by Dana Falsetta, CPDT-KA

Every January feels like a time to start fresh.

We make some resolutions, set some new goals, and generally look towards the future and all of its possibilities.

I would also like to encourage you add in some reflection on the past as you plan for the future. Consider all of the good things going on, especially with your dog. When we get bogged down in all of the “could have been” “should be” and “I wish” –es, we can end up in some false paths and starting points in our training.

Jot down some successes, such as:

• When were the moments over the past year that made you beam with pride?
• How many times have you said “At least my dog doesn’t do (fill in the blank here)…”?
• Go a little farther back, too, and think–what did you accomplished with your dog that seemed impossible two years ago?

Now take what you love about your dog, and think about the one thing you would like to improve on. The path to lasting results is to make a manageable plan and amount of work.

As an example, if you would like your dog to be calmer when guests come in your door, visualize what that looks like.

For me that looks like:

When a knock on the door happens, I ask my dog to hop up on the couch and stay there until all my guests come in. Then I can calmly give him a cue to go greet people by sitting near them.

Just by visualizing my goal, I have a training plan! Breaking a part my example, we can identify trainable behaviors:

• Go to the couch (A “place” cue)
• Stay (even with distractions)
• Release from a stay
• Sitting for petting

Each day I can plan a five-minute training session to work on one of those four behaviors individually, moving towards eventually putting them all together. Training sessions don’t need to be long and complicated. By making small commitments and intentions, you will see faster improvement and longer lasting results.

And when you get a little frustrated (it happens!) take a moment to think about what you love about your dog, and everything that brings you joy about the relationship. Give yourself and your dog a break, and remember that there is always another opportunity for a training session.

Plus, if you hit a snag, our staff at Philly Unleashed is here to support you in all of your training goals — we look forward to seeing you in classes and lessons in 2019!