Staci Lemke 00:00:00 Today on The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that’s changing the way pet parents train their pups. Online dog training courses. Welcome to the Well-mannered Mutt podcast. I’m Staci Lemke, certified professional dog trainer, registered veterinary technician, and proud owner of Manners For Mutts Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped countless dog owners just like you build stronger, happier relationships with their furry friends from private lessons to online courses. I’m here to help make life with your dog easier and more rewarding. I believe in training that is kind, fun, and scientifically proven. Positive reinforcement is at the core of everything I do, because it’s the most effective way to teach your dog while strengthening your bond. Whether you’re tackling basic training, solving behavior challenges, or just looking for tips to keep your pup thriving, you’re in the right place. So let’s dive into today’s episode and take the first step toward having the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. I’m sure we can all agree that when you bring a new puppy or a new dog into your life, training is essential.
Staci Lemke 00:01:12 Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness and safety, as well as an investment in the future relationship you’ll have with your dog. Training can make everyday activities like walks, vet visits and play times more enjoyable, leading to a happier and healthier dog. These days, numerous options are available for pet parents in the market. For dog training, you can choose the traditional in-person classes where you and your dog go to the trainer and the facility and learn with other dogs and owners. You can choose in-person private training, where the trainer comes to you in your home and works one on one with you and your dog. You can choose day training, where a professional trainer works one on one with your dog during the day, but the dog remains in your home at night. You can choose board and train where the dog goes away to live with a trainer for a period of time, and then returns to the owner once the training is done. Or you can choose online dog training where you purchase a class or a course and work through it on your own.
Staci Lemke 00:02:10 Or you can choose a combination of any of these that I’ve mentioned above today on the Well Mannered Mutt podcast, we’re diving into a topic that’s changing the way pet parents train their pups. Online dog training courses. Whether you’re dealing with a puppy who bites everything in sight, a dog who won’t stop pulling on leash, or just want a well-mannered companion, online training might be the perfect solution for you. So let’s talk about why more and more dog owners are turning to online courses, and how they can set you and your pup up for success. Nobody ever gets a puppy and says, I can’t wait to clean up my first potty mess. If you’re a new puppy owner, you know that potty training can be frustrating and stressful for both you and your new puppy. If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed with puppy potty training, then my online course, Easy Peasy Puppy potty training is for you. In this course, you’ll get step by step instructions on how to potty train your puppy with less stress and less mess.
Staci Lemke 00:03:14 Head over to manners for mutts. Com backslash potty training. To learn more. Unlike dog training, courses started gaining popularity in the early 20 tens as the internet became more widespread and video based learning platforms grew. However, their popularity skyrocketed during the Covid pandemic when in-person training classes were limited or unavailable. During this time, many dog trainers moved their services online and pet owners turned to virtual courses for puppy training, behavior modification, and enrichment activities. The success of online training proved that it was not only convenient, but also highly effective. Since then, online dog training has continued to grow, with more trainers offering on demand video lessons, live virtual coaching and interactive training programs. Today, online dog training is a mainstream option for dog owners looking for flexible, expert led and cost effective training solutions both online and in-person. Dog training has advantages, and the best choice depends on the dog, the owner’s lifestyle and the training goals. So let’s compare the benefits of online training with the benefits of in-person dog training.
Staci Lemke 00:04:32 Online dog training provides flexibility and convenience. You can train on your schedule without worrying about class times or a commute. There’s no need to fit into a trainer schedule. Train when it works for you, whether early morning, late at night, or during a lunch break, online courses fit into busy lifestyles. Online courses are cost effective. Professional dog training can be expensive, but online courses provide expert advice at a fraction of the cost, often with lifetime access to the information. Online dog training provides self-paced learning owners can go at their own speed, revisiting lessons as needed. Rewind, pause, and review lessons as often as needed. There’s no pressure to keep up with the group or rush through training. Online dog training gives you access to expert trainers. You can get guidance from experienced trainers no matter where you live, even if there are no reputable or experienced trainers in your area. Online training can be less stressful for dogs, especially dogs who are nervous, reactive, or easily distracted in new environments. Let’s face it, some dogs struggle in new environments and around other dogs, and online training lets them learn in a calm, familiar setting where they feel safe.
Staci Lemke 00:05:49 Online dog training allows whole family involvement. Multiple family members can participate in the training process together. Everyone in the household can watch the lessons and stay consistent with training, leading to better, faster results. You get immediate access to the training information. Why wait for a class or private session. Online courses provide instant solutions to common behavior issues like puppy biting, potty training, leash pulling, and more. And you can get lifetime access. As I stated earlier, many online courses include lifetime access to the information so that you can revisit lessons as your dog grows and your needs change. So let’s compare this to in-person dog training. With in-person dog training, you get immediate feedback. Trainers can observe your dog in real time and adjust the techniques instantly. You’ll get hands on guidance. Some skills, like leash handling or body language interpretation, are easier to teach in person. In-person training can provide socialization opportunities. Group classes expose dogs to new people and other dogs in a controlled setting, and this can be a good thing as long as your dog is comfortable around other dogs.
Staci Lemke 00:07:00 In-person training provides a structured environment. Committing to a class or private sessions adds accountability and structure. Many dog owners find that a combination of both works best, using online resources for foundational skills and in-person training for hands on guidance and socialization. So are you ready to try online training for your dog? Here are some things to look for when shopping for an online course. First, look for certified professional dog trainers with experience in positive reinforcement training. You want trainers that use science backed techniques. Avoid trainers that rely on dominance theory or punishment. Make sure the trainer has a background in canine behavior. Look for certifications such as C, D, BC, which stands for Certified Dog Behavior Counselor, CPT, which stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer, or Cfpa certified, which is Karen Pryor Academy. For the actual course, look for clear, step by step instructions and easy to follow lessons. No matter what skill level you’re at. Does the course cover issues specific to your needs, such as leash pulling, puppy training or reactivity.
Staci Lemke 00:08:15 You should get video demonstrations. Dogs learn visually and so do we. Look for downloadable resources, worksheets, training plans, and cheat sheets help reinforce learning. Also, look for lifetime access or flexible schedules so that you can train at your own pace. Does the course provide support such as live coaching or Q&A sessions with the trainer for troubleshooting? Many online courses offer access to a private community for trainer feedback and personalized help. A structured program with progress tracking will provide accountability and keep you motivated. Can you access the course on mobile, tablet or desktop? Is the website or platform user friendly? Are the lessons short and engaging or long and complicated? And finally, compare pricing expensive doesn’t always mean better. Consider what’s included bonuses, extra lessons, or expert Q&A. A great online course should be effective. engaging and easy to follow. Setting you and your dog up for success. Do your research, trust the experts, and get ready for a well-behaved pup. Want recommendations? Let me know what you’re looking for.
Staci Lemke 00:09:26 Matters For Mutts offers a wide variety of online courses covering topics from raising a puppy to living with an adolescent dog. And I’ll attach a link to our online courses for you in the show notes. Thank you for joining me today and taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt. If you’ve got questions about today’s episode, or an idea for a topic you’d love to hear about, let’s connect. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram at Manners For Mutts. Also, be sure to visit mannersformutts.com for links, resources and more. If this episode helped you and your pup, I’d be thrilled if you left a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps me create even more content to support you and your furry friend. Talk to you next time.
