Your Dog Trainer Doesn't Know Everything
I was recently listening to a podcast on the topic of hero worship, and about making sure that you don't take one person's opinions and thoughts to the exclusion of your own learning. This is so very true, and is something that I tell clients all the time. Although there is nothing to beat private lessons with your dog, there are many other routes I recommend before, during, and after the program commences.
1. Read books! I myself did most of my primary learning of our local library. I've collected a variety of books of my own at this point, and any of my Off-Leash and Elite clients are always welcome to borrow from me. 2. Facebook Groups! what a great place to bounce ideas and questions off other dog owners and professionals
3. Websites! There are a plethora of sites to choose from, with general dog training information or details more specific to a behavior problem. 4. Group classes! a classroom environment gives you and your dog a completely different learning environment... try it out! 5. Other dogs! Learning to communicate with a dog other than yours will really help you build your fluency. I often have clients handle my dog or another client's dog during programs. 6. Other professionals! I've worked with over half a dozen different trainers over the last few years... I always make it clear to people that it is not a bad thing to get information from other professionals in addition to me. People have different learning styles and different teaching styles and I can guarantee you you will learn something new if you listen hard enough. Which of these alternate information methods have you used? What worked the best? Tell me in the comments!
