As one follower pointed out, it’s been WAY TOO LONG since my last blog. I could launch into a lengthy diatribe about why, but suffice to say, life.
A great deal has happened in the last year…highs and lows. Mostly keeping my proverbial nose to the grindstone personally and professionally. But enough about that…my follower started me thinking about what would be relevant to present…and for me to have any authority to write.
So here goes…
I am about to enter the ring again…or as this follower said, “So the cobblers’ kid finally gets her shoes…”
I am not taking this re-entry lightly.
I am also trying not to take it too seriously. I mean, really, no one will die based on what happens at these upcoming trials.
This month, I have three trial weekends. Jake will enter UKC NoseWork for all odors and all novice elements. Mollie will be entered in NADAC agility and then in WCFO Freestyle. It’s tempting to both prepare and trial two dogs in exactly the same manner, irrespective of the sport. However, that would be a tactical error on my end of the leash.
Let me explain.
In multi-dog households, it’s so common to compare where each dog is in their training relative to each other. I surmise that’s human nature. When I run across this in my students, I hear the following words come spilling out of my mouth: “Do you have children?” Why do I ask this? Because I’m about to compare children to dogs…hear me out…
For those of you that do have kids, they have the genetic make-up of you and your significant other (I’m making a huge presumption for the sake of the illustration) and they have been raised similarly. But are those children exactly alike? I’m betting not. They may look familial. They may have some personality traits in common. But I’d also bet they excel in different areas of their lives. They learn differently. They connect with people differently. Basically, they are individuals.
It’s the same for dogs. Within breeds. Within litters. Within households.
Jake (9) is generally confident, environmentally nonplussed, and physically a bit challenged due to his hip replacement and arthritis. He’s smart, funny, and vocal.
Mollie (5) tends to be a worrier, environmentally hyper-sensitive, and physically agile and strong. She’s smart, sweet, and a guardian.
Interesting on the surface, and very telling in how I have had to vary my training to SUIT EACH DOG!
Jake learns best by working out the challenge for himself. He works for the love of work and working with me. Treats are a bonus, and he is not easily deflated by corrections or by me making comments about my mistake in handling. He simply moves on…
Mollie, on the other hand, is super-sensitive to any criticism…even if it’s of myself. In her defense, how is she to know that my verbal “oh no” and heavy sigh is meant for me, not her. She learns best with food or toys for reward, and very little “drilling” of an exercise…in fact, the more fun it is, the more she wants to work. She needs a bit more confidence-building, and we do that with play. She loves to play with me.
In training, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that each dog is very different. That’s why I am working really hard on having a plan before each training session with each dog. I also take time to acclimate myself and the dog I am working to mentally prepare for training. I’m getting better at this. I’m hopeful this hard work will translate to success!
So, for the upcoming trails I have three goals on which to base “success”:
- HAVE FUN WITH THE DOG I AM WITH!
- Strive to trial as I train
- Note our accomplishments, whatever that means for THAT DOG
This will take the pressure off of the entire team. And, set the stage for a successful re-entry!
Happy Training!
