When I was much younger I would fill notebooks with unrealistic goals and aspirations. Repeatedly I wrote out very detailed plans to overhaul my entire life. I was going to get in shape, eat healthier, have better relationships, organize everything, learn new things, become more spiritual, run faster, jump higher and make it all happen at once.
I didn’t make it much farther than the notebook page most of the time. Not because I lacked will power or motivation. Not because I was lazy. I failed because I was intent on completing the entire painting in one stroke. I wanted the finished, perfect product in less time than was possible.
I know I’m not alone in this desire, as much of the advertising I see is aimed in exactly that direction. We even do it with our dogs. We think about training and start imagining the perfect, finished product. Despite our planning process, the reality of the distance between where we are and where we want to be can destroy even the best of intentions.
Today I’m a lot easier on myself. I try to take smaller steps and focus on one or two things at a time. Maybe I’ll improve my diet this week and add some exercise next week. Maybe I’ll make an effort to spend at least one hour with a friend this week instead of trying to spend an hour with every one of my friends. You see what I’m getting at here?
It is entirely possible to reach that ultimate goal! I’m not saying that the finished product is beyond reach. However, you may have to work on nothing but door manners this week and start working on a better stay later on. You might have to focus all your energy on loose leash walking while managing door manners for now. It’s okay!
You and your dog will have more fun and enjoy the thrill of success if you concentrate on one skill at a time. Things like sit, down, stand and eye contact can be worked into every training situation. But you might have to make a choice between sitting when greeting strangers and barking.
If you and your dog can work on more than one issue without getting frustrated and agitated…go for it! But if no one is having any fun, progress is not being made and you start to dread the training (and possibly the dog) altogether, it’s time to zoom in on one thing or the other.
Don’t worry…the other issue (much like the dishes) will still be there.
Filed under: Relationship with Dogs, Training
