Just Do It
Are you a dog-lover? If so, one of the very best things you can do for dogs is to teach them how to best navigate our human society. The standard is high, and getting higher every day, especially with the threat of anti-dog legislation breathing down our necks. For dogs to continue to succeed as our constant companion in today’s world, they need to be mannerly and social, comfortable around people, and savvy enough to stay out of “trouble”.
Training is one of the best things you can do for a dog. Providing exercise and appropriate outlets for natural doggy behaviors is another, and actually facilitates the training process as well. Socialization is the third component is this triad of canine triumph.
Training though, is not just attending one course, merely teaching a dog to sit on cue, or shake with a paw. It’s not just parlor tricks performed in your recreation room or back yard. Heck, it’s not even just about the competition ring, or agility field either. It’s ongoing and it’s about everyday life. Train your dog to criteria; train your dog to success!
Is your dog socially stable? Will she greet people and other dogs politely, and or ignore them when appropriate? Will he respond reliably, and with enthusiasm to your requests even in distracting environments such as when you’ve got guests or are out at the park? Would you put $100 bucks down on the likelihood of your dog coming when called out in the real world? Can your dog do any or all of the above without any equipment or training aids (crutches)?
If you find yourself answering no to the questions above, or even qualifying them with statements such as, “well sure Fido’ll come when called, as long as Fifi isn’t at the park too”, or any other myriad of excuses you and your dog are still in training and need to up the ante.
If you are a trainer (and everyone who has a dog is a trainer) the best thing you can do for dogs is lead by example. Train your own dog/s (and if you’re a professional your clients' dogs as well) to the highest of standards. Even if your dog is relatively well-trained, there is always something more for both of you to learn and continuing education is really good for your brain and your relationship with your dog.
As a dog trainer, what is your objective? Focus on what you can proactively do to achieve that end. Meet your training goals in a timely fashion. Put down your pitchfork and campaign of criticism of others and get out there and “just do it”. First, clean up your own back yard. Be the best you can be, never stop learning, listen with your mouth closed, list your training goals, keep a journal of your progress and assess your own training results empirically.
Keep your eyes forward, focus on the goal and the rest melts away. Don’t look back or look down, not only will you lose sight of the horizon, but you may also trip and never make it to your destination at all. Make your mark on dog training by commanding an army of commendable canines! The more you succeed and positively impact the world, the less room there is for garbage.
