Blog | Willful Dogs

Training Your Dog is Easy...
Changing Your Habits is Hard

As I make the transition from a role as the head trainer at a dog training facility to starting my own business, I've been reflecting a lot on the habits that have shaped where I am today, and what changes I can make as I move forward.

Full disclosure, I’m a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, and I have a reactive dog. I have helped hundreds of dogs with over-arousal, impulsivity, fear, reactivity, and aggression, and my dog sometimes barks when another dog (or sometimes a person) looks at him the wrong way. I know how to help him (and he has made a tremendous deal of progress), but it sure can be tough to dedicate the necessary time when you have a full-time job, and a healthy dose of exhaustion. Over the next year, one of my biggest goals is to dedicate more of my time toward working with my own dogs.

The Simplicity of Dog Training

At its core, dog training is a straightforward process. Positive reinforcement, clear communication, and consistent practice are the golden rules. When you break down behaviors into smaller, achievable steps and reward your dog for each correct response, progress is almost guaranteed.

While there are certainly challenging elements and nuances to training, one of the most important factors is time. It’s no coincidence that the most successful dog trainers (and their most successful students) all have one thing in common- dedication. The more time and energy you dedicate to training (and probably most things in life) the more successful you’ll be with it.

The Human Element

However, the real challenge often lies not with our dog, but with us. We, as humans, are creatures of habit, tending to stick to routines even if they’re not serving us well. This can be especially true when it comes to committing time to our pets.

I've seen countless clients struggle with consistency. It's easy to get excited about a new training plan, but maintaining momentum can be difficult. Whether it's remembering to bring treats on a walk, sticking to a training schedule, or successfully implementing a management plan for an aggressive dog, consistency is key.

Why's it so Hard to Change Habits?

One reason why it's so difficult to change habits is that our brains are wired to conserve energy. Our brains are constantly looking for shortcuts and ways to automate tasks. This is why it's so easy to fall into old patterns of behavior, even when we know they're not serving us well. Your trainer might suggest that adjusting the time of day that you walk your dog could have a positive impact on their training, but it’s slightly less convenient, and your brain isn’t used to it, so after a few attempts, you might just decide to ignore that piece of advice.

Another reason is that we often set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. We may try to change too many habits at once, or we may expect to see results overnight. It's important to be patient and kind to ourselves as we work to change our habits. In the same way that we train dogs by breaking behaviors into small achievable steps, we need to do the same for ourselves. I believe many trainers often forget when they’re working with dogs, that they need to account for the human in the equation as well.

As we approach the end of another year, and reflect on 2024, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves. Let’s also try not to set unrealistic resolutions for the new year. It’s no secret that most new-year's resolutions have been abandoned before February. This time, let’s try to find a healthy balance between optimism and realism.

Who’s Holding You Accountable?

When I was working in a facility, I had countless people who held me accountable for my work. As an employee, ultimately, if I wasn't good at my job, I could be demoted or fired. Beyond that though, I had a team of around 6 other trainers who I worked with every day, and who pushed me to advance myself, and who all helped each other to improve. Thankfully even though I won’t be spending as much time with my former coworkers, I still have a strong community of friends and trainers who I rely on, and who constantly motivate me to be my best self.

When you’re trying to make a change in your life (or in your dog’s life) it really helps to find yourself an accountability buddy. Someone who you can share your successes with, or commiserate with when things are difficult. You can call up a friend, post about it on social media, or you can talk with your dog trainer who can personally relate to your struggles.

A New Chapter

As I embark on this new chapter of my career, I'm excited to share my passion for positive reinforcement dog training with my community in West Los Angeles and across the internet. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time puppy parent, I'm here to help you build strong routines, and a stronger bond with your dog.