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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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio’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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite San Antonio training method is the same. Dog Training Elite San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio’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 San Antonio 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!
We have our new 3 month golden retriever training to be our service dog with them and they have been very professional ! He is learning very fast with all there training .i would recommend them .— Sharlene Thum
Posted April 16th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Addakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Marie Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Adakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are absolutely fabulous! They are training my dog, a Serbian Rottweiler, currently, eight months, old, to be my Service Dog. They have done a fantastic job up to this point! In addition to training at their facility, they have training at my home and in public areas. They explain the training thoroughly as they are not just training the dog, they are training me. I couldn’t be more pleased, and I strongly recommend them as trainers for. Service dogs, and general training for pets. They are worth every penny.— Cestmoimoi
Posted February 28th 2024
I sent my 2-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has separation anxiety, to be trained by Dog Training Elite to become my service dog. Day 1 of obedience training I noticed a huge difference in her anxiety levels as well as her basic obedience! Could not recommend enough!!— Caitlin Fulk
Posted March 18th 2024
We have been working with the training team for 10 months. They have been training our service dog Ruger since he was 9 weeks old. He attended puppy camp with Geneva and he learned so fast. He went back for advanced obedience and his Service Dog training. We are so happy. There are a million positive things I could say but the thing I value most is they are always there for you. If you find things you need help with they always have a plan to support— Renee Marble
Posted December 31st 2023
"Reign" is my 3rd pure bred AKC German Shepherd and I "knew" how to train puppies....or at least I thought I knew. This time it didn't work. Whitley and Dog Training Elite have helped my husband and I to train our dog so we now have a well-mannered, happy, pet that I can count on to listen and behave. When you have an 80-pound German Shepherd people tend to be nervous when you approach them- with training, Reign is my guardian AND a good dog! There are a lot of programs out there....all promising to bring about remarkable changes in your pet...but Whitley has proven their methods work and kept the company's promise to us- something you don't always find in today's marketplace. Words to describe Whitley and her training: Compassion/Kindness. Quality. Attention to detail. Responsive. Effective! I have, and will continue to recommend Whitley and Dog Training Elite to my friends and colleagues, as I recognize the quality of training we paid for and will not settle for less. Dr. Laurie Singel— Laurie Singel
Posted February 9th 2018
Our baby Doberman is already improving so much in temperament thanks to the direction and guidance of the trainer and staff. Would definitely suggest anyone looking to help train their dominant breed baby to go there for sure.— Marie Hall
Posted December 12th 2023
I inquired about training my dogs specific issues, (potty training) and I received a thorough and insightful response on what is to be expected, the prices, and personal advice. I appreciate the prompt response and professionalism, I will hire them for any future dog training.— Clariza Rizalado
Posted October 26th 2023
Such a phenomenal experience that I’ve now had 3 of my pups trained with DTE. There’s truly something special about a well trained dog bonded with its owner and DTE makes this a main point in their work. Highly recommend for any basic obedience, service dog work, therapy dog, etc!— Lea Hajjar
Posted October 24th 2023
The trainers are always friendly and professional. My daughter's "Service Dog in Training" couldn't ask for a better Trainer. Terrance answers all my questions but also takes the time to show my daughter how to implement at home what the dog has learned.— Christine Drain
Posted August 25th 2023
The best place for dog training! The trainers are excellent as well as friendly and communicative to pet parents. They are available for parents ant time you need them So glad we entered our dog in their training program. Try them. You won’t be disappointed.— Kathe Dobson
Posted August 24th 2023
I brought My baby blue a (Belgian malinois” here for puppy training and soon to be service dog training. What can I say? The service and the Team are amazing. They love their job and they love dogs and care for your babies. I enjoy seeing my baby grow up and The training and guidance They provide is Amazing. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dog training program— Israel Deluna
Posted August 13th 2023
The instructors at Dog Training Elite are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also kind, patient and fun. Our dog was driving our family crazy and we feel fortunate to have found DTE. Louie went from being a rebel to becoming a service dog in just 3 weeks. What an amazing transformation! He is a totally different dog, although mischievous at times, he now listens and follows commands. We continue training and working with DTE so that Louie can continue to improve. Thanks to all the instructors who have worked and helped train Louie :)— Gabriela Barba
Posted August 13th 2023
I have a dog that had some major anxiety issues. After training for a few weeks there was a big change in how my dog and all for the better.— Lacey Kornicki
Posted August 12th 2023
Great trainers, our puppy, a Rottweiler, been so obedient after theb1st day there. Geneva and Andrea they know what they doing , the facilities are wonderful too. We get videos and reports end of each day our puppy is there. Thank you all .— Laura Howard
Posted July 30th 2023
Dog Training Elite San Antonio helped us go from a situation where we were looking at rehoming our newly adopted dog because of resource guarding. They trained the people and the dog well and now we are a happy dog family. The bonus is that we can go out in public and we always have the best behaved pooch around! Big thank you to our trainer Atakias.— Amy
Posted June 20th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, 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 San Antonio work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Dog Training Elite San Antonio Partners
