The Benefits of Virtual Dog Training
Virtual dog training is here, and it’s making a big impact on the way we live with our dogs and access support. Trainers and behavior consultants all over the world are transitioning to virtual services to support wider audiences and offer more specialized care. While in-person training services aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, there are some unique benefits to choosing to work with a trainer virtually.
Specialties
With the power of the internet, trainers who specialize in specific cases can now offer support to ideal clients across the globe who would not otherwise be able to access care that was specified to theirs and their dogs needs. Seperation anxiety specialists, sport trainers, and those who cater to specific audiences now have the ability to connect with clients who are good fits for their services.
Data Tracking
Keeping track of daily behavior changes and progressions in training plans is a big part of any competent behavior consultant’s job. But, this can prove difficult when in-person sessions include dogs who require excess management. Instead of reviewing data and getting important information from clients, behavior consultants may spend most of their in-person session coaching dog parents on management and handling so that the dog is not disruptive during the session. In a virtual format, whiteboards, spreadsheets, videos, and tracking logs can be reviewed on a near daily basis by your consultant to help you progress faster and make adjustments as needed.
Video Review
Most dog trainers working virtually with clients will ask that clients film short videos of concerning behaviors or training sessions in order to provide tailored feedback. Videos like these allow your trainer to slow down video, provide explanation, and point out specific timestamps to help you understand what to work on next. I find that clients are able to more easily apply this feedback via video review and training remains clear and consistent.
Regular Communication
In traditional weekly in-person sessions, clients are given instruction and typically “homework” and left to their own devices for the week ahead with their dog. The problem is that miscommunication happens, and without regular review of what the client is working on, trainers are unable to offer support when people need it most. Often, real life is when the biggest problems occur with our dogs and in those moments, checking in with your trainer and adjusting plans before things can get more overwhelming or out of control is the best way forward. Regluar check-ins allow both parties to stay in touch, and allow for more comprehensive behavior support, especially in more complex cases.
Conclusion
Virtual services provide unique benefits of accessibility, specialization, and in-depth care and support that can be difficult to access with traditional in-person services. If you think virtual services are a good fit for you and your dog, check out our services page to see what offerings might serve you best.
