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How To Be A Better Positive Reinforcement Pet Trainer

8/3/2015

7 Comments

 
Typist: Bethany
In every dog training class or workshop I have been in, at some point all of the participants end up in a conversation about the ways we wish to be be better as trainers. Since we are all in the workshop or class to improve our positive reinforcement training skills, it makes sense to chat about working towards being better trainers but many of these discussions turn into complaining. One person will share how a certain lack of knowledge ruined a certain cue in a dog and state that for the next dog it will be different. Another person will tell a story about how a training mistake embarrassed them in competition. Eventually, everyone within ears reach is beating themselves up about their total and complete lack of training skills and knowledge. I have done it. I still do. And I don't need a crowd of other trainers to get started on the massive list of ways I can improve my positive reinforcement pet training skills. Yet when I was recently lamenting the bettering myself as a trainer list, Leo stated from his near-by play tree "I love you." Genius! How can I best improve as a trainer? By loving what a great trainer I already am. 
Miniature dachshund Wilhelm plays tug with some fellow campers on a recent dog friendly camping trip
Would a dachshund with a bad trainer do this?
Something Is Better Than Nothing
I think one of the things that stops people from doing any training with their dogs, cats, parrots or other pets is the idea that training has to mean ending up on TV with the greatest trained pet in history. But training is about bonding and mental stimulation and nothing more. Not to say that training can't suddenly become the best hobby ever and lead to the greatest trained pet in history dazzling millions on TV. Every hobby starts somewhere and if that somewhere is a few minutes a week, fantastic!
Keeping It Positive
Since my training journey began decades ago in the not-so-positive, I definitely give myself a pat on the back every time I don't use a negative training technique. Anyone who is training positively, using a clicker or not, training amazing tricks or a simple sit, is the very best trainer ever in my eyes. And that positive reinforcement trainer is also the best in the eyes of their pet(s.) What else matters?
Happiness
Everywhere we go, I am barraged by compliments about my well cared for, well trained and happy pets. So even though I am not the best trainer that I think I can be, others notice and comment on what they see as my successes. I think I need to more often take some time to do the same, learning from the good example of my happy and content pets.
Rough collie Huxley and miniature dachshund Wilhelm happily surrounded by children on a recent dog friendly camping trip
Did somebody say happy?
I am certainly not saying I don't want to improve as a trainer. I devour books and articles, sign up for every workshop and class I can, and I never plan to stop learning about positive reinforcement training.  I think part of being a positive reinforcement trainer is the desire to be a better trainer and to do better for our pets. What I have discovered, though, is that while I want to be a better trainer, I don't need to be a better trainer. I am perfect just the way I am.
How are you a better trainer?
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Welcome to Positive Reinforcement Pet Training Week hosted by Cascadian Nomads, Rubicon Days & Tenacious Little Terrier. This month we are sharing stories of how to improve as trainers.The blog hop is open all week, so if you are a blogger, add a post and if you are a positive pet trainer or training enthusiast, hop around by clicking the thumbnails below, learn and share. Next months Positive Reinforcement Pet Training Week begins September 7th and like every month, any and all posts or comments about positive reinforcement pet training are welcome.
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7 Comments
Lauren Miller link
8/2/2015 03:09:14 pm

Great post! I sometimes fall into that failure trap, too and then I don't want to do anything.

I think I'm becoming a better trainer as time goes on. I have more patients than I did 4 years ago when I first got Zoe and I've learned a ton since then. I think that the more you learn the better you can be and also by helping others you can also become better. I try to help as many people as I can.

Reply
Emma link
8/2/2015 08:43:39 pm

We aren't big on "training" as in obedience stuff or tricks, but we have the basics down so we can all live nicely together and our training is mostly with our dog sports. The key for us is doing what we need to do to stay out of trouble and to be polite.

Reply
Jan K link
8/3/2015 05:15:21 am

We're always hardest on ourselves, aren't we? I don't strive to be the best or compete or anything, but I do get frustrated if Luke is slow to learn something...I always figure it's me doing something wrong (usually we just need a different approach). But my positive is that I've learned so much patience, and to step back and start over again if need be.

Reply
Tenacious Little Terrier link
8/3/2015 08:12:28 am

I think my timing has definitely gotten better and I know much more theory now. Mr. N is my guinea pig dog (first dog learning experience!).

Reply
Lara Wilber link
8/5/2015 02:46:15 am

I love that while you and April and I all had similar posts, each one is a slightly different angle. Positive training is so rewarding, whether you do a little or a lot, and like you say, there is always room for improvement while also being satisfied with exactly where we are.

Reply
Kari link
8/6/2015 10:03:36 am

I'm usually surprised when people compliment me for my well-behaved dogs, because I have PTSD about having "problem dogs," and because I don't spend very much time doing any actual training. Leo doesn't have the attention span for tricks... or basic obedience... but "something is better than nothing" is a good motto. I'm reminded that I do work on his traning every time I take him for a walk and reward him for not reacting to something. And he's turned out to be a pretty good dog!

Reply
Kelsie link
8/7/2015 12:11:49 am

I agree that we're all too hard on ourselves when it comes to training. People at BlogPaws commented on how well-behaved Atka was and it took everything not to stifle a snort ;) We have come along way and I need to credit us for that.

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