01/21/2023
“Work with the dog in front of you.”
Breed(s), capabilities, willingness, age, energy and external factors all affect your training sessions and how you communicate with your dog.
The dog pictured here is a malamute x Great Pyrenees. By understanding both his breeds and assessing the dog in front of me every day, I was able to work with him in the way he needs. It took four sessions of patience and gaining trust to go from not being willing to come near me or take treats when I put them on the ground to being allowed to pet him. I never pushed. I allowed him to direct our interactions.
This is why understanding the dog in front of you and their current capabilities is imperative in your training. Some days your dog will be a rock star and others they will be way too distracted, tired or having an off day to do anything but the most simple behaviours. Two steps forward, one step back is a normal thing in dog training.
There is another saying that is important to keep in mind “slow is fast in dog training”. If you go to fast you will lose progress and trust and need to start from the beginning, but on a much more shaky foundation. You need to gain trust, show the dog you will meet him where he’s at and learn his way of communicating.
If you want a trainer who will go at your, and your dog’s, pace, will work to understand how best to work with your situation and will be a supportive teammate and mentor for your family, come see me at PetSmart Sherwood Park.
