
Let’s Get Ready
As researchers and trainers, we look at things from many different angles. Statistics, equations, possibilities, opportunities, and even “what if’s”. We have had to set our minds up to face challenges, resistance, and failures. We have wanted to throw in the towel, walk away, say we were barking up the wrong tree. But we didn’t. The inner strength of knowing something is there, something we will find that will make all the difference. Looking at the big picture, takes focus.
Just as we have to teach the puppy to focus, you must do so as well. We must learn how to read or pay attention to what our puppy is telling us. What does it mean when you ask them to do something and they walk away? Why, if they want to please us, do they pull on the leash? Our definition of focus and our puppies definition are two different things. We are capable of focus on a grand scale, a puppy is not. We can focus on the show in a movie theater even though the smell of popcorn is wafting the air. We can focus on talking on the phone while driving. A puppy can not. A leaf blows, there goes focus. A dog barks, someone enters the room, there goes focus.
Understanding focus means two different things to you and to your dog will help you realize how to react with your puppy when they are not paying attention. Pet owners often make the mistakes by trying to teach their dogs new things, in new environments. A dog must be taught what you expect in a non-distracted area, before they will even be able to do it in a distracted area. This is why we feel group classes hinder puppy development.
Enjoy,
Kim & Christina