Tuesday, February 06, 2024
With puppy school you'll now have a puppy that has desire to work with you, accuracy in their work, speed while moving through obstacles, and you'll be practicing in different environments now.
To expand this drive to work with you, the focus will be quiet confidence. Being able to turn on quickly or turn off and be calm. Thoughtfulness around more environments and consistency in their behaviors.
That means transferring the value from the things your dog loves to you. Understanding their 6 needs at a deep level, which if done in a loving manner, will result in an even more amazing dream dog.
Below are a few of my recommendations to start dog training. If you want the complete list, press I'm In!!
These needs are the six needs that Tony Robbins talks about for humans: certainty, uncertainty/variety, significance, love/connection, growth, and contribution. The important thing is to make sure that all of these needs are being met in balance, so that dogs (and humans) can be happy and healthy.
Based on Tony Robbins' Teaching & Tamar Geller's Book "The Loved Dog"
So, just like humans have needs that must be met to be happy and healthy, dogs have needs too. Let's talk about six of these needs.
The first need is for certainty. This means that dogs like to know what to expect and feel safe and secure in their environment. For example, dogs like having a regular routine, knowing where their bed is, and feeling like they are in a stable home.
The second need is for uncertainty/variety. This means that dogs also need some excitement and change in their lives to keep them interested and engaged. For example, dogs like going on walks in new places, playing with new toys, and meeting new people and dogs.
The third need is for significance. This means that dogs need to feel important and valued in their pack (or family). For example, dogs like being praised for good behavior and being given tasks or jobs to do that make them feel helpful.
The fourth need is for love/connection. This means that dogs need social interaction and love from their owners and other dogs. For example, dogs like cuddling with their owners, playing with other dogs, and being part of a pack.
The fifth need is for growth. This means that dogs need to learn new things and improve themselves. For example, dogs like learning new tricks, solving puzzles, and playing games that challenge their minds.
The sixth need is for contribution. This means that dogs need to feel like they are making a positive difference in their pack or community. For example, dogs like helping their owners with tasks, protecting their homes and families, and providing emotional support.
Over the last 6 years I have collected quite a few stories, pictures, and mindsets that I will be documenting here. This is meant to be a resource for myself to look back on and for anyone else who finds it useful. Thank you and remember the secret is in the sequence!