Can dog training really work virtually?

100! A large part of dog training is helping you understand what your dog is doing, changing the environment, improving your timing and coaching you through what to practise.

I don’t need to physically handle your dog myself for you to make progress. In many cases, it’s actually more useful for you to learn the skills directly because you’re the person who will be using them every day. :)

What kinds of behaviour can we work on virtually?

Virtual sessions can work well for many behaviour and training concerns, including puppy training, barking, settling, leash walking foundations, recall, jumping, household routines, fear, and some forms of reactivity. If I think your situation would be better suited to in-person support, I’ll tell you and we can see what we can do so you don't feel you booked a session that's not suitable to your goals.

Do you need to physically handle my dog to train them?

No. I can observe what is happening, demonstrate concepts, coach your timing, help you change the setup and guide you through each step while you work directly with your dog. Extra points if you have video recordings of what you're tackling (that you're free to share ahead of time or during the session). The goal is for the training to work with you, not only when a trainer is holding the leash.

What happens during a virtual dog training session?

We’ll talk through what has been happening, look at the situations where you’re getting stuck and work through practical changes you can start using.

Depending on the problem, I may watch you practise with your dog live, review videos, help you adjust the environment, demonstrate an exercise or build a step-by-step plan for situations we cannot safely recreate during the call.

Can virtual training help with dog reactivity?

Yes, depending on the situation.

We can review videos, identify your dog’s triggers and comfortable distances, build foundation skills, plan walking routes and setups, and work on how you respond when another dog or person appears. Virtual training can also be helpful for dogs who would find having another unfamiliar person physically join the session stressful.

Can virtual training help if my dog is nervous around strangers?

Yes. In fact, working virtually can sometimes remove one major source of pressure because I do not need to enter your dog’s home. That allows us to focus on your dog’s behaviour around the people they actually encounter while I coach you from a distance.

Can I send you videos of the behaviour?

Yes. Videos can be extremely helpful, especially when the behaviour does not happen during the appointment. You do not need to deliberately trigger or recreate a stressful situation just to record it. If you already have safe footage, we can use it to better understand what is happening.

What if my dog won’t stay in front of the camera?

That’s completely fine. Your dog does not need to remain perfectly visible for the entire session. We can reposition your phone, tablet or laptop, pause while you move around, review recorded footage, and focus on coaching you through what to do next.

What technology do I need?

You’ll need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a way to position the device so I can see you and your dog when necessary. You do not need any special recording equipment or complicated setup.

Do I need a lot of space for virtual training?

No. We can work with the space you actually have. For home behaviours, that may mean your living room, hallway, doorway, or kitchen. For outdoor behaviours, we can plan what you’ll practise outside even if part of our conversation happens indoors.

Is virtual training only for people who live outside your service area?

No. Local clients can use virtual training too. It can be convenient when the behaviour happens primarily inside the home, when travel is difficult, or when having another person physically present would make the situation harder for the dog.

What training methods do you use during virtual sessions?

I use positive reinforcement/reward-based, evidence-based and force-free training. I do not use prong collars, shock or e-collars, leash corrections, intimidation, or dominance-based training. We’ll focus on positive reinforcement, management, clear communication, and work at a level where your dog can successfully learn.

Will I know what to practise after the session?

Yes. You’ll leave with clear priorities and practical things to work on between sessions. The goal is to give you a plan that fits into everyday life rather than a long list of exercises you won’t realistically use.

Can I book a virtual session even if I’m not sure it will work for my problem?

Yes. If you’re unsure, you can reach out with a short description of what is happening. Some concerns are very well suited to virtual coaching, while others may benefit from an in-person setup. I can help point you toward the better option.