Group Class vs. Private Dog Training: What’s Right for You?

You ever walk into a hardware store needing to hang one picture frame…

…and suddenly you’re standing in front of a hundred different hammers, wondering if you also need wall anchors, a stud finder, and possibly a crash course in drywall?

That’s what choosing dog training can feel like.

You know you want to help your dog thrive.
You’re not afraid to put in the effort.
But between group classes, private sessions, and online programs—it’s hard to know what tool is actually going to help you hang the metaphorical frame (aka: get your dog to stop pulling, barking, or blowing off your recall cue).

Maybe you’ve already tried a class… watched a bunch of YouTube videos… or Googled “why is my dog like this” more than you care to admit.

Totally normal. And also totally fixable—with the right support.

So let’s make it easier.

✨ Not sure what your dog really needs?
Click here to book a free 20-minute call and I’ll help you figure out the best next step—no pressure, no sales pitch.

Group Classes: The Controlled Challenge

Group classes are a fantastic way to:

✅ Learn new training games and practice them correctly
✅ Work on your dog’s focus and responsiveness around other dogs and people
✅ Build your dog’s confidence in a new space, with support
✅ Get exposure to “real life” distractions—but in a structured, enclosed, on-leash environment
(Translation: no off-leash dogs crashing your session)

Group classes give your dog the opportunity to level up their skills around distractions—without throwing them in the deep end.

Bonus: You get to hear other people’s questions, see different dog personalities in action, and gather ideas for how to apply the training in new contexts.

And one of the most valuable benefits of in-person learning?

👉 Real-time feedback on your training mechanics and timing.
Sometimes we don’t realize we’re repeating cues, muddying signals, or accidentally using food as part of the cue—until someone with a trained eye spots it.

Private Sessions: Personalized Help Where You Need It Most

Private training is all about you and your dog.
It’s not just about learning exercises—it’s about tailoring them to your dog’s specific behavior, your routine, and your environment.

Private sessions are great when you want to:

✅ Zoom in on specific struggles in specific contexts—like reactivity, recall, or leash pulling
✅ Troubleshoot daily habits or patterns that might be undermining your training
✅ Build a plan that works for your lifestyle, not just in a classroom
✅ Work on real-life challenges that don’t show up in group settings

➞ Like why your dog can walk past the window calmly some days, but loses their mind the moment you’re on a Zoom call…
➞ Or why they’re fine with guests at the back door but act like it’s a home invasion when someone knocks at the front.

And if your dog struggles in new or high-energy environments?
Private training lets us start at home, where your dog feels safest and learns best.

Online Programs: Learn Anywhere, Level Up at Home

Online training gives you flexibility and structure on your own time. It’s especially helpful when:

✅ You want to start from home, where your dog learns best
✅ Your schedule doesn’t allow for in-person sessions
✅ You want to revisit lessons or go at your own pace
✅ You’re looking to understand how games and concepts apply across all areas of your dog’s life

Online programs still equip you with tools and training exercises, but you get to choose when, where, and how to apply them.

This works beautifully for dogs who are easily overwhelmed in busy environments—or humans who want to feel 100% confident before working in public spaces.

Quick Comparison: What’s Best for You Right Now?

So… which one’s right for you?

Go with a group class if:
You want to build focus and confidence around distractions, learn training games in a supportive environment, and your dog is ready to handle a new space with other dogs around.

Go with a private session if:
You’ve made solid progress from a class or online program, but now you’re at the “last 5 lbs” stage—the point where things mostly work… until they don’t. This is where 1:1 help can bridge the gap and get you unstuck.

Go with an online program if:
You want to start from the comfort of home, go at your own pace, and build a solid foundation (or reinforce one) before heading into more distracting environments.

Still not sure?

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Book a free 20-minute call with me here
We’ll talk about your dog, what’s working, what’s not, and which option will actually help you move forward.
No obligation. Just clarity.

➞ Think of it like this:

Group class = the gym
Private training = personal trainer
Online program = a killer home workout plan

All valuable. The best one depends on where you are today. 🐶