One of the most common questions that I get asked while coaching a dog owner through training steps is, "Will I always have to __________?"
I get that. We all want results and we want them NOW. It probably doesn't help that we've seen a few television shows or infomercials that show dogs quickly transformed by magical, whispery techniques. I once asked one of these personalities - one using modern, science-based training methods - what she liked least about the edited version of her sessions. It was the amount of time and important steps that were deleted from the show. Steps that are very necessary for building a relationship that allows owners to work with their dogs in very challenging situations. Steps that have the dog practicing being good - and being rewarded - in easy situations before being put in challenging situations
But what about the shows that don't do much editing from start to finish? Well, intimidating a dog with imposed control - especially with scary or painful devices - can have side effects and definitely WILL break down your relationship. Trust goes out the door and the dog hesitates to offer any good behavior for fear of making the wrong choice. He also must be supervised and told what to do instead of intrinsically offering good choices through his impulse control.
So what is my answer to my training clients? Everybody, humans and dogs, need to learn the easy stuff first. They need to feel good about succeeding and then move on to more challenging tasks. This will create a desire to be challenged instead of a fear of being challenged.
I would ask right back:
"When you had to take your puppy out every two hours for the first two weeks did you think you would be doing that forever?"
"When you held onto your child's bicycle seat and ran alongside her did you think you'd be doing that forever?"
"When you started your online educational course did you think you would stay on Page One forever?"
Dog relationships are built with trust, patience, practice, and consistency. The more you do this the faster you will get to your goals.
Find a good trainer!
Love and hugs to you and your dogs.
I get that. We all want results and we want them NOW. It probably doesn't help that we've seen a few television shows or infomercials that show dogs quickly transformed by magical, whispery techniques. I once asked one of these personalities - one using modern, science-based training methods - what she liked least about the edited version of her sessions. It was the amount of time and important steps that were deleted from the show. Steps that are very necessary for building a relationship that allows owners to work with their dogs in very challenging situations. Steps that have the dog practicing being good - and being rewarded - in easy situations before being put in challenging situations
But what about the shows that don't do much editing from start to finish? Well, intimidating a dog with imposed control - especially with scary or painful devices - can have side effects and definitely WILL break down your relationship. Trust goes out the door and the dog hesitates to offer any good behavior for fear of making the wrong choice. He also must be supervised and told what to do instead of intrinsically offering good choices through his impulse control.
So what is my answer to my training clients? Everybody, humans and dogs, need to learn the easy stuff first. They need to feel good about succeeding and then move on to more challenging tasks. This will create a desire to be challenged instead of a fear of being challenged.
I would ask right back:
"When you had to take your puppy out every two hours for the first two weeks did you think you would be doing that forever?"
"When you held onto your child's bicycle seat and ran alongside her did you think you'd be doing that forever?"
"When you started your online educational course did you think you would stay on Page One forever?"
Dog relationships are built with trust, patience, practice, and consistency. The more you do this the faster you will get to your goals.
Find a good trainer!
Love and hugs to you and your dogs.
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