Choosing the right type of dog training is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. With so many options available, it can be tough to know what will actually work for your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Two of the most common formats are group training classes and private in-home training.

But which is best? The answer depends on your dog’s temperament, the behaviours you’re trying to address, and the kind of support you want during the training process.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between group and private dog training, highlight the pros and cons of each, and help you decide what’s right for you and your dog.

What Is Group Dog Training?

Group training classes are held in public or semi-public locations, like community centres, pet stores, or training facilities. Dogs and their owners attend scheduled sessions alongside several other participants. These classes are often geared toward basic obedience, puppy socialization, or specific skills like leash manners.

Pros of Group Dog Training

• Socialization opportunities: Group classes give dogs exposure to other dogs and people in a controlled setting.

• Cost-effective: Group sessions typically cost less per hour than private training.

• Structured curriculum: Classes follow a standard progression, which can be helpful for learning foundational commands.

Cons of Group Dog Training

• Limited individual attention: Trainers must divide time among several participants, which may slow down progress if your dog needs extra support.

• Distractions: Some dogs struggle to focus around other dogs, especially in early stages of training.

• Fixed schedule: Classes usually run on a set timetable, which may not suit your availability or your dog’s learning pace.

What Is Private Dog Training?

Private dog training takes place one-on-one with a professional trainer. Sessions are often held in your home, but some may occur in outdoor public spaces or private facilities. At Bark Busters Canada, all of our training is done in your home, where your dog feels most comfortable—and where problem behaviours typically occur.

Pros of Private Dog Training

• Personalized attention: Training is tailored specifically to your dog’s temperament, behaviour, and learning style.

• Faster results: Focused sessions in your home environment allow for more efficient learning and real-time corrections.

• Solves real-world issues: Private training addresses problems like barking at the door, jumping on guests, leash pulling, and separation anxiety where they actually happen.

• Flexible scheduling: Sessions are arranged around your availability, making it easier to stay consistent.

Cons of Private Dog Training

Higher initial cost: One-on-one sessions may cost more up front than group classes, but they often require fewer sessions.

How to Choose Between Group and Private Dog Training

To make the right choice, start by evaluating your dog’s needs and your goals.

Choose Group Training If:

• Your dog is social, friendly, and not easily distracted.

• You want to teach basic obedience or reinforce existing skills.

• Your main goal is puppy socialization.

• You’re looking for an affordable option and don’t need help with serious behaviour issues.

Choose Private Training If:

• Your dog has behaviour challenges like barking, aggression, anxiety, or leash reactivity.

• You want faster progress and deeper understanding of your dog’s behaviour.

• Your schedule is unpredictable, or your dog isn’t suited for group settings.

• You want personalized guidance in your own home.

What About Puppies?

Both formats can be helpful for young dogs, but it depends on the puppy’s confidence and focus. If your puppy is shy, reactive, or overwhelmed in new environments, private training can help build a strong foundation first. Once confidence improves, group classes can offer healthy exposure in a more structured way.

At Bark Busters, we often begin with private sessions for puppies to ensure they’re ready to succeed in any environment, then guide owners on how to socialize safely and positively.

What Makes In-Home Training Different?

Unlike most private trainers, Bark Busters offers in-home behavioural training. This method goes beyond teaching commands. We focus on helping you become a calm, confident leader your dog wants to follow.

We don’t use treats or punishment. Instead, we teach you how to communicate with your dog using body language, tone, and consistent cues. This approach helps your dog respond to your leadership anywhere, not just in class.

Best of all, we offer a Lifetime Support Guarantee. That means ongoing help for the life of your dog. If new behaviours arise down the line, we’re just a call away. Visit barkbusters.ca and enter your postal code to find your local trainer. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dog training. Group classes can be a great fit for teaching basic skills and boosting confidence in social dogs. But if your dog needs personalized help, struggles with behaviour issues, or simply learns better in a familiar setting, private in-home training may be the best investment you can make.

At Bark Busters, our experienced trainers are here to help, whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or correcting long-standing behaviours.

Visit www.barkbusters.ca today to find a trainer near you and start your journey toward a calmer, more behaved dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private dog training worth it?
Yes, especially if your dog struggles with behavioural issues or doesn’t thrive in distracting environments. Private training allows for faster progress and long-term behaviour change tailored to your dog’s needs.

Can I switch from group to private training?
Absolutely. Many pet owners start with group classes and realize they need more one-on-one help. This is a very common occurrence. The number one comment we hear from clients is “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”.

How many training sessions does a dog need?
It depends on the dog and the goals. Some issues can be improved within a few sessions, while others may take longer. At Bark Busters, most owners see noticeable results in the first few hours of training.

Do you offer dog training near me in Canada?
Yes. Bark Busters has trainers in many major cities across Canada. Visit barkbusters.ca and enter your postal code to find a trainer near you.

Is in-home dog training better than classes?
For behaviour issues that occur in the home—like barking, separation anxiety, or aggression—yes. In-home training solves problems where they happen, in real time, with minimal distractions.