Only as good as doable

I often hear other trainers discuss what they teach, how they teach and what they leave their clients with. I attended a puppy class with both Elsa and Riggs where they taught somewhat different than I do; it was positive but not the same as how I do it. I was there for the exposure with my puppies, not for the training. It was a bit difficult “not” doing as I was instructed because I don’t do it that way. I train my way, of course; and what I teach my clients ranges drastically depending on what they can deal with. Not everyone wants to focus on the same stuff with their dogs.

So what do I mean by “only as good as doable?” Well, if I teach the average k9 guardian who is not dog savvy a very complicated string of behaviors to get to their end goal, they aren’t going to do it. Chances are they are not going to want to do it more than they won’t be able to do it. When I am given a new client with behaviors that they want to focus on, that’s what we do. I also judge their ability and desire as far as how much they are going to want to do and be able to do. This is so important.

There are guardians out there that are very interested in becoming dog savvy, and for those I offer more. But for many, they want the easiest way to the end result. It amazes me each time I meet someone who has had dogs all their life, yet know nothing about dogs. I get it, not everyone is going to be “into” dogs. There is a big difference in every guardian as is there with every dog.

When someone wants the easiest, quickest way I try to accommodate; but I also do a great deal of explaining. There is no point in giving someone something that they are not going to do. I am there or here to help; it is not up to me how they or what they do after I am gone. So I do my best to figure out what they are actually going to do when I’m gone, and then give them that.

I’ve been told many, many times that people will do their homework and it only takes two visits to figure out if that is going to happen or not. If not, I give them what I can but if they don’t work on it on their own, when I’m not there, then it’s not going to stick. And I tell them exactly this. I know that there are trainers out there who belittle their clients; and they think that this is the way to make them work harder. Nothing could be further from the truth.

A trainer should build their clients up in a way that they feel empowered to train their dog. I consider myself to be a trainer of trainers. When I go to a training appointment I am there to teach the guardians about their dog and how to best communicate, teach and live with them. I try very hard to instill a “you can do it,” feeling in them.

After all, once we leave…it’s all up to you guys.

YOU CAN DO THIS.