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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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine’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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite Kenosha & Racine training method is the same. Dog Training Elite Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine 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 Kenosha & Racine’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 Kenosha & Racine 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 have had my dog Duke for over 3 years. He is a shelter dog. I have had other trainers, but I still could not curb his aggressive behavior towards other people and especially other dogs. I have been through the one-on-one home training and about to start the group sessions. I am beyond amazed at the results I have gotten! I never thought my dog would be able to be trained and he's doing so well, so far.— Jenny Rimkus
Posted January 25th 2024
We cannot rave enough about how much this training helped our dog!! Our son got a mini aussie during covid. She had very little human interaction and no animal interaction. He and the dog moved in with us when she was 1.5 yrs old. She was hyper, extremely aggressive, erratic and didn't listen to say the least! We constantly lived in fear of her, had to have her separated from elderly family members, and kept her muzzled anytime human or animal interaction was possible. Knowing we had a huge problem on hand, we tried a local treat-based training center with no success with any behavioral changes, in fact the group interaction increased her aggression and stress level, her growling and lunging was threatening enough that we'd have to separate her from the others. We were able to teach her tricks while at home, but that was not enough and she would choose when to listen and obey. She had altered our lives so much and her behavior was so bad that we seriously considered putting her down (and was also mentioned as an option by our vet). As a last ditch effort, we decided to try a google search for a different type of training and that's when I found Dog Training Elite!! After a personal meeting with Jeff, we decided to give it a try (but I'll have to be honest, I had zero hope that anything would work). From day one our trainer (Shelly) was so friendly and helpful, constantly encouraging, and all throughout the training they were able to identify areas we needed to correct our actions or the dogs. We saw major changes in her listening to us and behaving, obeying commands and correction of all the unwanted negatives throughout the weeks of at home training. Though we were very pleased, I honestly I had no faith that we'd be able to do group sessions based on our previous training experience elsewhere. Man was I wrong!! Not only did she do well, but she excelled. The dog that bit me while trying to bite our other dog and would attack stuffed dogs, would come to sit next to dogs in training and now at home. The benefits of this training extend well beyond the commands and tricks, the behavioral changes in the dog were HUGE!! She is a pleasure to be around, for us and our guests, we are now able to travel with her and be around our elderly parents. DTE-Kenosha/Racine and their staff gave us the confidence in ourselves to tackle an extremely challenging dog, they made the difference in the life of the dog honestly. We now look forward to our group sessions and have been equipped with ways to introduce people to our dog, how to introduce animals to her and work through her stressors and triggers. Plus we have real hope that we will be able to do some trick work with her in the near future!! We can't recommend DTE enough, they gave us our lives back!— Kendra Fitzwater
Posted December 24th 2023
Jeff, Lara, Shelly and team are professionals. Shelly was our dog trainer. Excellent trainer with great communication skills and proven techniques. Our dog quickly grasps core commands and was ready for group sessions with other dogs. We are extremely pleased with Dog Training Elite and would highly recommend their services. Bear 🐻 is now a service dog!— Roberto Martinez
Posted September 30th 2023
They have helped me with my 3 year old Labradoodle. I can now walk him around other people and dogs. He no longer pulls me over or growls at everything. They do private training and group training. Highly recommend their services!— Colleen O'Brien Ecker
Posted August 21st 2023
Jeff did a wonderful job getting my 3 year old Siberian Husky, Che, certified to become an official service animal. It was very challenging to get Che to listen at first, given how stubborn Huskies are as a breed, but with persistence, practice, and some great one-on-one sessions, we were able to get Che over some large hurdles. Che is super obedient now compared to how he used to be, well-behaved off leash, and has successfully traveled on a plane! I never thought we could get here with Che's training and I am very grateful to Jeff and his guidance.— Juliana Siward
Posted May 16th 2023
I teach first graders at GEMS World Academy Chicago. We do a six week unit of inquiry into accessibility. Jeff, Lara and their dog Max came into our classroom. Jeff and Lara are incredibly knowledgable and were great with the kids. They answered all of their questions about service dogs and more. We were very impressed with all three of them. I would feel very comfortable and lucky to have Jeff or Lara come into my home to train a dog for me personally or for a friend requiring ta service dog.— Kirsten Richards
Posted March 6th 2023
Enjoyed the training. Jeff was very good with our Trixie. Although we didn’t work as hard as we should with our puppy, Jeff was very good as training with Trixie. She did learn all the skills, we just have to enforce them. Thanks Jeff!— Barb Ciotti Paskiewicz
Posted February 22nd 2023
Jeff and his team are passionate dog people and trainers!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 18th 2022
We are extremely pleased with our dog Maisy's training sessions with Atalie of Dog Training Elite-Kenosha. Atalie is always professional, on-time and accommodating to our specific requests for guidance. We came to DTE-Kenosha needing help with our 11 month old rescue Pug with aggressive behavior directed at our other 2 Pugs. During the evaluation session Atalie quickly and accurately assessed the pack dynamics and presented us with a structured 'plan of attack' to help Maisy overcome her insecurities causing the aggressive behavior. From our very first lesson Atalie stressed that she was not only training Maisy but more importantly training us to be consistent and impactful with our interactions with Maisy. After a few sessions with Atalie, reinforced with our daily 15-20 minutes of practice, Maisy has made remarkable progress especially learning to go to her 'place' to give her time to decompress and calm down. Our house has become a much calmer place and Maisy's interactions with the other Pugs has greatly improved. The DTE training methods work if you follow the program and do your homework. Atalie's super energetic and friendly personality has all 3 of our Pugs so excited to see her each visit. We are confident that we can eliminate Maisy's aggressions with the assistance of DTE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING DTE-KENOSHA FOR YOUR DOG TRAINING NEEDS.— Lisa Lantz
Posted November 30th 2021
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Kenosha & Racine, 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 Kenosha & Racine 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.