How and why online training works
Dog guardians seeking relief for their dog’s Separation Anxiety are used to meeting with their trainers online, but for most of us—clients and trainers alike—the sudden COVID lockdown was our first experience. Virtual appointments became our only option for helping clients. Not prepared, we scrambled to adjust, learning to use a new format and adapting in real time along with you.
If your first experience with online dog training was during this time, you may not have experienced the best version of how well we can support clients with virtual appointments. Along the way both trainers and clients discovered how effective virtual training could be, often finding little difference from in-home visits.
As a behavior consultant who especially works with fearful, reactive, and environmentally sensitive dogs, I learned just how ideal virtual behavior training was for my clients. My experience was that my clients generally made faster and steadier progress with online sessions, and the client/dog teamwork was established from the start. It became an accidental experiment turned lightbulb moment. When COVID restrictions lifted and in-person training resumed, some trainers continued to offer virtual appointments. Some of us, including myself, now specialize in virtual behavior training.
Reasons to love virtual behavior training
- Online appointments allow you and your dog to learn in a calm, familiar environment without distraction, facilitating learning and retention.
- Online appointments prevent the "trainer effect" where some dogs only perform well in the trainer's presence. Fosters a strong partnership between you and your dog, encouraging your active participation in the training process and equipping you with necessary skills.
- Virtual appointments are more cost-effective and flexible than in-home appointments, eliminating travel time and fees, and are not subject to weather or COVID-related cancellations.
- Family members can participate from different locations, so no one has to miss training sessions.
- Allows us to fine-tune essential skills before introducing triggers, resulting in more efficient training.
- Transitioning to in-person training becomes easier once essential skills and concepts are in place.
- I’ll get more authentic information from your dog, as I’ll be able to observe them without being in their environment.
- Easy scheduling facilitates quick intervention, and can prevents problematic or unsafe behaviors from becoming rehearsed or established.
- Generally shorter wait lists for appointments.
- We’ll be able to work together, even if you live in an area I can’t get to in person.
- Safety measures such as muzzle conditioning can be addressed virtually, saving time and enhancing safety.
- Virtual appointments are ideal for clients who have challenges getting around, are immunocompromised or easily fatigued (e.g., due to medical treatment), or anyone preferring to avoid public spaces or visitors.
- Lastly, but equally important, there's absolutely no need for you to change out of your sweatpants ready your home for a visitor for sessions focused on preparing your dog for the arrival of your human baby. The same goes for teaching your adolescent dog emotional regulation. Teaching your dog mentally stimulating games while they're on bed-rest is also easily done virtually.
Here’s how we will work
You’ll receive a Zoom link, and we’ll meet face-to-face on the computer screen. If possible, clear some space behind you so you have room to practice the behaviors we are working on. During our session, I may demonstrate an exercise with a dog on my end or show you a video to help you visualize something. I may also share a picture to illustrate specific body language. Then it’s your turn to practice, and I’ll coach you through the screen. If you’re comfortable, I may ask you to film a short video of yourself practicing the behavior we’re working on so we can review together in session, you have you send it to me between appointments.
At the end of our appointment, I’ll remind you of what to focus on until the next session and send you relevant handouts, video links, etc., if applicable.
You’ll need access to a device with a camera, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space for the duration of our appointments, but other than that, you’re good to go.
