Virtual dog training?! How is that possible?
Oh it’s possible! There are so many benefits to virtual dog training and so much potential for what you can work on. Let’s dive into what working with a dog trainer virtually looks like!
Most people are surprised to hear that we offer virtual dog training consultations because you’d think that dog training is very hands on. And it is! But your dog trainer doesn’t always really need to have their hands on your dog. And I’m not discrediting the value in having a dog trainer work with your dog hands on— because there can be a lot of value in that for the right dog with the right trainer! But a great dog trainer should also be able to help you without being hands on with your dog.
The truth is, a lot of dog training is conversational. Because dog training is rooted in relationship, your dog trainers job goes far beyond teaching your dog tricks. And because dogs can’t talk, we have to talk to you to understand your dog better. An experienced trainer is able to ask you the right questions to get the information they need to be able to guide you toward your goals. Think of virtual consults almost like a therapy session for your dog!
In a virtual training session, we begin with a general background on the dog and your relationship with the dog. Your trainer is going to want to know things like if your dog is crate trained and how often you’re using it, how often you’re walking the dog, if you have concerns around your dog and food, what problems are you having, etc. Through a series of questions, your trainer is able to assess your dogs temperament, get an idea for how you and your dog learn best, and will help create a plan for you to reach your goals through training.
When working with us virtually, we always recommend and encourage clients to send us video clips of them working with their dogs and behaviors that they’d like evaluated. We’ll watch the videos and provide comments on what’s looking good and what you can change to get better results. The more you share with us, the more feedback we can provide to you! Some clients will have friends/family film them, some people prop their phones up and work within their camera frame, and some people don’t take videos to share. It is optional, but we do find the most success in those that share consistent content for us to provide feedback on because that allows you to make adjustments in between your sessions. So send us your training videos!
We can work on just about anything through virtual consultations. We have had success virtually with things like resource guarding, place command, separation anxiety, Ecollar introduction, loose leash walking, crate training, reactivity, new baby introductions, new puppy management, and so much more!
And the best part is, you can live anywhere in the world and still work with us! We have worked with clients on the west coast, the UK, and even Australia! Virtual training makes working with us accessible to all!
If you’re interested in working with us virtually, submit an inquiry form and we can get you set up!