Every January, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers hosts Train Your Dog Month. The idea is to encourage everyone to work with their pups a little more – ideally each day. I’ve participated in the past, and even though I strive to train with them year round – as I think everyone should! – it’s great to have that sense of a beginning and end to a specific goal.
And so that’s where I started, with goals.
For Cooper, I have two goals for January. First, complete the relaxation protocol all the way through one time in the kitchen. Second, make grooming more pleasant. While we worked on his nails last year and made some improvement, it’s still a struggle. His ears are a nightmare. (Oddly enough, he’s fine with baths.) So I’m going to use the clicker and work incrementally to build up to a tolerable pleasant grooming routine.
For Lucas, my main focus is to complete the relaxation protocol all the way through in the kitchen. Because he’s gone through so much training (a trainer once pointed out that reactive dogs are often some of the most well-trained dogs simply because they’re always training…), the first few days will be a piece of cake. Once the door is involved, it’s a whole different story. So, even though Coop has this goal, too, it’s a different bear with Lucas. But I know we can do it.
For Emmett, I was stumped. I honestly hit the wall. He’s rock steady out and about. He’s not “perfect” by any stretch, but there’s nothing we need to desensitize him to, there’s nothing he needs to learn, experience, or do differently. This post sat in my drafts folder all morning because I just couldn’t come up with anything for him. Then, I had a complete light bulb moment while reading Pamela’s post at Something Wagging This Way Comes.
Instead of focusing on setting up and completing a training task, with Emmett I’m going to focus on lifestyle training. We’re going to go new places together and spend time having fun out and about – something he’s sorely missed since we moved to Louisiana. We’ll work on puzzle toys more frequently and possibly train a few just-for-fun tricks, but only if he’s enjoying the process, no end goal in sight!
So, there ya have it! Our Train Your Dog Month plan of attack.
Are you participating? What training goals do you have for January? Do you set goals for the year, like resolutions? Or take on specific challenges like this one?
sofia
I may try the relaxation protocol with Cash. We had some great progress with his door bell freak out but he has relapsed. it seems as though when he is taking a training class his behaviour at home improves dramatically, I think having that weekly class, the training setting and training goals make him an all around better behaved dog.
Maggie
Let me know if you decide to tackle the protocol. I’d love to compare notes!
Erik
So the picture is a lie?! You’re not going to teach him how to type and take dictation?
Maggie
Oh. My. Gosh. How much easier my life would be if Emmett could type and take dictation… If only… 🙂
John
I think our training goal for Newt should be something like, “trim her own nails so we don’t have to get near them,” or, “please stop sitting on our heads at 3am.”
Maggie
Those are good, though I’d prioritize “stop biting people” over her nails and rude wake ups. But that’s just me.
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes
Sounds like you didn’t consult with John before finalizing your training goals. 🙂
I love what you came up with for Emmett. I bet the two of you are going to have great fun this month.
So glad you decided to join the challenge.
Maggie
Thank YOU for the inspiration!!
Kathy Marton
I think Emmett should learn how to Skype so he can call me. ;>)
I sure do miss the big boy!
Maggie
Anytime!!
D. Cryor
I absolutely LOVE that picture. I am also so glad to hear about how folks continue to do training. I have to admit, I sometimes believe that old saying about teaching an old dog new tricks. I get so frustrated with Lilly that I wonder if I can teach her anything now. Dash has always loved training. Our resolution comes from the unfortunate times when we walk in the park, and Lilly is completely distracted with eating the goose poop. YUCK. We are working on “Leave It.” For a lot of reasons!
Maggie
That’s a great one to work one (types the person whose dog ate an entire bean burrito yesterday….). I think Emmett and Lilly are in the same boat. He still loves to DO, but it’s hard to think of things to teach him anymore. I love the focus on doing fun things together. We’ll see how it goes!
Jan K
We have fitness resolutions/goals for each of the dogs. We’re just getting back to work after being on vacation and bringing the new puppy home, so I really need to get new routines set now so we can focus on the plans. This is where I could probably use some of your organizational skills!!
Maggie
Fitness goals are always a good idea! I know how chaotic it must be with the new puppy! I’m sure your routines will fall into place once everyone feels settled again!