, fearfulness, or anxiety. In them, pet parents learn training skills, such as desensitization to gradually expose their dog to their triggers and counterconditioning to help change their pup’s negative response to a more positive one.
Specialized skills
Beyond manners and obedience training, there are many fun and practical skills dogs can learn. Specialized classes have a singular focus, such as teaching tricks or scent work, or preparing dogs to do therapy work, service dog tasks, or pass their AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Sports classes
These classes focus on building the skills dogs need for a particular sport, such as agility, sheepdog herding, and dock diving. They’re also a great way for dogs to practice focusing with distractions around, as well as how to settle in a public place and patiently wait their turn.
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Where To Look
It can be difficult to know where to start when looking for dog training classes, but here are some good starting points to help you narrow your search.
- Ask your dog’s veterinarian
- Ask your dog’s breeder or rescue facility
- Ask friends or family who have had positive training experiences
- Search neighborhood groups online (be sure to research thoroughly)
- Search online directories like this fear-free one to point you toward credentialed trainers and positive-reinforcement classes
How To Choose a Good Training Class
When it comes to dog training classes, there can be a real spectrum of quality and methods. Here are a few things to look out for when selecting a class for your dog.
Green flags
- Instructors who are transparent about their training methods and willing to answer questions
- Smaller class sizes for more individualized assistance
- Dogs in the class appear relaxed, engaged, and able to take breaks
- The class prioritizes emotional well-being, not just obedience
- Training is individualized rather than “one-size-fits-all”
- The class emphasizes reward-based methods
- Safety protocols are practiced and in place (dogs are on-leash, vaccinated, etc.)
Red flags
- Use of fear, intimidation, harsh leash corrections, shock or prong collars, or physical punishment
- Trainers who use outdated “dominance” theory or talk about needing to be the “alpha” or “pack leader”
- Promises of instant or guaranteed results (training takes time!)
- Flooding fearful dogs or forcing dog-to-dog interactions
- Overcrowded classes with little management
- Main focus is on suppressing behavior rather than addressing the underlying emotions
- Dogs showing persistent stress signals while the trainer ignores them
- Trainers who claim their method works for every dog
Questions To Ask
Knowing what to ask can help you weed out the classes that don’t align with your training methods or goals. Here are a few questions to ask to narrow your search for the best training class for your dog.
- What training methods do you use?
- How do you handle fearful, shy, or reactive dogs?
- Are dogs allowed space if they’re uncomfortable?
- What credentials, certifications, continuing education, or experience do you have?
- Can I observe a class before enrolling?
- How many dogs are typically in a class?
- What happens if my dog becomes overwhelmed?
- How do you handle conflict between dogs?
- Do you use or recommend aversive tools or punishment?
- What safety protocols do you have in place?
Tatyana Kalmatsuy via iStock
Benefits of Dog Training Classes
“While training at home is incredibly important, classes offer many benefits that are difficult to fully replicate in a home environment,” Ellis reiterates.
These benefits include:
- Learning how to work around distractions
- Socialization for your dog (to other dogs, people, and experiences)
- Shared learning for both you and your pup (hearing/seeing what other dogs and pet parents are doing)
- Real-time instructions guided by a trainer
- A targeted training plan (skills build on each other)
Alternatives to Training Classes
“Not every dog thrives in a group setting,” says Ellis. Should in-person training classes not be the best fit for your dog or your situation, there are alternatives to consider.
Private classes
For dogs that need more individualized attention, like pups who are reactive or have separation anxiety, working privately with a trainer can be a good option.
Private trainers can either come to your home, or you can meet them at a specific location for training purposes—like a large field to work on desensitizing triggers.
Either way, you’ll get a more personalized approach for your dog. (Note: Private training is often more expensive than group options.)
Virtual classes
As long as you have decent internet reception, you can access online training wherever you are in the world with your dog. This option is the most flexible for pet parents with hectic schedules and is often a good option for fearful or aggressive dogs who wouldn’t do well with in-person group classes.
Board and train
This is the dog equivalent of boarding school. On this path, your dog will be in an immersive learning environment, which can be a good option for super busy pet parents and pups with complex behavioral issues.
However, there are some drawbacks: cost, lack of bonding between guardian and dog, and the inability to observe the trainer and intercede on your dog’s behalf. It should go without saying that if you choose this option, you must heavily research and vet the establishment beforehand.
At-home training
By far the easiest and most economical training venue is your home! Train on your schedule and tackle new real-life challenges as they arise (like jumping on guests or barking at the doorbell). Dogs may be less stressed in their home, which can make for better learning.
The only drawback is that you’ll be the sole one responsible for setting up your dog’s environment for training, finding that perfect balance of distractions and distance. Still, at-home training is always a good starting point!
