SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Will Virtual Dog Training Work for Me? Yes!

In the past several months our planetary health crisis has taught me many things. One of the most surprising ones has been that there are more benefits to virtual dog training that I hadn’t considered.

As my colleagues and I adapt to the evolving safety guidelines I’m hearing more requests for in-person sessions. That’s completely understandable and it can be important for some situations. After months of on the job research I can say definitively that it’s not better than virtual training and can actually be the less effective choice for some families.

Why virtual training?

• I will coach you rather than train the dog myself so you leave the session with more practiced skills than you came with.

• I’m seeing a truer picture of your dog’s situation. The moment I enter your home I change the picture for your dog. Without my physical presence I’m able to see your dog interacting normally with their favorite folks.

• You’re able to send me video of you and your dog training during your regular schedule. Together we can review that video to level up your skills. Being able to rewatch and freeze moments of training can make it much easier for you to learn to read your dog’s body language and train them more successfully.

• Without travel time in my schedule I’m able to offer you more frequent and shorter sessions if that works for your family. Sometimes a short session to clarify a point can change your whole week!

• I have more availability when I’m not spending part of my day on travel.

• Many of us, trainers and clients, have health and safety concerns personally or for members of our family. In-person sessions used to mean visiting multiple homes in a day, which doesn’t feel responsible these days. My top priority is keeping everyone healthy.

Always virtual training?

A dog trainer’s favorite answer is, “It depends” and it applies here.

An initial session is almost always going to be online now (probably even after the COVID-19 challenges have resolved). Initial sessions are about assessing your goals, making a training plan, and teaching you the concepts behind our training. You don’t need to be in the same room with me for that information. 

Maggie is a client who has become a dear friend. We often meet on the streets of Brooklyn and have a snuggle.

After your initial session some training plans will call for in-person training. A good example of this is a dog with “stranger danger” (worried about strangers approaching or coming into your home). Usually, though, we’ll have some starting steps that need to be accomplished before we add an actual stranger to the mix and may spend more than one session working on those. Once we add the stranger that person may or may not be me. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

• I’m working to make safe, efficient in-person sessions possible when your training plan calls for them.

• I am reviewing requests individually and promise to be honest with you about what I can offer.

• I am keeping track of places within walking distance of my home where we can safely train masked and outdoors.

• I am being vigilant about my own health to keep anyone I come into contact with safe.

• I will require masks and distance for any session and will ask screening questions before I confirm your appointment.

• In the event that I cannot be with you in person, some of my colleagues have the ability to help where I can’t and I will refer you to them.

What now?

Now it’s time for you to book a session! 

Head over to the contact page and let me know what you’re hoping to accomplish with your dog. I will respond (usually within 24 hours) with rates and information to get us started!

My dog, Eddie, often walks me over to our friend, Michelle’s, front door. She’s the woman who makes local dog delicacies, Scooter Snacks.