As trainers, a lot of clients call us with issues (barking, leash reactivity, jumping to name a few) and they are frustrated because they can't seem to get the behavior under control. We give them tools and guidance, but we then get calls/emails a few days later saying it didn't work. My answer is always the same: give it time. I know that is the hardest part. People want the behavior fixed sooner rather than later (which is why so many people turn to "quick" fixes like electronic collars or other forceful methods). And when we are up against "Hollywood" trainers that show you that even the largest issues can be resolved in one quick session, it's no wonder. But that isn't reality. Reality is that training takes work, but if you focus on the small victories and not the end goal, you will be amazed what you will see.
Stop worrying about the fact that your dog isn't "perfect" yet. Celebrate that yesterday maybe your dog couldn't see a dog at 100 feet away without losing it but today, the dog was 95 feet away before your dog noticed. Celebrate that a week ago your dog bolted out an open door, but today he can wait for a few seconds with the door open before showing any hint that he is going out it. If you take the time to celebrate the small steps, you will see how much your dog is growing and changing. And you can enjoy your progress more. If we only focus on "I want to retire when I am 55" and we miss all the milestones between now and then, what was the point?
So, when you work with your dog, look at the day to day steps. And please, when you see a dog that has the behavior that you want your dog to have, don't be envious. Realize that that owner/dog team probably has worked for a long time and had to celebrate the small victories, too. Small victories that eventually became HUGE milestones.
Stop worrying about the fact that your dog isn't "perfect" yet. Celebrate that yesterday maybe your dog couldn't see a dog at 100 feet away without losing it but today, the dog was 95 feet away before your dog noticed. Celebrate that a week ago your dog bolted out an open door, but today he can wait for a few seconds with the door open before showing any hint that he is going out it. If you take the time to celebrate the small steps, you will see how much your dog is growing and changing. And you can enjoy your progress more. If we only focus on "I want to retire when I am 55" and we miss all the milestones between now and then, what was the point?
So, when you work with your dog, look at the day to day steps. And please, when you see a dog that has the behavior that you want your dog to have, don't be envious. Realize that that owner/dog team probably has worked for a long time and had to celebrate the small victories, too. Small victories that eventually became HUGE milestones.