Private Lessons vs Day Training: Which is Best for your Pet?
When looking for training options for your pet in Fort Collins, CO, it can be difficult to choose which offered service is best. One of the more popular options that has emerged is day training. In this blog we’ll talk about how this option differs from the classic private lesson and how it might benefit those who can’t keep up with regular training for whatever reason.
what is a Private Lesson?
Private lesson are a classic training style in which the consultant comes to the client’s home, evaluates the animal, and demonstrates behavior modification techniques to the client. It is then up to the client to keep up with training their pet on their own until their next check in with the consultant.
Benefits:
This is generally a cheaper option because it needs less of the consultant’s time
Consistent positive reinforcement training sessions lead to stronger human-animal bonds
Some clients may find the process of training their pets on their own as a skill development opportunity
Limitations:
Forgetting to train the recommended three times weekly at a minimum can lead to inconsistency, which doesn’t set the pet up for success
When life gets in the way, it can be an extra stressor to make time for regular training sessions with a pet
If problems arise and something isn’t working, the client has to wait until the next check-in to get help with their pet
Private lessons are a perfectly acceptable option for many pet owners, but it does present some challenges that may make it less effective than other training options for your pet.
What is Day Training?
Day training is an emerging option among many trainers and consultants, in which they go to the client’s home at least three times per week and work with the animal themselves. This doesn’t require the presence of the owner unless requested. Then, once the animal has made progress on a behavior, the consultant demonstrates it back to the client so it can be transferred effectively.
Benefits:
The client can take care of other responsibilities while the consultant trains
Real-time trouble shooting occurs when the consultant is on-site to see the behavior modification at work
There is forced consistency, which sets up the animal for better success
Limitations:
This can be a more expensive option because it requires more of the consultant’s time
While the consultant may be able to modify a behavior effectively on their own, it still takes work on the client’s end to transfer the behavior back
Some people miss out on the skill building required to troubleshoot behavior problems, leading to a reliance on trainers to tackle future problems as well
Are Private Lessons or Day Training Better for my Pet?
This really depends.
If you…
Have the discipline to consistently work with your pet at least three times weekly
Don’t want to pay for the most expensive option
Enjoy the troubleshooting process when it comes to behavior problems
then, private lessons are a perfect option for you and your pet.
But, if you…
Have a busy lifestyle that causes making time for training sessions difficult
Get easily frustrated when issues arise during the behavior modification process
Are okay with spending a little more to get better behavior results
then, day training may be the better option for you.
It’s up to you to decide what you can reasonably handle and which option will be the best for you and your pet based on what you’ve learned.
Looking for Day Training and Private Lesson Options in Fort Collins, CO?
At Jigsaw Animal Behavior and Welfare Consulting, LLC, I provide both types of services. I train using science-backed, positive reinforcement techniques to effectively modify your animal’s behavior without breaking down human-animal bonds.
To see more about my training services, please visit my webpage here:
https://www.jigsawconsulting.org/pet-training-behavior-management
Final Thoughts: Choosing the right training for you and your pet
Every household and every pet is different. If private lessons seem difficult to keep up with, there is no shame in choosing day training. In the end, you’ll still learn what needs to be done to modify your pet’s behavior, but you’ll put in less of the work and that’s okay! This is what consultants and trainers are here for—to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between private lessons and day training for my pet?
Private lessons are when a consultant comes to the clients home less frequently to demonstrate pet behavior modification techniques. It is then up to the client to take what the consultant has demonstrated and train their pet themselves. Day training differs in that the consultant comes to the clients home more frequently to modify the animal’s behavior themselves and then, once progress has been made, transfer the behavior back to the client through demonstrations and/or reports.
Which pets can receive training services?
Any! All animals have the capacity to learn. Dogs, cats, and exotic pets can all benefit from behavior consultations and training. Positive reinforcement techniques have been documented to work for all types of animals.
What if my friends think day training is the lazy way out?
Don’t let other people judge you. It’s not lazy to accept that you don’t have the bandwidth to add another task to your plate. Consultants and trainers are here to help you and your pet achieve success.
