Dog training isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your dog’s personality, your goals, and your lifestyle all shape what kind of training works best for your family. If you’re trying to decide between day training vs private sessions, you’re in the right place.

At Belle & Bark, we offer two distinct ways to work together, each with its own benefits. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or want to be hands-on every step of the way, there’s a format that fits.

Let’s take a closer look at both so you can confidently decide.

Day training: Expert support for your busy life

Day Training is our most hands-on training option with one key difference: the trainer does most of the hands-on part.

In this format, our trainer visits your home to work directly with your dog multiple times a week. Each session lasts one hour, focusing specifically on the goals we set together during your initial consultation. We’ll address behaviours like polite leash-walking, impulse control, reducing reactivity, and improving manners—all tailored specifically to your dog’s personality and your family’s needs.

And here’s the beauty of it: You don’t even have to be home. While you’re working, managing errands, or simply taking care of life, we’ll be giving your dog focused, professional guidance in their own familiar environment.

You’ll stay in the loop every step of the way with weekly updates, detailed training notes, and scheduled transfer sessions—special sessions designed to pass the baton back to you. In these sessions, we’ll show you exactly how to reinforce and maintain your dog’s newly learned skills.

Our Day Training comes in three flexible packages designed to match your goals:

• Starter (4 sessions + 1 transfer): Perfect if you’re looking to address one or two specific behaviours or give your training a quick boost.
• Essential (12 sessions + 2 transfers): Ideal for building foundational skills, improving behaviour, and setting your dog up for success.
• Comprehensive (21 sessions + 2 transfers): Best if you’re tackling more complex behaviours or aiming for a deeper, lasting transformation.

If you’re looking for meaningful training progress without adding more stress to your busy schedule, learn more about our Day Training here.

Private sessions: Hands-on learning together

Traditional private sessions are the classic approach to training. In these one-on-one sessions, you, your dog, and your trainer work together weekly to tackle training goals. You’ll actively learn training skills, observe demonstrations, practice techniques, and receive ongoing feedback.

This format is ideal if you:

• Want to learn alongside your dog right from the start
• Enjoy weekly practice and homework to build skills
• Prefer being actively involved at every stage of the training process
• Are working through behaviours that require hands-on coaching and consistent teamwork

While private training usually progresses at a slower pace because you’re doing most of the practising between sessions, it allows you to build confidence, connection, and understanding together with your dog.

How they compare at a glance

	Day Training	Private Sessions
Who trains?	Trainer works directly with your dog	You train alongside your dog and trainer
Guardian involvement	Lower (trainer-led), supported through transfer sessions	Higher (fully involved each session)
Session frequency	Multiple times per week	Typically once per week
Learning pace	Faster initial progress	Gradual, with consistent weekly practice
Ideal for…	Busy households, faster skill-building	Highly engaged guardians who enjoy training

Choosing the right fit for your family

Here are some questions to consider when deciding which training approach suits you best:

• How much time can you realistically set aside each week to practice training techniques?
• Would you benefit from seeing quick progress that a professional can achieve with your dog directly?
• Do you enjoy being hands-on and learning about training methods every step of the way?
• Is your goal focused on tackling specific behaviours quickly, or do you prefer to build skills gradually alongside your dog?

Many of our clients choose to start with Day Training to quickly build skills and then transition into private sessions to reinforce training and maintain progress themselves. Others enjoy being fully hands-on from day one.

There’s no wrong way—just the way that feels right for you and your dog.

Still unsure? We’re here to help!

Choosing the right training method doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s talk about your dog’s personality, your training goals, and your family’s routine to find the perfect fit.

Book a consultation and let’s get started on a training journey designed for you, your dog, and your lifestyle.