08/31/2025
I was asked tonight what is my plan when training? One small step at a time, setting them up for success as best I can. I like to layer exercises for them to understand better and go right back to an easier step if needed as I am developing this relationship. Do I expect quick fixes? NO! Do I expect the dogs to understand my communication, and guidelines right away? NO (but they do pick it up quickly based on my approach and capturing patterns)! Why does my puppy do it easily for you (referring to me) and not me? Clarity which will develop over time with you as well!
I have a lot of patience and don't rush their learning process. I feel we need patience and understanding to learn anything new especially when there can be a communication barrier. I don't rush anything when it comes to learning. I am not expecting perfection, or quick learning and actually that is the hardest part right now about being a dog trainer. I am expected to snap my fingers and it be perfect in minutes and the puppy or dog to never look back. Everything is a building block and you have to work in layers. Everything good takes time to build/develop and strengthen. My program is not for you if you want instant fixes, or miracle transformations in one session or a few group classes. Your dogs might be drawn to me, as they understand my communication and I understand theirs. Your puppy might come to class super excited and ready to GO! Is it a bad thing that they have drive? NO! Can they learn an off switch or reset button? YES! But also cherish the fact they are enjoying classes. Can they learn that to get my attention they should offer abc? Yes but it takes time to develop! Whether they are excited to come to class or terrified, it can all be developed. One step at a time is key!
As a trainer it is heartbreaking that something taught in ten minutes is expected to be programmed in the puppy and that if it isn't, our program is a fail or the puppy is a bad puppy. I hear multiple times a month that someone needs classes or privates cause they have a bad puppy or dog. I don't believe there is such a thing. They are normally misunderstood, or have triggers developed that we can work through, or things are being rushed without clarity and the pressure is causing anxiety, frustration and/or stress.
Your dog trainers see a lot, hear a lot and experience a lot. Try to go to class thinking of the good milestones you had that week to share instead of a list of things that are wrong that they haven't learned yet or that isn't muscle memory yet. Training is a process - a building block - and takes time. Have understanding for your trainers process as well as patience and understanding for your puppy or dog. It will go far!!
As a trainer that would do anything for her clients, has a brain that doesn't shut off and is constantly trying to better her approach, I just ask for patience with your puppy or dog. Let them communicate and learn how to communicate back. Take the time to build a strong relationship build on trust and respect. Give a program time to set in, instead of tossing a puppy, dog or even a trainer away when it isn't quick enough.
At the end of the day we are all trying our best and we all have our own scars, triggers and learning styles. Patience, understanding, communication and clarity are really powerful!
I look forward to continuing this learning journey with those intrigued by my approach.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post! Jess from Impressive Canines
