In a world where more and more of our learning is moving online, there’s a common misconception that virtual dog training can’t compare to in-person classes. How can something that takes place at home possibly be effective out in the real world?
The truth might surprise you.
Online dog training not only equips your dog with real-world skills, but it also helps you become the ultimate trainer for your dog, all while allowing you to train in the comfort of your own home. In this blog, we’ll debunk the myths about online dog training and show you how Absolute Dogs games-based concept training is changing lives - both for humans and dogs.
Skilling Your Dog for Life: Training FOR the Situation, Not In It
Traditional training often focuses on isolated behaviours - like sit, stay, or heel - but these rarely equip your dog for real-world situations. The reality is, your dog needs a toolbox of skills to handle life’s unpredictable moments and be equipped to make the very best decisions in any situation.
With concept training, the focus shifts from training behaviours to building broader skills (or concepts) - like calmness, focus, optimism, and self-control.
By preparing your dog FOR life’s challenges rather than waiting for the challenge to occur, you build a dog that can handle anything.
Training FOR the situation means your dog learns in a calm, familiar environment before encountering distractions like other dogs, people, or unexpected events, helping them make great choices when it really matters.
The Value of Not Putting Your Dog in Situations They Aren’t Ready For
One of the biggest mistakes in dog training is putting your dog in overwhelming situations before they’re ready. Whether it's walking through a busy park, encountering a high-energy puppy, feeling pressured to “socialise” your dog, or heading to a class full of other dogs, your dog may not have the necessary skills to handle these stressors. Just as importantly, they’re not in the best learning space.
This is why training for the situation is so crucial - and why homeschooling your dog is so valuable.
Safeguarding your dog’s experiences guards their optimism, minimises the chance of your dog ending up in a situation they don’t have the skills to handle, and prevents them from rehearsing unwanted behaviours - whether that’s lunging, barking, chasing off after exciting distractions, or pulling on the lead.
As you strengthen their skills at home, through simple games that fit into your daily routine, your dog will gradually be prepared to face the outside world with confidence, ensuring that every new experience is a positive one.
The Sexier Than A Squirrel Challenge: How a Pandemic Solution Changed Dog Training Forever
During the pandemic, when in-person dog training classes were cancelled, dog owners worldwide found themselves in a bind. Enter the Sexier Than A Squirrel Dog Training Challenge - a revolutionary online programme that has since helped tens of thousands of dog owners across the globe.
Designed to be accessible for all dog owners, regardless of their previous experience with dog training, this unique challenge is packed with fun, easy games which teach your dog the skills they need to make better decisions in the real world.
It’s all about creating value for you, the owner, so your dog chooses to focus on you over other distractions - yes, even a squirrel! The challenge can be completed from the comfort of your home, and with each game, you build essential skills like recall, calmness, and focus, making real-life training situations a breeze.
But don’t just take our word for it! Check out these super testimonials from Gamechangers who have embraced online dog training and discovered just how transformational it can be.
Common Objections to Online Training - and Why They Don’t Hold Up
OK, so that all sounds pretty good, but how can it possibly be as effective as getting hands-on training from a real person?
Let’s consider some of the most common objections, and why they really don’t hold up against the facts.
“My dog won’t behave if I don’t have a trainer present.”
In reality, whether you're learning in-person or online, you are always your dog's primary trainer.
Not only that, your training sessions represent a tiny snapshot of your life with your dog. It’s what happens the rest of the time that has the biggest impact on your dog’s learning. Great dog training is about equipping you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to work with your dog - and to build a truly great relationship.
Here at Absolute Dogs, our range of online training courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge to train your dog and tackle specific challenges with confidence. From targeted courses addressing common training challenges such as separation anxiety, pulling on lead, barking, poor recall and reactivity to Games Club - our online membership programme and the home of games-based training - there really is something to suit everyone.
“I need expert input - not just a series of videos!”
Of course, online training doesn’t mean you’re left to flounder without input from a qualified, experienced professional. If you feel you need that extra level of support for handling a tricky behavioural challenge, online dog training is still a great option.
Not only does training online mean you’re able to get advice and support without putting your dog in a situation which is going to challenge their skills, you have the flexibility to choose a trainer who truly meets your dog’s specific needs, even if they aren’t local.
Would you prefer someone with top-notch education, experience, certifications, and qualifications, or someone with limited knowledge simply because they offer classes locally?
Our Pro Dog Trainer Connect consultations are a great option for those who need extra support. These are a chance to receive tailored, personalised dog training guidance from one of our Pro Dog Trainer experts, with coaching that targets your specific struggles and an actionable, expert-crafted training plan.
“Don’t I need a trainer with me to observe my dog?”
With online training, you don’t need a trainer in the room to spot problem areas.
Whether you choose to follow an online video-based course, or train with a professional in a 121 or group class, great online training will ensure you have the tools to succeed.
As you become your dog’s expert you’ll learn to recognise subtle signs in your dog’s behaviour and adjust accordingly.
The Importance of Charging Your Human Battery
Here at absolute Dogs our positive training approach goes way beyond dog training. We firmly believe that mental wellbeing, a supportive community, personal growth and investing in your own learning are all vital pieces of the puzzle too.
Which is why our training approach is as much about supporting people as it is about supporting dogs. It’s about bringing positivity to dog training and all aspects of your life.
Having things in the calendar which allow you to invest in your own learning, and surrounding yourself with the right people, are so important.
Which is why our annual online dog training event Super Trainer Live is such a pivotal part of our calendar here at Absolute Dogs. This immersive three-day event is for dog owners and dog trainers of all experience levels. It’s about fuelling your passion, growing your skills, building your knowledge, mindset, and resilience.
By recharging your own “human battery,” you set yourself up for long-term success in your dog training journey. Much like athletes need coaches to help them excel, dog owners benefit from support and expert guidance.
Events like Super Trainer Live provide that boost of energy and inspiration, new insights, and practical strategies that make you the best possible trainer for your dog.
Have you got your ticket yet? We’d absolutely LOVE to have you in the virtual room at our 10th Anniversary edition of this epic event!
How Games-Based Training Prepares You for Real-Life Situations
Unlike traditional dog training methods, which rely on repetitive commands, games-based training works on your dog’s brain, helping them learn valuable life skills through play.
These games tap into essential concepts like proximity (staying close to you), disengagement (ignoring distractions), and calmness (staying relaxed in stimulating environments).
By teaching your dog the value of proximity, you’ll transform walks. No more pulling or running off. Your dog will learn to stay close to you naturally, making outdoor adventures more enjoyable.
By playing games that teach your dog the skill of disengagement, you will find they are much more able to ignore distractions, without you having to nag, or guide their choices. Suddenly the neighbour’s cat or that squirrel aren’t so tempting anymore!
And by teaching your dog to flex their optimism muscle, you change their brain to be more optimistic. Suddenly, things that spooked them are less scary. Situations that might previously have overwhelmed them, they can now take in their stride.
This is truly powerful. And it all starts with games you can learn online and play at home!
Online Dog Training: The Future of Dog Education
As the digital world continues to evolve, more dog owners are discovering the incredible benefits of online training. Unlike crowded and overwhelming group classes, virtual learning allows you to train at your own pace, free from distractions.
Personalised plans ensure that you’re working on the exact challenges your dog faces, and games-based methods make it fun for both you and your dog.
The myth that online dog training can’t be as effective as in-person classes is just that - a myth. With the right guidance, an interactive approach, a supportive community like the one our Games Club students enjoy, and a focus on long-term skills, online training really does deliver!
It offers flexibility, personalised support, and real-world results that can’t always be achieved in traditional training settings. By teaching your dog essential skills through concept-based games, you’re not just training for the here and now - you’re setting them up for life.
Ready to give it a try? The Sexier Than A Squirrel Dog Training Challenge and Super Trainer Live await to help you and your dog unlock your full potential.
Join Our Free Dog Online Training Events and Stay Ahead!
Here at Absolute Dogs, we love empowering dog owners through fun and engaging free online training events! We regularly host live sessions that dive deep into solving common challenges and building strong, lasting relationships with your dog.
Recent events have included Stop Reactivity Live, which focused on helping owners manage reactive behaviours, Mindset Mastery for Dog Owners Live which gave participants the tools to become more confident and effective in their training, and There's a Trick For That Live Tricks Masterclass which introduced playful ways to build skills with your dog.
These events offer valuable insights and actionable tips, and they’re completely free! To stay in the loop and get exclusive invitations to future live sessions, simply pop your email address into the form below and be the first to know about upcoming events.
Don't miss out on the next game-changing opportunity for you and your dog!
