A few months back, I did an online dog training class through Fenzi Academy (which I HIGHLY recommend).
I had a working spot in a specialized obedience class, and it was full of great info. The instructor was beyond awesome. Techniques were 100% positive. The platform worked well for me — there were both videos and written content.
And yet, the experience was strangely demoralizing and demotivating for me as a trainer. I have spent a lot of time wondering what the heck happened (and I imagine Claire has as well).
As I have jumped into training a new dog sport (Scent Work) and resumed tracking, I think I found my answer. To quote a Taylor Swift song, my answer is this: “It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me.”
I forgot that dog training — to me — is art.
I cannot train dogs in a formulaic way prescribed by others because then it stops being fun, interesting, creative, and most of all — authentic.
After all, paint-by-numbers is really about someone else’s art.
In the beginning of our dog training journeys, we may need to have the steps laid out as we develop skills, techniques, and confidence. At some point, however, we need to transition from seeing other dog trainers as The Experts to training colleagues who have ideas that may (or may not) enhance our own expertise — but who do not have the final word on our process or product.
As one of the Peloton instructors says all the time: “I make suggestions. You make decisions.”
That is exactly how we should understand — how I should understand — the input of other dog trainers. As suggestions. I still get to decide what my art looks like and the steps I will take to get there.
I never want to get to a point where I think I have all the answers — I surely do not — and I also want to honor all the experiences and wisdom my dogs have given me over the years. Together, we have created a bit of a system — and it works for us.
In the future, I will only audit online dog training classes. This allows me to glean great ideas and techniques that I can utilize in my own training without requiring that I videotape myself training like someone else. That is my great revelation — I need to just be me.
All that is to say — I am going to talk about tracking, which has application to dog training in general, which always reflects real life — but remember these are my ideas and suggestions. You do you ❤️
Pozy’s track commitment has not been as strong as I would like (that is Pozy above). I have decided that — once again — the problem is me. I moved her too quickly away from heavily reinforced tracks.
How do I know that? Because if Pozy understood to stay on the track — she would stay on the track. Dogs do what we want — if they understand what we want.
#assumegoodintentions
No big deal — I just needed to go back to Tracking 101 with her. This means one straight leg (a track with no turn) with small treats every few steps to both keep her on the track, and to reward constantly for correct tracking behavior.
Capella is in Intro to Tracking but moving along very quickly to Tracking 101. Her tracks are now comparable to Pozy: one long, straight leg with treats every few steps.
Perfect amount of snow.
One reason I like to track in winter is because snow is a really useful tool to teaching a team to track. Not because the dog sees the steps (strangely, they don’t seem to!) but because I can see exactly where the track is, and the treats stay above the ground so are easy to “grab and go” for the dog.
I use treats that smell, stick out and don’t require chewing — pieces of cheddar cheese work well.
I insist the dog stay on the track. If she veers off, I stop until she is back on the track. The treats on the track and my willingness to let her move forward tell the dog about her job.
If the dog is prone to do circles on straight leg tracks (as opposed to staying close to the track), they go back on a short line (6 - 8 feet) and I will increase treats on the track because clearly I moved too quickly for this dog.
Capella just graduated to a long line because she shows good track commitment — but there are still treats every 3 - 5 feet.
The only time my dogs’ tracks do not end with a covered meal is on their certification track and at a test.
Paychecks matter.
Claire is happy to report that we are back in business after our class-induced training slump.
But was it really a slump?
Nope — it was actually a REALLY awesome opportunity for learning and reflection. About dog training, life — and myself.
Worth every penny I paid.
Have a terrific day 🦄