TRAINING CLARITY: Factor Yourself into the Equation

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 helping with puppies on puppy play dates.

That’s the place I will write these posts from.

Factoring Yourself into the Equation

One of the things I learned working in the office of a dog trainer is that many clients don’t factor themselves into the equation when considering working with a trainer.

What does that mean?

You should know yourself and what you need. Here are some things you should know about yourself:

• How do you learn best?
  • Verbally
  • Visual
  • Written
  • Hands-on
  • A combination (and what combination)
• How do you prefer to communicate?
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Text
  • Videos
  • Writing
  • Audio
• Do you prefer someone who gets straight to the point or someone who explains in detail?
• How much communication do you like or want between sessions?
• How much access do you want to a trainer and what kind of access?
• Are you open to using “tools” such as an e-collar, prong collar, slip lead, etc.?
  • If so, which ones are you open to?
  • If not, which ones do you prefer not to use and why?
  • Are you open to being educated about any of the tools you prefer not to use, if a trainer deems it appropriate for your dog?
• Do you know what you want out of training? E.G., what are your goals with your dog?
  • Basic obedience
  • Behavior modification
  • Advanced obedience
  • Sport training
  • “Work” training (therapy dog, service dog, ESA, protection)

It doesn’t just matter if the trainer is a good fit for your dog. It matters if they are a good fit for you. So, knowing these kinds of things are important.

As you’re talking to trainers, pay attention to these things in addition to what they have to say about their general training philosophy and approach:

• Do you like their personality?
• Do they communicate in a way you understand? Using words that make sense to you and explaining things that don’t?
• Is their training style aligned with how you learn?
• Do they listen to you, your needs, and your goals?
• In training sessions are they going to be doing most of the handling or are they going to coach you through the handling?
• How are they going to be communicating the training plan and progress with you?
• Will their approach work for you?

You are an essential element in the training of your dog and your ability to communicate with and understand the trainer is very important, but it’s something many owners don’t even consider.

Yes, you want your dog to like them and respond to them. You want them to be experienced and knowledgeable. You want them to have the availability you need so you can make training work. But don’t forget to factor yourself into the equation and consider your needs, too.