02/08/2024
Going through old notes...here is one.
Starting out right with new dog training students:
The students might not be receptive to your different methods in the beginning, because they remember their other dogs as being healthy and well behaved. Their experience can't be denied without causing confrontation.
Once they respect you, they will listen.
Concentrate on praising every good thing they are doing, and point out every time the dog is looking at them, looking confident, or looking happy. Show them that you are noticing how great their dog is. Find the good points about each dog.
If neccessary, point out what the dog Is NOT doing ("Wow, he is not afraid of the other dogs at all! So many dogs are anxious at the first class". ) You are genuinely pointing out good things that the owner might have been taking for granted about their dog. If they are things the owner already knew, then you are showing that you appreciate their dogs good qualities, just like they do.
When I was a student in beginning OB classes, EVERY statement from the trainer had huge impact and meaning. i never forgot these statements, which either hurt my feelings, or I took as pronouncements from a deity on high. I interpreted more than what was probably meant. As the instructor, your mildest criticism might be remembered as a lifetime humiliation by a student. Or they will remember that you showed disrespect for their lifetime of owning dogs.
Prove to them that you understand their dog, and what and why it is doing things, give them the credit they deserve for raising other dogs, and they will start to want to learn more ways of doing things.