Group obedience is a perfect and practical way to socialize your dog. While there are many ways to socialize your dog and expose them to different environments with new sights, sounds and smells, group classes are extremely efficient. When training in a group class, the handler can socialize the dog, build their confidence, learn new skills and relieve anxiety as the energy dissipates in a structured and safe manner. Group classes offer high-value exposure to ample amounts of distractions, ranging from adults and children, to dogs, toys, food, unfamiliar environments, and new sounds and smells. These distractions work on the dog’s impulse control so the dog and handler can learn together how to work through the many distractors and associations with a variation of structured obedience exercises. This training makes getting out and having real-life experiences much easier, as your dog will be prepared, controlled, desensitized and well-socialized.
In group obedience classes the dog and handler will learn proper handling of a dog in high distraction environments. This includes, but is not limited to, all obedience commands such as sit, down, heel and place on and off leash; these skills are always being elevated in a multitude of ways to improve on aspects including duration, distance, form, focus and distractions. For example, your dog may know how to stay in the down position, but what happens if you leave their side? Can you move farther from them? Can you go out of their sight? Can they handle the down position with heavy distractions? Can they stay in a sit instead of a down? What if there are dogs and people surrounding them? In a group class, you can work on all of these things to elevate and improve their skills, making them completely ready for real-world distractions that you and your dog may face.
Group obedience classes also include a multitude of different dog breeds. It is beneficial to work on socialization and exposure to various temperaments and to minimize reactivity, as each breed has unique characteristics that you want your dog to be ready for (such as high or low energy), as well as different ages, sizes and personalities that it is important to expose your dogs to so they are prepared when they encounter them in the real world.
Beyond Obedience
Tricks and obstacles are some of the more fun and exciting parts of group classes. Obstacles are great exercise for each dog and are fundamental to building confidence. In an obedient and structured manner, dogs learn to go through tunnels, walk over ramps (experiencing different textures builds confidence in walking over new grounds), jump over walls and much more. Obstacles are a great way to create engagement between you and your dog to improve your relationship. You can improve focus and the bond with your dog by learning how to get through an obstacle course.
Attending group obedience regularly is the perfect way to set you and your dog’s day up for success from the start. Not only is it fun for you and your dog, but it gives them (and the handler!) a job to work at. You’ll start them off with the focused mental stimulation and physical exercise they need, all while being in a comfortable and safe environment. It is an asset for physical and mental well-being for your pet. You will get to problem-solve and ask questions as needed. Group class is also a cost-effective and fun way to meet people and obtain community support from other handlers and owners that may have a dog in the same situation or learning the same things as you.
Gold Coast K9 offers a variety of group classes; learn more at GoldCoastK9.com or call 805.647.1799.
Bailee Gates is the director of obedience at Gold Coast K9. Bailee grew up working with her father in the dog business and has spent the past 10 years training dogs and attending seminars with the focus on obedience, behavior modification and reactivity. For questions or to schedule training please call or text 805.297.3767. Follow them on Instagram at gck9obedience and goldcoastk9.