The Name Game: Addressing Your Dogs Individually During Group Training

My dogs enjoy group training sessions. I am too lazy most days to split up the training into individual sessions. Oh, don’t get me wrong. If I had something specific to work on, I would split it up. I use a baby gate to allow the others to watch. They take turns alone first and then we do a group session. But most days, we are just having fun so group training it is. I typically ask for different behaviors about half of the time from each dog. Each dog has their strengths and preferences for behaviors. Siri knows the widest variety and enjoys showing off. So I am mostly careful to address the dog in question by name when cueing a behavior.

But I am human, I forget. I forgot to say a dog’s name in yesterday’s training session. Instead I simply said “paw”. Siri delivered a right hook to Trent. Poor Trent took it well. They are often offering behaviors without being asked when one is asked. Thankfully, my dogs get along well with each other. So aside from the insulted look on Trent’s face that was there ever so briefly, it’s all good. And I got a fresh reminder that consistency is important on the part of the human.

After group training we move on to group play. They have an indoor playroom in my finished attic. This results in happy mentally and physically stimulated dogs. And that results in a happy dog mom.

The crew rests after training and play.