If you can, #DogTrainers, keep a journal after every class. I don't have time right now to list all the ways that has been amazing, but it has.

#DogTrainers listen up! I figured it out! I figured out how to make people comfortable when they start a dog training class and their dog is embarrassing or overwhelming them. I always tell people that I love the non-stop barker so we are able to learn from it so everyone learns what to do in that situation, but it doesn't feel good to them to be singled out, however positively. Well, I found out that if you 3D print tiny trophies or make ribbons or certificates for their dog being the Barker, or the Pooper (there's always one), or the Humper, etc., folks LOVE it.

This is for #DogTrainers who teach classes:

I have learned over the years that you shouldn't bring a dog to class that you handle, like your well trained demonstration dog. Instead, take the dog of someone who is stressed out and shape that dog's behavior so they can see how to handle their own dog, which is different for every dog. Rotate through everyone. Basically, take turns using everyone's dog to demonstrate things. If there is a dog who won't stop barking, then demonstrate how to handle a dog who won't stop barking. Classes are like impromptu acting.

A Palo Alto woman gave her German shepherd to a trainer. The dog she got back wasn't hers.

https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/01/15/missing-dog-mystery-sparks-police-investigation

This is an example of the problems with systems like Thumbtack, Rover, Wag, etc. They offer people a false sense of security with their supposedly verified and background-checked trainers.

Of course, accidents can happen. No one is immune from tragedy despite their best efforts. This is not about that.

#dog #dogs #dogsofmastodon #dognews #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogtrainers