I love dog training classes – teaching them and going to them. I’ve taken multiple dogs through multiple (I can’t even count how many) classes over the course of my lifetime. I’ve taken some good classes, some mediocre classes and some great classes. I still take classes now, and have run the newest dog through about three different ones from different trainers, and drag her to our Alumni classes at times (she could use the work on her over stimulation – she is a terrier after all). Classes are awesome for environmental socialization, learning to work around distraction, and confidence building.
I’ve learned a lot through teaching my own classes and attending many other trainers classes over the years. The thing that stands out for me, through observation and involvement, is if a class isn’t fun, and a bit entertaining, people are much less likely to follow through, ask good questions, or enjoy it at all. I want people to enjoy classes. I want them to want to come to class weekly and practice daily at home. I want people to have fun with their dogs. I want their dogs to enjoy class and want to come. And this is what I aim for in all the classes I teach.
Our classes are serious in teaching skills, but also fun, funny, laid back, and welcoming. I personally DO NOT expect perfection. I think this drives people to get frustrated and spend less time working on their dogs or end up putting far too much pressure on new, young, or untrained dogs. Dogs are not perfect, ever, nor are people, so expecting perfection on handling from the general public is ridiculous in my opinion. I look for progress and I look for response, not perfection. This takes the stress off both the handler and the dog, and allows them to build a relationship through enjoyment rather than exasperation.
We use food in class. Be prepared for this. The absolute easiest and quickest way to teach a dog a new skill is by use of something that motivates them, and typically this is food to start. Dogs usually enjoy this – a lot. Don’t think your praise is enough for most dogs when we throw them into a new, strange environment with new, strange people and dogs. They need some motivation to stay connected with you. They also need a clear YES, you’ve done this correctly, and food is great for this. We learn to use our voice and physical praise to our advantage as well. This one is important because a good portion of people don’t realize that they are doing this somewhat incorrectly.
We love utilizing positive reinforcement to teach, but we also learn to require after the dog understands what is expected of them. We use leash pressure in class. Be prepared for this. Leash pressure helps us follow through on the items that we’ve taught the dog, when they’ve chosen to do something else instead of following our instruction. Leash pressure can help calm a dog, help to manipulate them into a position and allows us a different method of communication once the dog has been taught what is expected.
We use tools in class. I do not force tools on people. I make suggestions as to what I think would benefit both you and your dog. If you don’t want to use a tool, that is fine with me, but if you need leverage with your dog, and your dog is out of control, you need to be open to utilizing a tool to help your communication with your dog. Tools can be a godsend for those with large powerful dogs, or for teenage dogs who think they know it all and check out a lot, and even for those nervous or anxious dogs to help show them it’s ok, you’ve got this. I’ve used every tool in the book (and am quite open to most), so I can answer questions, and guide you in the correct direction to help you progress further with your training.
I am always open to answering questions and there are NO stupid questions. In fact, when questions are asked, usually someone else has that same question lingering on their mind which they’ve hesitated to ask, and we help more than one person when answering them. So ask. Questions can also spark connection between students. Sometimes other students have excellent points to share as well, and discussion ensues, and we all get a chance to get different points of view, and I think this is awesome.
I will not make you use my words. If you have preferable words, or if certain words don’t make sense for you, you need the flexibility to be able to choose what flows nicely for you. I’ve seen it stated by others before that you absolutely HAVE to use certain words because apparently it’s the law, and dogs speak in terms of these special words. They don’t and it isn’t. Dogs don’t know English … or Spanish, or German, or french … until you teach them. If you want your word for sit to be butt-hole and your release word to be banana, have at it! As long as you have fairly taught your dog the meaning behind the words, and have practiced it, your dog will understand it to mean what you need it to mean. I have an aversion to the word potty. I just do, I can not help it. If someone told me I had to use that word to help my dog understand how to bathroom correctly, I would refuse. So I also understand there are aversions to certain words. Certain words people just dislike, so if you’d prefer to call the place commend bed instead, I will absolutely let you do that.
If you put in effort in our classes, you will see results, even if the results are not perfect. Effort is what drives us forward to perform further, not perfection. Effort is the key to success, not perfection. All efforts can look different from one individual to another and that’s ok. Someone might be happy that their dog can sit, place and recall, others want more, and that’s ok too. Some peoples lives are very busy, and they put as much effort as they can, but it’s not the same amount as the person who leads a less busy lifestyle, and that’s ok as well. However, heads up, I can always tell who is putting in little to no effort. It doesn’t hurt me, but it does hurt your dog and their potential. If you only practice once a week, at class, you will get no where. Effort is just a few minutes to a half hour daily, that’s it. So be prepared to apply some effort to your training.
It is also a good thing to keep in mind that I am not training your dog, you are. I am training you to train your dog. I am giving you the tools to be successful with your dog and you have to implement them, not me. Training your dog is like going to the gym – your personal trainer can not make you healthier, fitter, or stronger – they can teach you how to do it, but you have to implement their teachings on your own; you have to put in the effort. Exactly the same concept with dog training. I can guide, teach, help, and provide homework, but you will only see the results if you actually put the teachings to use and implement it daily. Otherwise you are paying me to talk at you for an hour a week, for no real reason but possibly to say I attended a class. This doesn’t benefit you or your dog … at all.
So now that I’ve rambled on about classes, if you check our class calendar on the website you will see what is available currently, and if you want more information on our classes, check out the “courses” tab on our website to take you to more details on everything that we offer. You are always welcome to email us with questions on what we offer as well.
Happy Training!
Smart Dogs Canine Training Milton 