Does Virtual Training Really Work?

Why, yes it does!

Ok, I know you knew I was going to say that but I'm not shining you on. Let me walk you through it.

My office

When I'm with you, your dog knows it. Seems simple, right? But I'm only with you for an hour a week (or less!) and it's important for you to know what to do when I'm not there. If I had $1 for every time an in-person only client told me, "He only does it when you're here."

Then we locked down for the pandemic and virtual training became the norm. Trainers all over the world discovered how powerful it could be to help people without being in the room and changing the picture for the dog.

When we work virtually I can see you and your pooch in your home environment and I get to coach you through real life situations in real time. And your dog gets to practice without accounting for someone (me!) who wouldn't normally be there.

Let's say we're talking about house training. Important, right? Suddenly the doorbell rings and your dog runs to the door and barks at the top of their lungs. We can't just keep talking about house training because you can't hear me over the barking. I can't step in and solve the problem for you because I'm in my living room, not yours. So I coach you through what to do in that real life moment:

• Get some treats

• Sprinkle those treats right in front of your dog to interrupt them

• Great! Your dog is quiet and looking at you!

• Now use some more treats to get your quiet pup to follow you to the kitchen

• Make up a lickimat, grab a chew, fill a Kong or Toppl

• Let's figure out where we can settle your dog with that food puzzle so they won't be primed to bark at the next tiny noise at the door

• Now you know what to do all week while I'm not with you. By the time we meet again, you'll probably see less barking at the door and more attention paid to you.

I love to see clients in person and there are wonderful things about that. Don't discount the virtual, though. You might be surprised by how much progress it can help you make.

New clients head over to the short contact form on the website.

Returning clients use this link to book.

Wondering about classes?

FREE Ask the Trainer Zoom on Saturdays at 11a (some holidays excepted).