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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 New Mexico 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 Albuquerque / Santa Fe 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico’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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite New Mexico training method is the same. Dog Training Elite New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico’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 New Mexico 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.
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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!
I wish I could share Dog Training Elite with every dog owner in New Mexico! They have been my saving grace! My current service dog is getting older, and training a new puppy while working full time can be a task to juggle on the best day! Dog Training Elite has been able to work around my schedule, come to my home and work in 'real world' scenarios to prepare my new puppy to enable my current service dog to retire and play in the back yard in her golden years. John, our trainer, has been so patient and has come up with amazing ways to teach this seasoned dog owner a new thing or two! If you are on the fence about a trainer, DONT WAIT! Dog Training Elite is worth your time and will help you train your dog for life! I feel so much more secure that my Gungi will be a focused, predictable and contributing team mate for me when I am in public and a well behaved pet during his off time. Thank you Dog Training Elite New Mexico and John! Here is a photo of Gungi during his first restaurant outing last week, his is doing 'under' , placement under a chair to make himself tiny and out of the way of everyone in an eating area.— Stacey G
Posted April 8th 2024
I am very impressed with John’s Knowledge and expertise. Our first session together with my dog was spectacular. In fact, using the techniques that John suggested, it was almost Like having a remote control for my dog. We are very pleased with the results so far And are very excited to see where this training will lead us.— Brent Poindexter
Posted April 5th 2024
We just signed our dog up for the therapy training program. After one week of training under John's guidance, we feel like we have a different dog! You think you have a well-trained dog until you actually see the difference that professional help can make. John is patient, kind, and incredibly knowledgable. We have followed his advice and tips and will continue to do so because it is working. We can't wait to see the final results!— Dina Knouse
Posted April 5th 2024
my experience with the Dog Training Elite team has been amazing. With my current service dog getting up in age, and needing to retire I needed a training program that could tailor around my work schedule for my new puppy. I cannot tell you what a savior Dog Training Elite has been. I'm very impressed with their methods and could not have asked for a more patient and empowering trainer than John!— Stacey Gunthorpe
Posted March 31st 2024
We absolutely recommend dog training elite! The personal approach was just what our rescue dog needed and the instructions gave us, the dog parents many tools for our tool box. We are well on our way to having a well behaved pooch!!!— Deb Dorn
Posted December 29th 2023
Susan was great. We gained the tools and confidence to keep our dog safe, and safe for others. She told us what to expect every step of the way, and just like she said would be the case, we learned as much as our dog did. Worth every penny, as we know this is just a foundation on which we can now continue to build.— Cristian Gabriel Cruz
Posted December 5th 2023
This team is awesome, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. Susan was our trainer and she was very knowledgeable and really easy to work. 10 out of 10 would recommend.— Raymond Caldwell
Posted November 3rd 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite New Mexico, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite New Mexico works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.