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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 Rhode Island 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 Providence / New Bedford 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island’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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite Rhode Island training method is the same. Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island’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 Rhode Island 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!
Danielle was great. We have a 10 month old bully mix who is very energetic we also have a child on the way and knew we needed help before she arrives. She helped us to get him to listen to us and follow directions both around the house and while out on walks. We have seen steady improvement with our dog as his training progresses.— Benjamin Phillips
Posted April 23rd 2024
I am a student at Roger Williams University working on a dog scent project. I couldn’t have been happier with picking Dog Training Elite to help me out. Kona was very well trained puppy who showed great work doing her smell training. I would highly recommended this company for all type of training. Danel greatly helped me out answering any and all questions I had. And she did it with a smile on her face the entire time.— Seth Jablonki
Posted April 23rd 2024
In Dec 2022 I brought home an 8 week old, highly energetic, husky malamute shepherd mix. It was immediately clear that I needed more training than I knew at the time and I enlisted the help and expertise of Danielle at Dog Training Elite. I started with the puppy training package which provided the fundamentals. I then followed that with Advanced Training, which built on the fundamentals and included e-collar training and group classes. The group classes are where the rubber meets the road and the practice of all the training you’ve done comes together in practical application. Danielle excels at providing patient instruction to the dog and the owner. She offers solutions to problems that aren’t a one size fits all solution. I chose Danille because I highly valued a balanced training approach that came by way of treats and praise, as well as using the modern tools at our disposal including prong collars and e-collars. The e-collar is an invaluable communication tool and I knew it would be the right method for my dog. I highly recommend Danielle, her approach, and her training.— John Babb
Posted March 30th 2024
I would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite!! The amount of care and one on one experience is worth the money! I've seen such improvement in my pup since we started!— Kimberly Thompson
Posted February 26th 2024
We recently got a puppy to be little sister to our 6-year old lab mix, and looked into training for them both. We couldn’t be happier to have found Danielle at Dog Training Elite RI. They have both come so far with their obedience training, and we will also be doing service animal training. Danielle’s love of dogs shines through in all of her classes. This was the best decision for the happiness of our fur babies!!— Robert Bolt
Posted December 2nd 2023
Daniel is the best, From the initial training to the followup classes we have been very happy.— gary chiasson
Posted November 22nd 2023
Danielle and her team are fabulous! My dog, Phil, is very before and she work with him with such patience and care. He has built up his confidence and training skills so much with Danielle’s help. Highly highly recommend— Caroline Barr
Posted November 19th 2023
Owen has come a long way since starting training with Elite. He has improved with listening and understanding commands , as well as leash behavior. Highly recommended— Jeff Palumbo
Posted October 21st 2023
Danielle was great! Extremely easy to work with and made you feel comfortable right away. She really listened to your concerns and helped recreate the situation so that you can work through it in real time. My dog is extremely reactive and she worked with me to give me the tools and confidence I need to help my dog. I am grateful for the training and would recommend her to those whether you are just starting off or need help on problematic behaviors such as reactivity!— Jessica Contois
Posted October 6th 2023
My boyfriend and I have had such a positive experience with them. Our trainer is so patient and attentive to our dog, Skye, and he loves her. She is super helpful with any advice that we may need to better work with him. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer.— Jamila Coulter
Posted October 3rd 2023
We highly recommend Danielle from Dog Training Elite Rhode Island. Our dog was experiencing aggression through his anxiety and Danielle was able to turn our dog into a confident and proud boy! She was knowledgeable in her practice and beyond patient while training our dog. We cannot thank her enough!— Miriam Eble
Posted September 30th 2023
We are so impressed with Danielle and Dog Training Elite! Aggie Rose, our Jack Russell, has really benefited from the private and group classes offered by Danielle. Aggie’s behavior around other dogs and humans has improved beyond our expectations – no more barking at other dogs, jumping on guests or pulling on her leash. Danielle has an approach that combines patience & knowledge into successful training sessions. The real bonus was Danielle’s ability to customize the training to address Aggie’s unique quirks. She helped Aggie to stop attacking the shovel and rake, making it possible to have her outside while working in the yard. After a few sessions, we were able to garden again with Aggie tagging along and only digging when we asked her too! Aggie Rose is a calmer and happier family member and we owe it to Danielle and Dog Training Elite. Thank you so much, Danielle!— Jeffrey Coolidge
Posted September 22nd 2023
I 100% recommend hiring Danielle to train your pup! She deals with all types of dogs with various training needs. Our 10 month old mini Australian shepherd puppy has completely transformed her behavior after just 5 private sessions. She still has to attend group classes and I can’t wait to see her progress even further. Thank you so much Danielle!— Kelly Compton
Posted September 1st 2023
Danielle knows what she’s doing with dogs. She is very patient, she goes out of her way to help dog owners train their own dogs, and she’s very accommodating. My dog has become much less reactive, and much more obedient.— Diana Oehrli
Posted August 12th 2023
It has been a great experience for me as a new dog owner and for my dog to learn so quickly the few commands. My dog knows all the commands to be around small children, busy public spaces and to stay within boundaries in big open spaces.— caroline murphy
Posted August 6th 2023
We love Danielle- she was fantastic and did such an excellent job with our pup Remy! We have seen such a positive difference in his behavior since training with Danielle. We would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for one on one training. Thank you Danielle- and Scruffy and Kona too! It's been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to Group Classes.— Cathy M
Posted July 12th 2023
Zappa is the best dog, so good natured and loving. He is, however 86 pounds and full of energy not knowing his own strength. We contacted Elite and Danielle responded right away. We talked for a while and she answered all my questions. I set up an appointment and after meeting Danielle, we knew she was right for us and Zappa. With Danielle’s patience & kindness Zappa has come a long way. He is no longer jumping when company comes to the house, which is huge! We can’t thank Danielle enough for all she’s done and continues to do for Zappa. He adores her!— Teresa Letourneau
Posted July 1st 2023
Danielle is amazing! She did a puppy consultation on our puppy and had him following new commands within minutes. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing puppy or older dog training. Thank you Danielle!— Cynthia MacDonald
Posted June 29th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island 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.