5 Things Successful Dog Trainers DON'T Do! #3

5 Things Successful Dog Trainers
DON'T Do!

Welcome back! Did you catch Tip #2? Today's tip is very important, and often is why individual or small group training is more effective than reading a book or following an on-demand online course.

Feedback from your trainer, specific to your dog's challenges will help you understand your dog and progress more quickly than on your own.

You are only as good as your worst habit.

#3 - Train According to a Recipe

Successful, effective dog trainers don't use recipes. If we did, one of us could write a book, everyone could read it, and POOF!, no more dog behaviour challenges.

Each dog, guardian, living situation, and behaviour challenge is unique. There are so many variables, including the guardian's end goal, that there is no recipe that will work for all, or even most, dogs.

Trainers have a template for how we will start to address a given problem, but the template is just a starting point and can change significantly depending on all of the variables and of course how well the dog is responding and how well the guardian is able to implement the plan.

Ad libbing is just as bad.

Too much rigidity is ineffective, but so is too little structure. A good training plan has certain criteria before moving to the next step, frequent re-evaluations, and contingency plans. We aren't just throwing spaghetti to see what sticks =)

Typically, a training plan includes games for passive and active management, training, and 'get out of trouble' moments. You will very likely also have seemingly unrelated games to play that support you and your dog in reaching your goals.

Once you are fluent in the games and understand how they help your dog (as well as potential disadvantages of each game), you can learn to read your dog and know what they need in the moment.

That's the goal! Many dogs are going to need help for an extended period of time while they build confidence and new skills. Trainers don't want you to need us indefinitely, we want you to understand and know how to help your dog when they need you.

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