Ok, I can see how you might think this is an unusual title for a blog but it raises an important point: as a dog owner, it is critical for you to ‘vet’ your trainer and know that they are looking for the same outcomes as you. Dog training means different things to different people and, at Potter Paws, we’re pretty committed to what we believe is right.
For anyone who remembers the 1980’s, Barbara’s Woodhouse’s high-pitched calls of “Walkies” and “Sit” may forever define dog training for you. Obedient (possibly mildly terrified) dogs and owners would walk in circles after this forceful, 70-something-year-old following her instructions to the letter.
Here’s why this isn’t what dog training is all about (even if many people still expect to parade in circles at a puppy training session!)
I’m not your ideal trainer if…..you want me to do the work
I won’t be shouting out instructions like Barbara and I won't be training your dog; instead, I’ll be teaching you how to work on skills and help you to understand your dog's world. Training is about you gaining trust and building a relationship with your dog, not demanding obedience.
I’m not your ideal trainer if…..you expect instant results
Our mantra at Potter Paws is “training is for life, not just for puppies” and that’s because dogs are intelligent creatures who, if left without the right stimulation, will generally find their own entertainment. Training is about giving them new and interesting experiences and encouraging them to make good choices, just as much as teaching them to sit or stay. It can and will take time.
I’m not your ideal trainer if…..you want your dog to fit in around you
Having a dog is a commitment which needs compromise on both sides. Buying a puppy and then expecting it to stay home all day while you work; or not walking it because it is raining, isn’t fair. Dog owners need to accept that having a dog means a change in lifestyle for them too. When I get enquiries from people who need me to stop their dog barking all day or chewing furniture my heart sinks. This isn’t a dog being naughty, it’s a dog being bored. You can’t change this behaviour, you need to change the circumstances that lead to it.
I’m not your ideal trainer if…..you never want to give your dog treats
There’s no point trying to train your dog if you don’t want to reward him when he gets it right. Dogs are simple in this way: they will remember a reward. There’s no such thing as aversion therapy and, thankfully, the old-fashioned techniques of telling dogs off or rubbing their nose in a wee on the floor are long gone. Don’t forget treats doesn’t have to mean unhealthy snacks. Normal food can be used just as effectively and you can reward in other ways with play, affection and permission too.
I’m not your ideal trainer if…..you want to do it the same way you did it before
Every dog will present a different scenario when it comes to behaviour, reactions and training and, at Potter Paws we have a well-developed and tested approach which brings success if it is followed. It’s often easy for dog owners to be swayed by well-meaning friends or relations who might believe the old ways were the best or that the dog needs a certain intervention. We can only make the right progress with you and your dog if you’re committed to putting in the effort over a period of time – not giving up after a week or confusing your dog with other training methods at the same time.
Hopefully this gives you some good food for thought when it comes to choosing your dog trainer. Most trainers will let you watch a session before signing up and they should always have the dog’s (and your) best interests at heart. View Potter Paws training courses on our website at
www.potterpaws.co.uk, and don't hesitate to
email me with any questions you have.