What Happens if I Contact a Dog Trainer & My Dog Doesn't Misbehave?

The concern many owners have about their dog being a perfect angel when the trainer turns up and making them out to be a liar isn't all that far fetched. It happens often. If you're reading this blog post then this is something that may have stopped you from contacting a trainer for help.

We once had a training session with Vicky and her dog Freddy. He was such a perfect angel during the lesson that she was concerned that the lesson was wasted. We assured her that it was not, and the information she had given me as well as what I'm seeing even though he's not being the usual "naughty Freddy" would not hinder his progress.

While we can't speak about how this works with other trainers, we can assure you that it's not a problem for The Dog Star Academy.

Freddy and Vicky went on to overcome many challenges, including the issues Freddy had with chasing the family cats. 

Dog Behaviour Changes All The Time

We understand that behaviour is fluid, that means it changes from day to day and in different environments (and things in the environment). Despite our best efforts, some dogs will still have big emotions. Others will behave like perfect angels who've never put a foot wrong in their life. This happens. We're not car mechanics who need to hear the rattle in order to fix it. This is behaviour and we understand it.

We try not to bring out the behaviour, because the bigger our dog's emotional outbursts the harder it is for them to overcome the challenges they're dealing with. However, if it happens that's OK too.

If you phone us and say that your dog is worried about people, we're going to behave in a way that won't trigger, or reduce the triggers. Why is that? Because the more our dogs practice something the better they get at it. So, my goal is to reduce the unwanted behaviour as quickly, effectively and kindly as possible. And to help our dogs out of a big emotional outburst is not always the best way of dealing with it. 

Why It's Not Necessarily A Bad Thing if Our Dogs Behave

The more dramatic our dog's emotions the more they will struggle with transformation. The training such an out burst requires is often more severe than they would need when they're more relaxed. Stressed dogs and people don't make good choices. So our goal when helping dogs is to keep them as calm as possible so we can help them in a kinder, more effective and more timely manner. 

It's a myth that dogs can only overcome their behaviour when in the emotional state that creates the big response.

When last did someone throwing a spider on a person fearful of spiders help them overcome their fear?

Never.

Our goal isn't to suppress the behaviour, punish the behaviour or turn dogs into robots who never misbehave.

Our goal is to give the dog the strategies, support and guidance to overcome the behaviour.

What many owners don't realise is often we as owners also need guidance, support and strategies to better help our dogs.

Lucky for you, we know how to help both ends of the leash!

Here's Some Tips To Help You & Your Dog Before Your Trainer Arrives

When you speak with your trainer over the phone, ask them what they would like you to get ready before the lesson. If you're working with us, here are some things that will be helpful for you and your dog:

• Only give your dog a very small breakfast before the training. No more than 1/4 of what they'd normally get.
• Have some treats cut up and ready. Not sure what to use? Prime 100 Dog Roll cut up into small pieces for smaller dogs or pieces of about 1cm for a large dog like a Mastiff.
• If you can, it's always helpful to have your dog on a leash and prepared for the training session.
• Go through bonus X Factor training that you get when you book your lesson. Ideally, go through it a day or two before your lesson - that will mean you and your dog will get a lot more value out of your training session! It's super easy to do!

What Can You Do Next?

If this is something you've been worried about, you can give Elle a call on 04 9399 0578 for a free consultation to discuss your concerns. If you prefer Elle to call you, you can fill in the behaviour questionnaire instead.

Elle can work with you in person and helps dog owners who live in The Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

While Elle can also help owners who are not in the area, it is recommended that you at least attend one in person session with Elle in order to get the best out of the training as there are some things that are best demonstrated in person.