See Spot Sit, LLC Behavior Problems

Before you decide whether your dog's issues could be solved with a group class and basic training or if he needs private lessons, consider:

• Many typical and normal dog behaviors such as barking, chewing, jumping up on people, etc. can be addressed in the course of a basic training program. However, if a behavior has progressed to the point where it is affecting your daily life or your relationship with the dog, or seems to dominate all of your interactions with the dog, you may benefit from a focused behavior counseling program.


• Group classes offer the benefits of socialization with a wide variety of people and other dogs. This is important for most dogs, especially dogs who are mildly shy. However, some dogs who are extremely fearful of people, other dogs, or new things would do better initially with private lessons.


• Group lessons are NOT appropriate for dogs who are aggressive toward people or other dogs.


• Private lessons can generally be scheduled to meet your needs. However, the flexibility of our levels training program can accommodate most busy schedules.


• You may be able to arrange private lessons in your own home. This can be beneficial for dealing with some types of serious behavior issues such as intractable housetraining problems in an adult dog, territoriality and aggression toward visitors to the home, and separation anxiety.


• Private lessons, especially in-home lessons, will be significantly more expensive than group training.

In a nutshell:

-If you have a dog who is basically friendly but sometimes unruly and does typical "dog things" like pulling on his leash, jumping up, chewing stuff, barking, digging, etc. - this is what training is for! Remember, when you enroll in the levels training program, you are also eligible to attend the monthly Behavior Workshop - as many times as you wish! In this session, we teach prevention and treatment strategies that are applicable to all types of behavior problems. NOTE:You do not bring your dog to the Behavior Workshop.

-If your dog exhibits severe behavior issues such as aggression toward people or other dogs, if he has ever bitten a person or dog (not just puppy mouthing/biting), if he is extremely fearful or anxious, or severely destructive, you should get private help (possibly in addition to a group basic training program for non-aggressive dogs).

Ok, having read this, I'm pretty sure I do need individual help.

Unfortunately, See Spot Sit does not offer private instruction, but I am happy to give you a referral. Please ask me for a referral rather than randomly selecting a trainer! I can help you find someone with the appropriate level of skill and experience. Please send me an email with:

1. your dog's basic information (age, breed, sex)
2. where you live
3. a description of the problem you are having

You can also check the referral list at Your Dog's Friend. Click on the link for Resources-->Positive Trainers.

© 2002-, See Spot Sit, LLC
rev. 17 Aug. 2011