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Writer's pictureRoxy davies

We love blended training and think you should too

Why My Dog’s Club loves blended dog training, and how we use it


What is blended training?

So, you’ve got yourself a new dog. They’ve got a brand new collar and wonderfully fluffy bed. In your mind, everything is set up perfectly for your new dog to transition into living with you. But even when we’ve done hours of research and made our home as comfortable as possible, many dogs still have a tough time adjusting.


Most owners look to dog training to iron out some teething problems and work on obedience and general desirable behaviour. Classes are the most cost-effective and accessible, but are they really what you or your dog needs? Often not.


It's best to train in low-distraction environments. Group classes, even when well run, can be the opposite. We are sticking with the science and positive experiences gained from our classes during the pandemic by going against the grain and keeping classes online. We then layer this with in-person meets and socials once you and your dog have the skills to thrive in them. We are changing the sessions to training rather than testing you and your dog. More effective, fun and value-packed. This is called blended learning.


The level of support in each session type is different. For example, 1-2-1 sessions wholly focus on your dog's needs. However, even with a package of a few sessions, time can be limited (dog training is a process, not an event; you wouldn't see a personal trainer just once). Group classes are tailored to each specific group, with modifications for each family - with lots of environmental variations that can make training harder.


Most owners dismiss online training before they give it a go. However, it has become the most common way for trainers to hone their craft with webinars, blended courses and mentorships. Guide dogs also hold their puppy training online with pup fosterers from 8 weeks to over a year. The internet is flooded with free pre-recorded training videos (varying in quality, knowledge and ethics -@kikopup on Instagram is brilliant)). The value of “in-person” coaching is unarguable, but with technology, this can be done without being in your home. The benefits of in-person training can be outweighed by the reality of dogs and owners not being ready for them - overstimulated, scared, and travel sick. Zoom enables us to watch and focus on you (rather than the weather, people being late, dogs distracting each other).



My Dog’s Club membership provides blended learning


Variety of classes

We are so proud to offer a wide variety of flexible training options. We have invested a lot into creating the most comprehensive training school possible. With a massive variety of online LIVE classes (we coach you each session, no pre-recorded sessions), in-person meets in real-life situations, socials for off-lead practice, behaviour club for 121 behaviour graduates and specialist classes for husbandry, scent work and tricks. We also have an online learning portal with recap tutorials, item reviews, and local top tips.


We’ve got your back, whatever your needs and ambitions!


We have seen an enormous difference in all puppies and dogs that have utilised classes. We've seen dogs all over the UK and pups from abroad recently.


Cost-effective support

For a monthly £45 fee, you have tailored training in your pocket. You get five credits – with online sessions costing one credit each. In-person group classes cost two credits. We are level 5 and 6 (degree level) qualified, have 25 years combined experience, and have taught other trainers. Our members get to utilise our wealth of knowledge and skills.


No delays in training

Today is the best day to start training. Reactive dogs, scared dogs, newly rescued, overexcited or high drive are welcome at MDC online classes. It removes the isolation of training by joining other owners and our community. You can use it as foundational training before your next steps, support while you save for good 1-2-1 help, or pre-vaccinated pups or rescue dogs that find the world overwhelming. You can join us for as long as you like.


Classes (husbandry, life skills and husbandry) online.

Dog training has come a long way. Obedience is brilliant, but life skills are a game-changer. We teach dogs how to learn, how to concentrate, what we are aiming for and how to communicate with each other. You get far more access to us through online training as we focus on you.


Flexibility

There is a class for everyone, with 16 to choose from each week. Skilling up with life skills classes one week and husbandry the next to work on skills for happy vet or grooming visits the next. In addition, we have a tricks class to challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and scent work to unleash your dog's potential and give them a job. Each class becomes a puzzle piece to help build the bigger picture.


Convenience

You can mix and match sessions as your dog progresses through their training. We all have busy lives and are constantly trying to juggle family and work commitments. So, when you add a dog to the mix, it can be truly overwhelming. But, flexible classes fit in, reduce stress and help you meet your goals - no weekly set commitment.


Problems at home

Practising several behaviours in a traditional class setting won't help with home-based problems such as resource guarding, urine marking, house training, destructive chewing, and separation-related distress. However, MDC online classes can set good foundations alongside 1-2-1s. In some situations, they are enough as support is tailored. For example, in one class, we trained the dogs to go to their bed. We helped each family tailor their cue to make the behaviour useful - a baby crying, opening the dishwasher, door knocking. We are training live in your lounge.


What is the function WTF of classes?

The reasons owners seek classes are different. For example, their dog is distracted, has a poor recall, barks at dogs, does not enjoy walks, or is aggressive. So the advice is often "go to classes".


Many of these situations need more support than just attending a session and going home afterwards. We provide six different 1-2-1 packages. If classes can trigger the problem, they are not the recommended first step. To learn, you and your dog need to be comfortable, calm and able to concentrate. Our classes are perfect for this! All of the benefits without the negatives. In-person, meets are sometimes a great next step. Ongoing training is brilliant for dogs' health, welfare and happiness.

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