I am very much a “if it works, do it”, kind of person. I don’t like made up terms for things that have been around forever, I really don’t like inside the box thinking and parameters that you MUST follow in order to gain success. I don’t like naming and creating new problems and picking at every little individual thing instead of looking at the bigger picture. I dislike people telling others that they are “doing it wrong”, when, in fact, they are just doing it differently. What I really loath is a “it’s my way or the highway” kind of attitude.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, because I believe, as people who teach, that we trainers should have an open mind, that everyone learns a bit differently, that everyone retains information a bit differently and that everyone adds their own flair or style to your instruction, no matter how clear or concise that you are. I believe that people will fall back on what they are comfortable with in regards to vocabulary and handling skills. I believe that people want to do their best, but their best might look different from your best. I believe that limiting people to certain words, movements, inflections, and hand gestures that don’t fall into their realm of comfort will not create success, as it is unnatural and even goes against every fiber of their being. It doesn’t mean that they disagree with you, are being obstinate or difficult or that they are not listening. It means they are being human, perceiving the instruction and situation from their personal views, which are different from your personal views, and taking things in how their brain allows, different from how your brain allows.
All this said, I think as trainers, we absolutely NEED to keep these things in mind and not be too “set in our teaching ways” , and be flexible in order to help our clients succeed. Flexibility in what words your client uses, how they may feel comfortable holding the leash, which side their dog walks on, and what their view of success is. We need to be flexible in that if something is working for them, and allowing them to make progress, let it happen. It’s ok for them to be creative. It’s ok for them to modify your instruction a bit in order for it to work in their life. It’s ok for them to be them, and not pretend to be someone else. Clients will do what works to fit into their lives and we need to understand this. We don’t live in their home, deal with their children, work at their jobs, are married to their spouses. So trainers and teachers of all kinds need to keep an open mind, be empathetic to what clients/students might be dealing with, and give them some benefit of the doubt. They are doing the best that they can, and they hired you to help them achieve their best successfully – but it’s their definition of success. Not yours.
Happy training!
Smart Dogs Canine Training Milton 