09/06/2025
š¾ Training is Just the Beginning š¾
Itās way more than obedience and putting a stop to undesirable behaviours. Training, whether thatās in a group setting or a private 121 setting, for me itās about truly seeing each dog and their human.
A good instructor isnāt just delivering exercises, theyāre watching for subtle signs. Is a dog anxious and needing more space? Are they struggling with an exercise because itās too advanced or because something physically doesnāt feel right?
š Itās my job to adapt the environment, the approach, and even the goals to support each dog where they are right now. And to educate everyone involved in the process.
I take a holistic approach to working with people and their dogs. What I mean by that is Iām available for guidance outside class, offering support when questions or concerns pop up outside of sessions, and Iām always working toward the bigger picture: a happy, confident dog and an empowered, supported human.
ā³ The session may finish at 2pm, but the support clock never stops ticking.
I support many of my customers with issues which go way beyond training. You see, sometimes when dogs are struggling to physically do something or if they appear unable to focus or simply cant relax in certain situations, we need to ask ourselves why. So many people strive for perfection, they want the perfect dog (thatās another conversation). But, whilst in that headspace theyāre potentially causing mental or physical damage, exasperating the situation, or at the very least contributing to the struggle. This is when I stop and consider the āwhyāsā. Why could it be that this dog or human is struggling? Honestly, the possibilities are never ending.
- Is there a lack of consistency for the dog?
- Is the dog uncomfortable physically?
- Did the dog not receive early āappropriateā socialisation?
- Has the dog suffered at the hands of unkind people?
- Are the dogās needs being met?
- Are genetics and poor breeding practices at play?
- Is the human struggling mentally or physically?
- Do I need to undo previous training/learning history? And so onā¦..
So when youāre choosing a trainer or behaviourist, itās really really important to ask yourself if that person is truly invested. Does that person really want to help you and your dog understand each other better? Will that person go the extra mile for you?
Also, itās impossible for someone to know everything in their field of expertise. The important part is firstly acknowledging if you donāt know something or if thereās a gap in your knowledge, and secondly being open to asking for the help of someone who does know, and educating yourself in that process. Think of a GP - when they donāt know, they either go away and find out or they refer you to a specialist. Iād rather do either of those things than create a bigger problem. Choosing the right kind of person to help is the really important part here - he or she doesnāt need to know everything!
Itās never āTIMEāS UP, BYE NOWā for any of my customers. I am fully committed to helping.
I have the most amazing customers who see the value in what I have to offer. And Iām so grateful to them for entrusting me with themselves and their dogs.
