• Overstimulation and Fear: A shy or nervous puppy can easily become overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of a crowded room with multiple other puppies and people. This can lead to a state of fear or anxiety that makes it impossible for them to focus on training, potentially causing them to develop long-lasting fear of other dogs.

• Health Concerns: For very young puppies who haven't completed their full vaccination course, attending a group class can pose a health risk. While most classes require proof of vaccination, there is still a chance of exposure to illness.

• Distraction and Lack of Focus: With multiple puppies playing and barking, it can be extremely difficult for a puppy to concentrate on their owner and the trainer's instructions. This lack of focus can slow down learning and make it harder to build a strong foundation of skills.

• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Group classes follow a set curriculum that may not be suitable for every puppy's individual needs. A puppy with specific behavioural challenges, such as resource guarding or reactivity, may not get the tailored support they need in a class setting.

• Inconsistent Socialization: Not all group classes are structured to ensure positive, controlled socialisation. Unsupervised or chaotic play can lead to a puppy learning bad habits, such as inappropriate rough play or fear-based reactions, which can be difficult to correct later on.

For these reasons, a one-on-one training program in the comfort of their own home can be a much more effective and stress-free option for certain puppies.