5 Things Successful Dog Trainers DON'T Do! #4

5 Things Successful Dog Trainers
DON'T Do!

Have you been following along with the series If you missed them. you can find all of them and more tips here.

It is important to put effort into our training plan of course, but also into identifying habits that might be counteracting or impeding our training progress.

#4 - Isolate Yourself or Your Dog

When we have a dog who struggles, it is easy to just stay home. And, to be fair, if that is the decision you make, that is ok too. Sometimes the amount of work or the amount of risk make it too hard to commit to a training plan.

But if we want to progress, we can't isolate. We can however, make it so that leaving the house isn't quite so scary. We can break it down to help both you and your dog be successful. We do a lot of this in the Deep Dives.

Where are you comfortable now? Where is your dog comfortable now? Make a plan. How will we get out there, even if it is just on the front step or in the driveway, or one door down. What is our plan if a dog/skateboard/kid appears?

You matter too. Just because I can take your dog out, or your partner can take your dog out, it doesn't mean YOU should have the skills or confidence to do so. Building your skills and confidence is just as important as setting our dog up for success.

Practicing the skills we need in safe environments, and having clear plans for "If this, then this." helps us get out there.

Other ways we isolate

It's ok to leave your dog at home while you go to an event. Just because your dog can't go, it doesn't mean you shouldn't.

Even it if is a dog-friendly event, sometimes the kindest thing is for pup to stay home, or in the car, or with a family member while you go have social time without worrying.

On the other side of that, it is important to have plans for our dogs so they don't spend excessive amounts of time in a crate. Crates are useful for many reasons, but even dogs with serious behaviour issues need other options or it affects their quality of life and they won't be able to learn all of the things we want to help them with.

The Next Leash Reactivity Deep Dive Begins Jan 2025

Check out the LEASH REACTIVITY DEEP-DIVE, my group mentorship program in which I spend 8 weeks with a small group of people struggling with leash reactivity. Submit videos, ask questions, and meet awesome people and dogs.

You'll receive daily support and feedback on your training for 8 whole weeks. This is a fantastic way to jump start your training and to get some real progress for both your dog and yourself. Build your dog's skills and confidence, as well as your own!

Click for Info on the Deep Dive!