It's National Train Your Dog Month!

I LOVE that is it National Train Your Dog Month!  Below are my two cents about training and setting yourself up for success.

Think, Plan, Do

Remember in grade school when you liked someone and you spent weeks writing down what you were going to say and practiced in front of the mirror the moment of proclaiming your love?  Yeah, I don’t like reliving those moments either.   But, bringing back some of those memories can help your dog training experience immensely. 

I once heard Terry Ryan say, “Think, Plan, Do.”  As trainers and dog owners, I think sometimes we forget about the think and plan part. 

You don’t need to stress over planning  your training like you did for the cute boy in your math class.  Just envision a training session before you do it.  Below are some easy steps.

1.    Plan out the perfect dog and the perfect scenario and then write it down, step by step.   I love using the staircase diagram when I’m plotting a new behavior.  The key to this chart  is starting at zero and figuring how exactly where you want your dog (lying down, sitting, standing, etc.) Then, write down your steps.  There is no rule about how many steps you need, you just need a beginning, middle, and end. It is almost a way of training ourselves.   You get to check off each step you accomplish with your dog until you reach the end.  Never assume that your dog “knows” something.  We don’t speak the same language, so make it as clear as possible.  It will help both of you!

2.      If you’re really brave, stand in front of that mirror with your clicker and treats and pretend to go through those steps.   If you want to take it up a notch, videotape yourself with and without your dog.  It is amazing what we don’t realize we are doing.  It probably looks very goofy to our dogs and non trainer friends.   Watch yourself.  Praise yourself.  Your dog will thank you. 

3.      Do!  The best part.  Remember, training should be fun for both parties.   If you or your dog get frustrated, repeat steps one and two as needed (it is probably you that needs to change something instead of your dog).  Take breaks as needed.   Remember you can always come back later and you can always change your training plan.  Need to break down the steps you originally planned?  Do it! 

Happy Planning!  Happy Training!