by Claire Anderson
Throughout our work and personal lives, communication has become more and more virtual—we facetime and post photos and videos to our social media accounts to stay connected with family and friends. We use collaboration tools like Slack, email, and Skype or Zoom to communicate for work. Some companies even have their onboarding and training process entirely virtual. Most would agree that living and working online saves time and helps us convey information clearly and concisely.
But can we train our dogs this way?
We think the answer is yes! Online dog training is a very effective way to train a dog, and it's something we've been doing since 2014.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Devin N. Boyer, used under a Creative Commons license.
We realize that not everyone might be on board with the idea of doing dog training sessions with your trainer virtually via online meetings. So here's a bit more information about it and why we do it:
How Does Online Dog Training Work?
Online dog training works mostly the same way an in-person training program would, except that the communication happens through a video call between you and your trainer, which is scheduled based on the training plan your trainer set up for you. Generally, online dog training sessions with your trainer are similar to how they would be in person! Except to teach you techniques and behaviors, your trainer will usually demonstrate them with their dog, or by themselves, on video, and then coach you through it. What happens in your session next is dependent on your progress and where you're at in your training program.
An overview/review email is sent after each online training session and sometimes includes supplemental reading or videos and the homework for the week.
Online Dog Training for Separation Anxiety and Fearful Dogs
If your dog has any degree of separation anxiety, online training is a better way to be able to assess your dog's anxiety. In these cases, we instruct our clients to turn the camera onto their dogs while they move away or leave the house. Then the trainer can observe your dog's body language (which is super important) and assess the degree of anxiety.
Benefits to Online Dog Training
Most of the time, online dog training is just as effective as in-person dog training. There are quite a few perks, too!
An affordable option. Save that moolah for more treats and toys for your pup! Most of the time, online dog training is less expensive than in-person training programs.
Useful for separation or isolation anxiety. Sometimes, having a trainer present can throw an animal off of their routine and increase stress. Online training eliminates that problem so that progress can be faster.
One of the best options for fearful dogs. When a dog has severe fear and anxiety about new people in their home, they often become aggressive or even hide, which makes it challenging to work with them during an in-person session. With online training, the trainer can better teach many foundational tools and behaviors and also avoid causing additional stress to the dog.
You can stay in your pajamas! Isn't that what we all want?
If you're sick or your health is at risk, you can still safely work with a trainer. During the cold and flu season, online training eliminates the risk of infection.
If you live in a rural or remote area, there may not be trainers who can meet at your home. Online training to the rescue! Scheduling is more flexible since the trainer does not have to drive to your home, which is a definite perk in our busy lives!
More realistic behavior tends to occur when a professional is not in the room. We hear clients say all the time, "he’s so much better behaved when you're here!" Online dog training eliminates this problem.
What Do I Need for Online Dog Training?
Do you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone and an internet connection? If so, you're set! You don't need to download or any apps or create any accounts.
Online training is a practical, effective, and affordable method to train a dog (or cat). Especially during periods that you may find yourself stuck at home due to illness or weather, online training can make a substantial positive change in your relationship with your pet. When you commit to a customized online training program, you are embarking on a journey with your pet, your family, and your trainer that will produce fantastic results.
“Claire was an absolutely wonderful trainer for our 8 yr old adoptee Mae, who had a lot of fearful and anxious behaviors. We did our sessions online, and her powers of observation through the screen were incredible! She picked up on cues we had been missing and helped us work with our pup on training and confidence-building. Now that we have better communication with Mae, we’re all so much happier! She’s like a brand new dog.”