Benefits of Virtual Training

Katherine Davidson of Dog Inspired Behavior and Training gives you the benefits of virtual training and what you can expect from working with a professional online.

Virtual Training Benefits

By: Nikki Phillips

Katherine Davidson CTC, CSAT, FFCP (Trainer) with more than eight years of experience and has worked for Montreal SPCA and Humane Society International. She currently owns a business called Dog Inspired and has clients all over the world.

Reimagining Pet Training

Generally, when people think of training their pets they envision going to a facility or inviting a professional into their home to work with the pet. When those options are not possible there is virtual training. This is a good option if you have limited access to in-person training, due to a variety of reasons. However, some people remain skeptical about the effectiveness of virtual training sessions.

According to Davidson the benefits of virtual training are vast, this format specifically allows the owner access to certified professionals, provides one on one attention, utilizes user-friendly technology, and removes stress for fearful dogs.

Virtual Trainers

Certified professional trainers have participated in specialized education programs and work continuously on developing their experience through mentoring, acquiring new certifications, and attending seminars. They are eager to share and apply the information and tools they learn along the way. Typically, these professionals also have experience working with pets in a variety of settings such as shelters, daycare centers, training facilities, and in-home consults.

Pro Tip: Seek out testimonials on Google, Facebook, and/or their websites to find the virtual trainer that best fits your need.

These certified professionals are up-to-date on practices in dog training that are science-based and humane. These methods are effective and efficient. This means you and your dog get personalized attention from a highly qualified professional without leaving the comfort of your house.

Virtual Training Formats

Virtual sessions allow for demonstrations that may not be possible during in-person training. These demonstration videos provide a visual of what a new skill should look like as you practice with your dog. This live, virtual training option will coach you through the exercise while offering guidance, techniques, and helpful feedback.

Pro Tip: Trainers, virtual and in-person, are passionate about sharing their tools and knowledge. They use positive reinforcement and non-aggressive techniques to help you train your dog.

Virtual one-on-one coaching can be personalized with follow-up emails and video homework assignments that specifically address your goals and allow for easy review for the coach or trainer.

An aspect that holds a majority of people back from virtual training is the, sometimes tricky, technology variable. To be successful in a virtual training session you will need a good internet connection and a device with a camera, mic, and speakers. Although if you access to a chat feature that could work as a communication tool if a mic and/or speakers are not an option. Becoming familiar with mainstream tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or FaceTime is also helpful.

Pro Tip: Trainers want to make it easy for the owners to connect, there are no hoops to jump through and they are willing to help owners figure out the best way to navigate the tech connection.

Best Fit

If you have a dog who exhibits signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression in new spaces or with new people, virtual training may be a good training option since you can stay home in a place where the dog feels safe. For dogs that show signs of separation anxiety, the training should be done virtually to minimize stress and keep the environment as natural and comfortable as possible.

Pro Tip: Do your research to find the best trainer for you and your dog.

For dogs that display fear or aggression, virtual training removes the stress of a stranger in their home and hopefully the pup will be more relaxed, so they are better able to practice foundation exercises. The trainer will help you construct a set-up for real life training and situations. The trainer may want to do a virtual tour of your home or training space to help set up the environment for the dog during the virtual sessions. The goal is to set you and your dog up for a successful session. When researching a trainer Davidson’s final slide provides six resources that can help in the process.

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