The Game Changing Mindset in Dog Training
Back when I was a wee lad (at least, as a dog trainer) I would often feel so frustrated when a dog wasn’t responding to a technique or doing what it was ‘supposed’ to do. After all, I was doing my part, right? The least the dog could do was help me out a little and go along with it!
Eventually, finally, I discovered the thing that was holding me back the most. It sounds super cheesy (like the really stringy kind on a grilled cheese sandwich when you pull it apart), but that thing was mindset.
I wasn’t in what I now simply call the teachable mindset, or the learning mindset. What I have learned in recent years is that in order to really be at your peak when training you have to be in a creative, learning mindset. You have to be able to observe first, then respond. You have to read the dog, read the scenario, and when something’s not working, recognize that it’s user error (aka you) and try and try again until you find the magic combo.
Dog training, in most scenarios, should look like magic. But it can’t if you aren’t in the right mindset.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply all of the techniques that you already know, far from it. But as you apply them, you should also be applying your observational and learning skills to see what’s working, and what’s not- and how you can adapt it.
Having worked with many, many dogs and their varying behaviors I can also strongly attest that no matter the dog, no matter the behavior, training can be a truly fun and passion filled activity- IF you are in the right mindset. It’s quite the thrill!
I understand if that mindset seems like a difficult thing to accomplish. It’s not always easy. So let me recognize an exercise that started my journey of seeking this mindset.
Think of a behavior that you would like to change with your dog that you could practice without other people around and in a familiar, safe environment. We want to remove as many external stressors as possible. For me and my dog Odin, that meant practicing impulse control with a basketball in the basement!
Next, block out sufficient time- at least 30-45 minutes if possible. Again, to limit the amount of stress. Now, I want you to put on some music that makes you feel loosy-goosy! Really get into the groove. You need to be in a relaxed, playful mood.
Now it’s time to focus on training. Begin working with your dog on whatever exercise you’ve chosen. When you start to feel stumped, and you notice progress is slowing or regressing, stop! Give yourself a high five- you just found an opportunity to employ your new teachable mindset.
Troubleshoot the behavior as best as you can, and go back to training. Repeat this process for the duration of your training session (can be as short or long as you want/you and the dog can handle) and make sure to end on a positive note for both of you. It doesn’t matter if you were able to fix all of the issues- what matters is that you were focused on learning and improving.
Employ this mindset in any training scenario, and after some diligent practice it will become your default mode for training. For me, that was when the magic really started to happen.
Want some extra guidance on how to practice this? Let’s do a virtual session! Hit the contact page and call, text, or email and I’ll be in touch soon.
Happy training!! 🦮 ✝️
