Does Online Dog School Make Sense? (Our Experiences)
- Anja Boecker
- Updated: 2023-11-28
In our increasingly digital world, online dog schools offer a flexible and innovative alternative to traditional dog training. But how effective are they really? In this article, we'll delve into the world of online dog training and see if it's a viable option for you and your four-legged friend.
➡ Do you know this too? You call your dog and he doesn't listen.
Whether online or in the traditional way:
Dog training is important, otherwise your dog will quickly overstep boundaries. This will damage your relationship.
This is where professional dog training can help. This usually takes place in a dog training school. This is a place that is located in a properly equipped area. With the help of a trainer, you will learn how to handle your pet in certain situations.
There are now online dog schools. You can train your dog online. In this article we will clarify whether online dog training makes sense. We compare the classic dog school with the online dog school.
Enjoy reading 😊
What is an online dog school?
Distance learning courses have been around for a long time. You can find them in all directions. Business as a distance learning course, continuing education through correspondence courses, and many other options. So why not choose the online dog school option?
Thanks to an online dog school, the classes and the dog trainer come virtually to your home. In principle, this is similar to on-site dog training. With an online dog school, you receive various course content on your laptop or mobile phone. What you do with the information is up to you.
This means you are not tied to fixed times. Typically, you and your furry friend set the pace. Ultimately, the online dog school is an alternative to the traditional on-site dog school. It is also designed to make life easier and better for you and your dog.
But what exactly are the benefits of this type of training in the end? Does it have more advantages, or do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages? Who is winning the race? The traditional dog school or the online dog school?
How Modern Dog Training Works
The world of dog training has expanded considerably with the introduction of online dog schools. But how does an online dog school actually work? Let's take a look behind the scenes together and find out what these digital training platforms offer and how they work.
Typical Procedure
- Registration and course selection: The first step is usually to register on an online platform. Here you can choose different courses depending on your dog's needs and level of training.
- Structured learning modules: Most online dog schools offer structured courses that are divided into individual modules. Each module covers a specific topic, from basic commands to advanced training techniques.
- Learn at your own pace: A big advantage is that you and your dog can learn at your own pace. You decide when and how often to work through the material.
Offerings and Resources
- Video tutorials: At the heart of many online courses are video tutorials in which professional instructors provide step-by-step instructions.
- Written instructions and practice plans: In addition to the videos, there are often written instructions and exercise plans that can be downloaded and used for daily training.
- Interactive elements: Some platforms offer interactive elements such as quizzes or games to make learning more varied and entertaining.
Different Teaching Methods
- Positive reinforcement: Many online dog schools emphasize positive reinforcement training methods. This creates an environment that encourages the dog to learn.
- Individualized learning paths: Some platforms allow you to tailor the training to your dog's individual needs and learning pace.
- Expert tips and feedback: Some courses allow you to ask questions directly to the instructor or receive feedback on specific training topics.
Online dog schools are a dynamic and flexible option for dog training. They offer a variety of resources and teaching methods that can be adapted to different needs and learning styles. While they cannot completely replace the in-person training experience, they are a valuable addition to home training.
Traditional and Online Dog Schools: The Pros and Cons
Traditional and virtual dog schools have the same goals. A dog school helps you train your dog. This in turn improves the relationship between the two of you.
The goals of dog training are
- Improve adaptability
- Better control of your dog
- Easier interaction with other people, children and animals
- More relaxed walks
- Build your dog's confidence
- Promoting health (both physical and mental)
- Better dog socialization
The most important question is whether you can achieve these goals with either type of training. To answer this question, you should look at the advantages and disadvantages of the different dog training schools.
On-Site Dog Training: Pros & Cons
The great advantage of a classic dog schools is that the dog trainer is on site with your dog. Not only is the dog trainer present, but so are other dog owners with their four-legged friends. This promotes the socialization of your dog. He will learn how to interact with other breeds and people.
Another advantage of the classic dog school is the availability of various aids. These are usually freely available. This means that you don't have to buy different equipment first. You can concentrate on training right away.
The classic local dog school is not particularly suitable for young, shy and anxious pups. This is because the first few hours are spent on acclimation. You're not paying for effective training in the beginning, you're paying for acclimation. If your pet is anxious or shy, it will take several hours to acclimate.
In general, cost is a major factor in traditional dog training. The financial outlay is not insignificant. Classical group training (over several weeks) can cost between 80 and 200 Euros (or more), depending on duration and content. An individual lesson with a good dog trainer often costs around 70 Euros. But there is still a lot of room for improvement. Travel costs are usually added.
Online Dog Training: Pros & Cons
The world of dog training has changed dramatically with the advent of online dog schools. These digital platforms offer a variety of opportunities and challenges for both dog owners and their four-legged friends. Let's take a look at the common experiences, benefits and challenges of this modern training method.
General Experience
Many dog owners who have chosen an online dog school report a convenient and flexible learning environment. They can complete training on their own schedule, which is especially beneficial for working professionals. Online courses also offer a variety of training modules ranging from basic commands to specific behavior corrections.
Advantages & Benefits
The advantages and disadvantages of traditional dog schools are the opposite pros and cons of online dog training.
- Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages is the ability to train anytime, anywhere. This allows you to fit your workouts into your everyday life. You are not tied to fixed times or days. This makes it easier for you to fit training into your everyday life. Online dog training is the ideal solution for working people and families.
- For anxious dogs: It is also an advantage that online dog training is suitable for younger, anxious and shy dogs. Such dogs often find it difficult to adjust to new environments and people. This takes a lot of time without having started a training session. With the online school, you can get started with your dog right away.
- Diverse learning materials: Online platforms offer a wide range of learning materials, including videos, written instructions and interactive elements that appeal to different learning styles.
- Access to expert knowledge: Many online dog schools are run by experienced trainers who share their expertise in well-structured courses.
- Cost efficiency: A major benefit of online dog training is the low cost. In many cases, online courses are less expensive than traditional dog schools, making them an affordable option.
Challenges
With an online school, you or your dog have no direct contact with a dog trainer. This is the biggest drawback of a virtual school.
- Limited feedback: While some online courses offer personalized feedback, many lack the ability to receive direct feedback from an instructor, which can be helpful in correcting behavioral issues.
- Personal accountability and discipline: The success of online training depends heavily on the dog owner's self-motivation and discipline. Consistency in training is essential.
- Lack of social interaction: A potential disadvantage is the lack of direct social interaction for the dog. In traditional dog schools, the dog learns how to behave in the presence of other dogs and people.
Online dog schools are an innovative and flexible solution for modern dog training. They offer many advantages, but also require a high degree of personal initiative and commitment. They cannot completely replace traditional dog schools, but they are a valuable addition to every dog owner's training repertoire.
Costs of Online Dog Training
The cost of online training varies widely. The fact is, however, that they are less expensive than classroom training. There are many providers on the Internet with different price ranges and billing methods.
The most common billing methods are monthly, yearly, or one-time payments. The price for a one-time payment for an online course is around $100. For larger course packages, the cost is closer to $200-300. However, you get lifetime access to the content.
The average monthly price is $15, with annual subscriptions costing around $80. This means that the price of an annual subscription is usually the same as the price of one private lesson with a local dog trainer. If you can motivate yourself to learn with your dog, the online option is much cheaper.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the help of an experienced dog trainer. For difficult problems, we therefore recommend a local dog school. For normal training issues, an online version such as our Hundeo App mostly from.
Overview of On-Site & Online Dog Training
Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons:
| School | Advantages & Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Classic |
|
|
| Online |
|
|
What to Look For in Online Dog Schools
There are several options for an online dog school. It is therefore important to prioritize when choosing an online dog school.
Video Courses
In addition to written tips, the online dog school should also offer video courses. With the help of video courses, the dog school's tips can be better internalized. Step-by-step instructions are best. This will really lead you to your goal.
Training Apps
There are some online dog training schools that only present a few simple recorded videos on their website. The lack of a mobile solution in the form of an app often indicates that the publisher has made little effort to provide the best possible convenience to their customers.
An app can remind you to work out, suggest personalized plans, and measure your progress. Plus, you always have your phone and an app with you. It's even better if the app has an offline mode. That way, you can train your dog in the backyard or park when there is no internet service.
Certifications
There are no legal regulations governing who can offer their services as a dog trainer on the Internet. You should therefore make sure that you have a qualified training. You can also specifically ask for a certificate.
At Hundeo we work with certified nutritionists, veterinarians and dog trainers for all content.
Meaningful Training Content
An online dog school should provide meaningful training content. After all, it's no use if the training content doesn't give you any useful knowledge.
It is also important that there are different aspects that your dog can learn. An ideal program might look like this:
- Learn basic commands such as sit, down, stay, no, out, heel, come.
- Good training courses such as leash and recall training should be available.
- Holistic approaches are also desirable, such as tips on how to properly engage the dog with tricks and games, or even kong recipes.
The above is more of a beginner's course. There are also other courses that build on the owner's previous knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
With an online dog school, the lessons and the dog trainer come virtually to your home. The principle is similar to on-site dog training. With an online dog school, you receive various course content on your laptop or similar. What you do with the material is up to you.
A big advantage of online dog training is the low cost. Another advantage is that you can schedule your training sessions at your convenience. This means that you are not tied to fixed times or days. This makes it easier for you to fit the training into your everyday life.
With online dog schools, there is no instructor on site to interact directly with you and your dog. There are also no other dogs for your dog to socialize with.
Many online dog schools offer specialized courses for various behavior problems. However, serious problems may require a personal evaluation by a professional trainer.
It depends on the dog and the type of training. In general, shorter and more frequent training sessions are more effective than long and infrequent ones.
Online training programs are generally appropriate for puppies. They provide structured learning content tailored to the developmental stages of young dogs. It is important that these programs cover the basics of dog training, such as socialization, basic commands, and housetraining.
Puppies have short attention spans. Therefore, training should be done in short, positive reinforcement sessions. One of the most important goals of puppy training is socialization. While online courses can provide useful tips, it is important that puppies have real-life experiences with other dogs and people.
Online training programs can be an excellent learning opportunity for puppies. They offer flexibility and a variety of training methods. However, it is important to combine them with real-life experiences to ensure the puppy's complete socialization and development.
Dog training schools play an important role in the training of dogs. They offer structured training programs that can include basic obedience exercises as well as specialized training. They also provide a platform for the dog to socialize with other dogs and people.
Whether a dog school is necessary depends on a number of factors, including the dog's individual needs and the owner's preferences. Both online and in-person dog schools have their advantages. Ultimately, you should make the decision that best suits your situation and your dog's needs.
Online dog schools are ideal for dog owners who are flexible or live in remote areas. They offer a variety of resources and allow you to learn at your own pace.
With physical dog training, the dog benefits from direct social interaction and the opportunity to learn in a group environment. Owners also receive direct feedback from professional trainers.
Some dogs need more social interaction or specific guidance that can be better provided in a physical dog school. The decision also depends on your own availability and willingness to actively participate in the training process. Depending on what you and your dog are trying to accomplish, one dog school may be more appropriate than another.
Conclusion
After taking a closer look at the concept of online dog training schools, we can say that they play an important role in modern dog training. They offer a convenient, flexible and often cost-effective way to expand your knowledge of dog training and strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend.
Online dog schools are especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or who live in areas where access to traditional dog schools is limited. With a variety of courses ranging from basic obedience to specific behavioral issues, they provide a comprehensive learning platform.
However, it is important to emphasize that online dog schools cannot replace the direct, in-person experience of a physical dog school. In particular, the dog's social interaction with other dogs and people is an aspect that is difficult to replicate online.
Overall, online dog schools are an excellent resource that can be used as a supplement to traditional dog training. They do require a certain level of self-motivation and commitment, but the flexibility and variety of learning content make them an attractive option for many dog owners.
Ultimately, deciding whether an online dog school is right for you and your dog depends on your individual needs, your lifestyle and the goals you have for training your dog.
Whether online or in person, the most important thing is that you and your dog have fun learning and growing together.
Have you heard about our online dog training application? Created in collaboration with our experts, it has everything you need for holistic dog training. The app is divided into tricks, games, recipes and courses. You'll find courses on training, health and nutrition for your dog. Just give it a try.
More about Hundeo App here.
My name is Anja Boecker, and I am a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. With these articles, I want to help you to understand your dog better and to build an inseparable bond.
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