Times have changed. Our dogs have developed from farm animals to family members. That is very nice, but it also has its downsides.
The line between child or partner replacement has become narrow, so that sometimes we completely forget what our dear furry friends actually need.
We struggle with a wide variety of problems and try to solve them in group training at the dog school with dogs of the same age and “cotton ball throwing” trainers.
If one trainer couldn’t help, we run to the next one and try to save a few euros.
In addition, Hasso only deserves the best food and then the vet, dog physio, the new customized leash and collar (or maybe harness), wellness for the dog, etc… but… “what if?” I keep asking myself.
How about “training from the start!”
Training can (and must) be loving!
Giving our dog a clear direction within which he can and should develop freely.
Don’t let problems arise in the first place and if they do, solve them in a targeted manner.
That’s the right way.
Yes, of course, individual training costs money. But nothing more than months of group training, at the end of which you still haven’t reached your goal.
Don’t get me wrong, group training definitely has its place, but without individual training it makes little sense.
Now a question for the trainers… why don’t owners want individual training?
Most people’s answers were:
“Too expensive, I can manage it anyway, it’s just a dog… etc.” Ultimately, it comes down to people having to deal with their own shortcomings and perhaps realizing that the error lies at the other end of the leash.
Yes, maybe.
But maybe it’s just a lack of ignorance and the flood of so-called training guides.
It always looks so easy on TV. Between Rütter, Milan, the puppy trainer and co., I see thousands of people who apply every good tip to their dog and then ask themselves why it doesn’t work. Or it works but the dog is completely confused at the end of the day thanks to the shaker, water bottle and anti-bark device.
This whole odyssey will then be many times more expensive than 2-3 individual lessons!
Yes, that’s right, during those I have to question myself and sometimes let myself be told something that doesn’t correspond to my previous way of thinking.
And? It’s not that bad.
Every now and then one or the other comes up with the idea of trying individual training and, hey presto, a change in behavior occurs.
Of course, this requires the right trainer, many of them know what they’re talking about.
Give them the chance to do it “individually”.
We can only give recommendations, you have to implement it yourself.
So here are my very serious words and the tip of the year: treat yourself to individual lessons, work on the basics. Only then can it work. Listen to your trainer and take the whole thing seriously! Your dog deserves respect and a certain place in your life.
He is not just a dog. He is your dog! That alone should make him infinitely valuable to you! He deserves you to pull yourself together for him and think outside the box!
That would make me very happy!
Best wishes from the sickbed, your Ben!