Introduction
Getting training for your dog can be a lot of work, even confusing. Finding the right trainer, knowing what to look for, ask for, and expect; understanding your role and theirs, even knowing what success looks like for you.
In this series of posts, I’m going to talk about Training Clarity.
Keep in mind, as with all the other posts I write, that I am not a trainer. I train one dog, mine. With that said, I have worked with multiple trainers – not just in training Riley, but as an office assistant and training developer. I’ve had an inside peek and been the person who needed help with their dog.
I’ve had the experience of using Riley as a distraction dog in training sessions and help with puppies on puppy play dates.
That’s the place I will write these posts from.
Behavior that is Allowed is Repeated
One of the most impactful things I heard a trainer say is, “Every behavior that is allowed is repeated.”
That was the moment I really understood that training is not an event or a task, it’s not an isolated weekly session with you, your dog, and a trainer. It is every moment of every day, every interaction, even what happens when you’re not there. All of it is training.
My first thought was, “What do I allow with Riley that I don’t want to repeat?”
It began to give me clarity. Finally, a question I could answer.
- I didn’t want her to pull the leash after we calmly got out the door.
- I didn’t want her trying to take off after squirrels, birds, or anything that looked like prey, without my permission.
- I didn’t want her jumping on people when they come to visit.
- I didn’t want her lunging and barking at dogs we pass on walks.
Those were my top four.
Not only did this give me clarity about what I wanted from training, it also gave me clarity as far as what I was allowing that I didn’t want to allow.
“Allow” was a keyword for me.
What am I allowing?
It was empowering.
If I could allow one thing, then I could change what I was allowing and how I was allowing it. It didn’t mean I knew HOW to change it, but I was aware now that I was allowing things and what I allowed would be repeated.
Every time I allowed something I didn’t want; I was training her. Every time I allowed something I did want; I was training her. It was ALL training.
If you’re considering training, even if you’re not, one thing to look at is the behaviors you are allowing; the ones you need someone to guide you through changing. Those will be a great starting point.
