BY: Samantha Bartlett, DVM
The Coronavirus pandemic has forced many in-person activities to shut down for safety reasons. This includes dog training classes. Some dog trainers have opted to conduct training sessions online and many dog owners are pleased with the results.
Dog trainers are finding that having classes online holds advantages to conducting classes in person. Online sessions are usually conducted in a setting that is less distracting to owners and dogs. Dogs tend to be more focused also because they are in a familiar environment. Owners can focus more on what instructors are telling them without the worry of handling their dog in a strange environment. These advantages are especially helpful when working with behavioral problems.
Downsides to online training classes are most apparent in puppy classes where providing exposure to new people, dogs and situations is most important. However, training a puppy at the right age is critical and experts say online classes are effective. Puppy behavioral problems can still be addressed and trainers can coach owners through socialization exercises that can be conducted in a safe manner.
With a record number of people adopting and fostering dogs during the pandemic, training help is especially important. Many of new owners are first-time dog owners or have not had a dog in several years. Giving these dogs a solid training foundation will help prevent future problems when the pandemic subsides and people go back out of the house and leave their dogs at home for extended lengths of time. This also holds true for pets that have been a member of the family but may suffer from some separation anxiety after the pandemic.
There are several options for virtual dog training including free resources on YouTube, one-on-one or group classes with trainers over Zoom or Facetime and online subscriptions to training sessions with options to speak or consult with trainers about specific issues. Many rescue organizations can point people in the direction of a good training program locally.
