What to Expect in Obedience Classes?

Obedience training is crucial for all dogs and is what is expected from responsible dog owners. However, the expectations of what happens in obedience classes can sometimes be unrealistic so let’s talk about what to expect when you join an obedience class!

First, it’s not a social meeting for playtime. Unfortunately this is a very common expectation since a lot of people absolutely love free play at the dog park. And there’s nothing wrong with it! This is simply not the time or place for it. This is a training class for people who wish to gain better understanding and control over their dogs – while free play teaches the opposite of that! 

Second, an obedience class will not fix severe anxiety, reactivity or aggression issues. And it does not help with home based behaviours either. If you need behavioural training, you need to book private home training instead! The trainer of the class simply can not focus on an individual dog and their issues that would require behaviour modification. Think of this as a Zumba class, the instructor can not halt the whole class to focus on an individual, it is your job to follow the training done in the class at the same time with the others.

Third, this is a class for you to learn how to handle and train your dog which is a big part of being a dog owner. The trainer already knows how to do this very well, she doesn’t need the learning, you do! Since you are in the dog’s life on a daily basis reinforcing – or not – the right behaviours it is crucial for you to learn how to do this!