Agility training is an incredible way to bond with your dog and work on their physical and mental fitness. Getting started can be tricky, though, especially if you’re new to this fun and addictive hobby. Training dog agility online is an effective and fun way to jump in.
Have you been searching for “dog agility training near me” and coming up empty? If so, it might be time to try online agility training. Learn more about the benefits of online training, as well as how to choose the best online training course, below.
Benefits of training dog agility online
Why should you consider online dog agility training instead of working with an in-person trainer? Here are some of the top reasons to consider this approach:
Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of online dog agility training is that it’s convenient.
When you learn from an in-person trainer, you have to stick to a strict schedule. If you’re like most people, you already have a lot of tasks and events packed into your daily calendar, and you know how tough it can be to add one more thing to the list.
That’s where online training comes in handy.
Whether you prefer practicing in the morning, afternoon, or evening, with online training, you can access professional instruction when it works best for you and your dog.
Flexibility
You also can’t overlook the flexibility of online training. Not only do you get to train according to your personal schedule, but you also get to train in your preferred location — indoors, outdoors, etc.
Say your dog gets nervous in new places. If they feel nervous, they might be less comfortable learning new tricks and skills.
On the other hand, if you’re practicing in a place where your dog feels comfortable, such as your own backyard or a park near your house, they’ll have an easier time focusing on you and will likely pick up new skills more quickly.
Affordability
In-person dog training, especially private training and seminars, can be quite expensive — especially when you’re working on more advanced skills like those involved in agility work. Online training is generally much more affordable — some resources are even available for free — and accessible to a broader range of people.
For example, the OneMind Dogs online platform provides access to a wide range of courses and materials geared toward different budgets. The Foundation for Agility program is packed full of powerful exercises and costs only $11 USD per month!
Customization
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dog agility training. With online training, you get to be in control. You can pick and choose the methods that work best for your dog and choose your own curriculum, which allows you to work at your own pace and work in your dog’s best interests.
Community – Join thousands worldwide in training dog agility online!
When you join an online training platform like OneMind Dogs, you get access not only to professional trainers but to a community of supportive dog owners who are also eager to build stronger relationships with their dogs and learn new skills.
It’s always nice to connect with other people who have walked in your shoes (or are currently walking in them) and want to share your frustrations, celebrate your victories, and offer tips to help you be a more effective dog trainer. Once you become part of a community, you’ll never want to go back to working alone again!
Supplemental Support
Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose exclusively between training online and training in-person. You can enjoy the best of both worlds and use a mix of the two approaches to teach your dog.
Many people use online training as a supplement to in-person training. For example, they might work with an in-person trainer once a month and spend the rest of the time collaborating with an online trainer and working through a program at their own pace.
Combining online and in-person training can be a good way to save money while still reaping the benefits of both training types. It also provides access to more professionals, which means more expert advice for you and your dog.
How to Find dog agility training online
To get the best results from your online agility training, you need to make sure you’re learning rom the best sources. The following tips can help you with your search:
Consider training methods and companies who teach dog agility online
There are lots of different ways that you can train dog agility, but not all of them are created equal.
When looking for an online training program for you and your dog, pay careful attention to the methods the trainer uses. Do they focus on things like dog body language and communication, for example? Do they seem to put the dog’s feelings and needs first?
These are crucial tenets of an effective training program that will help you grow closer to your dog and become a more effective trainer.
Check out learning resources
It helps to look at free resources — such as downloadable guides, blog posts, webinars, etc. — before you invest in a paid online training program. That way, you can get a feel for what the courses will entail and the methods the trainers use (for example, do they encourage positive reinforcement, do they focus on the dog’s perspective and keeping training fun?).
Learn about trainer credentials and experience
If you’re going to invest in a training program, you should make sure you’re paying people who know what they’re doing and know the most effective ways to support you as you teach your dog new tricks and skills, right?
It’s always a good idea to learn about the background of the specific trainers you will be learning from before you make a final choice on a training program. What kind of dog agility training education and experience do they have? How long have they been working as professional dog trainers? What do they know about educating people?
Consider customer service
With online training, you will run into challenges from time to time, and it’s crucial for you to get issues with videoing, devices, course access etc., worked out as quickly as possible.
In addition to learning about the trainers, it’s also helpful to learn about the company and how invested they are in helping you to achieve your goals with your dog.
Does the organization you’re thinking about partnering with prioritize customer service? Do they offer multiple communication options, such as email support, online chat support, etc.?
Read reviews from people who have trained dog agility online
If you’re on the fence about a particular training program, it helps to read reviews from past and current clients.
What do they have to say about the instruction they received? What kinds of results and positive changes did they see in their dogs?
Look at the pricing information
Finally, check out the program’s pricing information. How much does it cost per month? Is there a free trial to help you see if the program is a good fit for you before you commit fully? Is it more cost effective to buy a longer term subscription upfront?
Consider what you get in exchange for the price you’re paying, too. For example, what kinds of resources do you get access to? Can you send in videos of your training for personal feedback at no extra cost? How easy is it to connect with a professional if you have questions, need support, etc.?
Get started with dog agility online today
When you have the right tools and a skilled trainer by your side, dog agility training is easier than you might have initially thought.
Are you ready to complete your search for dog agility training near me? If so, OneMind Dogs has got you covered with free resources, online training, and more.
