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Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?
Your puppy or older dog has completed basic obedience training. Congratulations! You and your pet have not only developed trust and strengthened your bond, but your puppy or dog is well on their way to becoming a loyal, loving companion.
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.
It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?
Dog Training Elite offers dog training classes in Fort Worth for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Benefits of Group Classes
Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have. Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:
Socialization
Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.
Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.
Focus
Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.
Hands on Learning
In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.
Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.
*Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth training method is the same. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth focuses on positive reinforcement, also called “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown positive reinforcement to be more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth does not use punishments or shock collars and instead pairs positive reinforcement training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs. a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.
Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training
Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:
Your Dog is Destructive
Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
Your Dog is Aggressive
Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash
Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful
If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
Your Dog Ignores You at the Park
Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.
Join a Group Class Today!
Don’t wait! Find your nearest Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth location to find a group class schedule and join a group dog training class today. Start building a community for you and your dog, and continue to strengthen your bond with your furry best friend.
Find a trainer near you today!
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Felicity and Kyler were great! Our fiesty Doberman Bonnie has a whole lot of attitude and is too smart for her own good. We got the platinum training and started when she was about 4 months old. She is almost 1 and still doing wonderful! We had Felicity for most sessions, which was nice to have that consistency! Bonnie learned so much, and does so well in public. Teaching Bonnie all of her tricks at home alongside a trainer allowed us to be involved and learn how to reestablish behaviors/tricks as needed. Our golden retriever has also been able to pick up many of the skills and that has been a lifesaver. I love being able to walk them both around Scheels and other busy places while they’re in a focused heel. Everyone around us is always so impressed! We are excited to try the group training sessions with Bonnie soon!— Caitlin Goodman
Posted September 20th 2024
The trainers here are so knowledgeable and can read a dogs body language so fast. They taught my dog commands in 5 minutes or less and showed me how to instill those. Highly recommend this place worth every penny. Felicity really knew my dog and went the extra mile with information to help Winnie the Pooh.— Elinor Albin
Posted July 23rd 2024
We love our dog, but he has always been a constant source of stress in our family because of his aggression, his inability to go on walks without creating havoc, and his propensity to run out of the house whenever the door opened up. We finally decided we had to get rid of the dog or get him trained. So we decided to give Dog Training Elite a call. Looking back, it was such a wonderful choice. After six individual training sessions, our dog is extremely well-behaved. He sits on command, he will “place” wherever we tell him to, he’s enjoyable to walk on a leash, he doesn’t attack other dogs or people, and he doesn’t run out of the house. We couldn’t be more pleased with the training staff of Tra, Felicity, and Yuni. The highlight of our experience was when we decided to take our dog with us to a hotel, and then out to dinner. Our son - who was back home from college and wasn’t a part of the training experience -thought we were crazy to even try to take our dog to a hotel and restaurant. But our dog did wonderfully and our son was very impressed with how well behaved the dog was. If you are at your ropes end and want to get your dog under control, give Elite a try… you will start to see immediate and dramatic results!— Jeff Domen
Posted July 19th 2024
The company is great with communication and customer service! Felicity has been an incredible teacher and has helped me and my dog learn so much!— phoebe james
Posted July 18th 2024
Incredible trainers! Felicity did a great job helping my dogs— grant wiseman
Posted July 15th 2024
They have been very understanding and patien I love the system they do the process They really are doing the best job they can Felicity is one of the trainers that we have met she is so amazing she has taught my dog the basics and she did with such patience and I could understand everything she said I'm very excited to see what more they are going to teach my puppy and us They have been clear on everything which I like Overall I give them an amazing review for these reasons— Carol L
Posted July 15th 2024
We were Very satisfied with Dog Training Elite! Our Labrador puppy had the very best training and is now a trained service animal by Dog Training Elite. Most favorite trainer, Felicity, is a True Puppy Whisperer! A rare and greatly appreciated find for our boy! He worships her too! She is always smart, kind and gentle. And extremely effective!— Diana Enty
Posted July 15th 2024
Felicity, is an amazing trainer. She was able to train me so I could better train my boys.She was able to work with both of my boys personalities to bring them to their highest level of training. Thank you Dog Training Elite Dallas, for having the best dog trainers! Mr. Tre, I appreciate your work and service to us VETs and our Service Dogs. I will be forever grateful.— AliDrea Arismendez-Garza
Posted July 15th 2024
The team at Dog Training Elite have absolutely changed our lives. Felicity, Tre, and Kyler are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. On days when I thought my little rescue, Olive, couldn’t possibly learn a new command, they assured me she absolutely would… and she always did. Olive is a completely different dog from when we first started training. Her confidence has grown exponentially and we’re living a really happy life together. I cant recommend or thank Felicity, Tre, and Kyler enough.— kb B
Posted July 15th 2024
Just completed our in-home sessions with DTE and have been so impressed with the individualized attention and customized approach that helped us meet our goals. All the trainers have been top notch and really helpful in assuring our newest family member (and us) are polished up on our manners so we can enjoy each other and life adventures. I must specifically mention Megan as a trainer whose passion and dedication did not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. Mufasa and I are looking forward to our group lessons!— brandi Ciufi
Posted July 1st 2024
We've been working with Dog Training Elite Frisco for almost a year. Kyler and the team have been fantastic to work with in helping train my mom's service dog. Esper is a GSD, and started training as a puppy. She learned her basic obedience quickly with positive reinforcement and the techniques and tools DTE recommended. Quickly moving into her Service and Task training. Now a year later (actually less time) She passed her task training and public access test and goes with us everywhere. She is welcomed at restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, due to her great behavior and provides an invaluable service to my Mom. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Frisco, Kyler and the team there. Next up is our new 15 week old puppy who will be evaluated soon and start his puppy training.— Forrest Hart
Posted May 15th 2024
Just wanted to say thank you so much for the very kind lady called Kelly. She was really good and patient at teach me and my dog. awesome lady— Darwin araujo
Posted May 14th 2024
loved it. she was so sweet with my dog. this was really good training i definitely recommend!! kelly was such a good trainer my dog is so much better!!— Jalissa Martinez
Posted May 14th 2024
Jordan is patient and calm while training our dog and teaching us what to do. He is great to work with. Lulu learned respect quickly. I would highly recommend him. His dog Atlas was such a sweet dog and very well trained.— Juanita Ace-Bo
Posted July 3rd 2023
We worked with Jordan yesterday and my puppy responded Really well to him and we got lots of great help! Really looking forward to how Clark progresses and to see how the next sessions go.— Laura Riggs
Posted May 6th 2024
We contacted Dog Training Elite to help us with Bean, our not so mini mini dachshund who wasn’t great with new people coming into our home especially men. As we are relocating overseas & only had enough time for 4 sessions, the best we hoped for was great advice that we could take with us & put into practice. 4 sessions later we are delighted not just with the advice but the incredible change in Bean’s behaviour! All we can say is a huge thank you to the team at Dog Training Elite not only for accommodating us with so little time but for setting us up to succeed with Bean. A special thanks to our trainers Kyler & Tra. You guys are amazing! Thank you!!!— Tracey McAdam
Posted April 27th 2024
They staff is AMAZING. Very helpful, and really explains everything. Luke and cowboy has done an amazing job really building a bond!!! I would recommend!!!!— Dkota Gibbs
Posted December 21st 2023
I can’t speak highly enough of this group of trainers! They have been very professional and VERY helpful. Luke is my daughter’s favorite trainer and he does so well with my daughter and her dog. You WILL NOT regret hiring them to train your dog. Highly recommend!!— Tonya Gibbs
Posted December 21st 2023
All the trainers have been great but Luke and Cowboy are absolutely amazing! Our service dog has been very responsive! We have friends who have also utilized this service and love it just as much! Thank you Luke and the Elite team!— Stacey and Josh Glosson
Posted December 20th 2023