Dog Training is about teamwork. The way I see it, teaching and learning is a collaborative effort. My student and I are a team. It is my goal to create an environment that is going to inspire the learner in front of me to want to participate, not through force but through choice. I value my learner’s feedback. I become a more effective dog training when I pay attention to the dog’s body language, interest in the lesson, and ability to get what I am teaching. That input will help me to know whether I am on the right track or whether I should step back and strategize what I can change about that particular lesson.
Training modifications may include to the environment, the reinforcers, my body language, my mechanics, seeking veterinary care, other factors impeding motivation, or even adjusting my goal.
If I observe an animal doing avoidance behaviors, it could be I am doing something to cause that dog to feel pressure. It could also be that I’ve made the lesson too difficult or that the environment is appearing unsafe to my student. Another possibility could be there is a medical reason for that animal to not be able to perform a behavior.
Without being open to that feedback, I may see more and more avoidance. I most definitely would not see a motivated animal eagerly wanting to give attention to what we are working on. I could potentially even see it negatively affect my relationship with student beyond training as I would be associated with all those aversive things happening.
This photo is me with my buddy, J. You will hear more about him later. I began getting to know him because of his very big feelings and behaviors to get distance from people and dogs in his life (including bites). There has been a lot for us to unpack on our journey.
‘Listening’ to him, empowering him by giving him more control of his world, teaching him useful skills, and giving him more opportunities to do natural behaviors have all been part of our work together. (Again, more on that later.)
To see our progress makes me so happy. When I come to his home, he has full choice whether or not to participate in training. He frequently chooses training, even above hanging out with a toy…and he can be a serious resource guarder.
He does this because of our collaboration. Neither one of us is only a teacher or a learner. We alternate roles frequently in our interactions.
And we also celebrate our successes…together!! The very best way to celebrate!
My challenge to you is this: I encourage you too to think of yourself as a team member. Be open to feedback. Be open to change. And be open to adjusting your expectations. Be open to being an inspirer!
