When we are training our dogs (especially when we’re working on the things they struggle with most) we often rush through the training without first setting a goal and thinking how we’re going to achieve that goal.
The goal you set doesn’t necessarily have to be the resolving of the entire behaviour struggle. More often than not, setting yourself a goal that aims to achieve one part of your ultimate goal is the most effective and will get you the best results.
So today I am reminding you that whenever you train….Have a plan. Be purposeful. Stay calm.
Below is an example scenario of how having a plan for training made a huge difference to a previously struggling dog and owner team.
Calmness in Busy Town Space:
Bonnie (15 months old) went on an outing with her owner to Albany town centre where there are loads of smells associated with cafes – people, dogs, food and car smells. The goal of the outing was to get her to be happy and relaxed so her owner could get photos of her.
Last time Bonnie went there, the training session was rushed and it took her about 20 minutes to get into a head space where she could concentrate and actually enjoy having photos taken.
This ultimately ruined her owner’s motivation to ever do this again because it was not a pleasant experience for either of them!
However, we created a plan for her owner to follow before going again, and her owner was as purposeful and calm as possible in implementing it:
– Bonnie didn’t get to burst out of the car immediately on arrival
– Bonnie played engagement games in the area just around the car once she did get out
– Her owner reminded her that people and dogs in the area were none of her business
– Then they easily moved away from the area immediately around the car and started photographing because Bonnie was eager and ready to pose!
….all in the space of 5 minutes.
What encouraging progress!
Having a plan in place BEFORE you do things makes all the difference. So does remaining calm!
I’d love to know if you have an example to share where being prepared, purposeful and calm has stood you in good stead.
Writing these reflections down helps you retain them and prevents you making the same mistakes again.