GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DOG

I think that if you speak to any animal trainer or anyone whoever has ever had success in training dogs, they all most likely agree that a relationship needs to be developed in order for that relationship to grow. They will also agree that one of the first things that needs to happen is the trainer must first get to know the animal. I remember that even in working with marine mammals such as killer whales and dolphins, it was essential that I get to know each animal I was training.

In training animals, based upon the individual animal they’re training, a good animal trainer will always begin with STEP ONE and take the time to get to know the animal, and will find a way to motivate the animal to want to be around him. Once he learns and identifies some things that stimulate the animal, he will give the animal those certain things at the most opportune times.

But this animal trainer also understands that the animal is going to make mistakes at one time or another as well. Again, he has taken the time to learn and know what he can give that individual animal as a correction. At the time the animal does something incorrectly, he will give the animal the most appropriate correction at that time to get the message across. The greatest thing is that once he has gotten to know and understand the animal, he can do this in the calmest and most gentle way that is least likely to jeopardize the animal’s trust in him.

This is really all about chemistry. If you’ve watched my TV series or seen any of my videos, I have always stressed over these 20 years that no two animal trainers (or owners) are alike, and no two animals are alike, either. It’s the unique relationship and chemistry between that animal and the trainer (or owner) that makes each relationship so special and unique. But the only way the chemistry is established is by the trainer first taking the time to get to know and understand the individual animal he is training. 

As I look back at my career, I try to think about some of the best animal trainers that I’ve ever been around. These were always the ones that were the best communicators with animals and people. The reason that each trainer was so successful is that he simply got to know the animal he or she was working with.

Once you get to know the animal, you can then find out a lot of information about the animal. You will find the things the animal likes, and the things the animal does not like. You can then begin to DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP.