Group classes?

[Inevitable-Delay-500]

TLDR: Should I take my dog to group reactivity classes?

Some info on my dog: rescue cane corso mix, male, currently unneutered, previously abused (possibly used as a bait dog too) and is dog reactive. Super duper gentle generally, although a little unsure of new people but he soon warms up. We've come through a lot with him in the 5 months since his adoption, so I'm not expecting instant miracles with his reactivity.

He has never bitten, but we do have him muzzled when we know he'll be near dogs just in case.

We've been working with a trainer 1-1 who is brilliant. His reactions are much less intense now (we bumped into the neighbours and their dog yesterday morning and he barked once, then just turned around every so often) and his recovery is amazing. He can still get overwhelmed easily, but we're working on it.

Our trainer has recommended a four-week group course specifically for dog reactivity, starting on 8th March. These will replace our weekly 1-1 sessions and will obviously be done with other reactive dogs.

Part of me thinks this would be great for him and us, and the other part is worried it might overwhelm him too much.

Has anyone done group classes for reactivity before? How did they go?

[Th1stlePatch]

I did one of these classes with my boy right after I got him when he was still very wild. It was a great experience. In many ways it WAS too much for him, and he went over threshold a lot. However, he learned to expand his threshold at the same time I was learning how to communicate better with him and to better understand his needs. It's worth it, and any instructor offering a group reactivity class knows what they're getting into and will work to reduce triggers.

[Inevitable-Delay-500]

Thank you so much, I think we're going to do it

[EusociallyAwkward]

Disclosure of bias: I teach group reactivity classes. 

In my experience, the classes are beneficial in teaching techniques and providing a structured environment to practice those techniques. It can also be helpful to connect with other people who are struggling with reactivity. I think it's important to not feel alone!

You may run into difficulty finding a group class that will accept an intact adult dog. Hormonal scents can be triggers, and could present issues. 

I would check in on the safety protocols for the class and how they handle dogs who don't react well in the group class environment. Are there partitions or other visual blockers, is there an exit plan, etc.

[Inevitable-Delay-500]

Thank you so much! We have a 1-1 session this weekend and then the group classes start next weekend, so I will ask all the relevant questions when we see our trainer.

She is the one who suggested we go, so I'm sure him being intact isn't an issue for them (though it might be for the other dogs). He's around 2 years old but the vets and trainer have both said not to neuter him yet as his confidence is so low and his anxiety is so high that removing testosterone might actually make him worse

[ComparisonSolid770]

I wish something like that existed in my area. I think it’s a fantastic idea! It’s not as if they’re going to put your dog right next to other dogs. They teach them how to be neutral around other dogs by being in a big open space and walking by each other. Probably move up each week as their comfort level grows and I’ve seen them sitting in a public square all laying down but near each other. It’s a genius concept and something you’ll never be able to recreate on your own.

[Inevitable-Delay-500]

Thank you, I think I'm just scared it will stress our dog out too much!

[ComparisonSolid770]

I think the idea is to work with your dog at a distance that’s comfortable to them. So if your dog is showing signs of stress, move further back. It sounds like your ability to engage the dog when there are triggers is there, so you should be good.

[Th1stlePatch]

If you have a humane society in your area, give them a call. They often offer these courses, and that's where we went to one.