June 12, 2025, 11:32 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Many dog owners enroll their pets in dog training classes—but this isn’t always the best choice for every type of training. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth warns that group classes can even be dangerous in cases of aggression or insecurity or when there are small children in the household. Here’s when individual training truly pays off—and the limits she sets.

“I Like to Integrate Dogs with Aggressive Behavior into Groups”

First of all, it is a very individual decision, says Marioth. “I have many clients who have been coming to group classes once or twice a week for years—simply because they enjoy working with their dog.” So, there doesn’t always have to be a specific problem to attend dog school. It’s a different story when certain behavioral issues arise: “When we talk about separation anxiety, severe insecurities, or aggressive behavior, individual training is almost always advisable at the beginning.”

When it comes to group training with dogs that have behavioral issues, a delicate touch is also required. Marioth emphasizes: “I like to integrate dogs with aggressive behavior into groups—but not immediately. I want to get a clear picture of the dog and its owner first.” It is especially important that the owner is willing to implement the training instructions. “If I see that real effort is being made, a lot can be achieved together.”

“These Are Clear Cases for Individual Training for Me”

However, a suitable group composition is a prerequisite. If all dogs in a group show aggressive tendencies, the learning effect is minimal. “The dogs should also learn from so-called ‘good’ dogs that excitement does not automatically lead to a reaction.” In her practice, mantrailing has proven particularly helpful: “This work on the leash forces the dogs to focus and tune out the environment. As a result, insecurities and aggression often decrease significantly.”

She gives a clear no in certain cases: “Dog-human aggression, genuine biting intent, or a household with children—these are clear cases for individual training for me.” Even when a baby is expected, the preparatory training should be exclusively in an individual setting. For puppies, she recommends investing in solid individual care right from the first months: “Most people spend 3,000 euros or more on a puppy. Then they should also be willing to invest in its training.”

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“I Do Not Tolerate Such Things”

But what happens if someone doesn’t follow the rules? Marioth is also clear here. “I almost never remove the dogs from the group—they only show what they have learned. But it can be different with people.” If someone cannot integrate into the group, constantly demands the trainer’s attention, or even endangers others, she sets clear boundaries: “Then that was the first and last visit.”

One experience particularly stuck with her: A man wanted to join her group with a young Weimaraner. According to the email, the goal was merely to socialize the dog. Everything seemed fine at registration—until Marioth took a closer look at the collar. “I asked him to turn it around—and it was a prong collar. I do not tolerate such things. I immediately kicked him out and filed a report.”

Her conclusion: Group training is valuable—but not for every dog and not in every situation. Those who invest early and purposefully benefit in the long run. And: “Not every dog belongs in the group. And not every person either.”