Teaching Clients with Dogs

Dog trainers are expected to take a complex process, such as dog training, and break it into easy-to-understand terms–this is hard! The better you are at breaking complex behaviors into simple nuggets, the faster your clients will retain knowledge. Voila!

But can you effectively explain dog training easily?  Of course, with a few tips!

Before we begin:

In my opinion, dog trainers are expected to possess a higher understanding of learning theory, ABCs of learning (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence), and so forth. Remember, clients are not expecting to become mini dog trainers. They just want their dogs to stop pulling on the leash and come back to them when called (this is why they enrolled in the class).

You’re not undermining the meaning or power of dog training. You’re actually doing the exact opposite. It takes great skill to understand a complex process and then turn around and explain it in easy terms.

 Three words: keep it simple.

Refrain From Using Learning Theory Jargon

Pet parents zone out when we use learning theory terms. If you don’t believe me, try saying this during your next class, “Let’s teach an incompatible behavior using negative punishment to prevent jumping. To begin, we choose an antecedent, which elicits a behavior for a desired consequence. Who wants to volunteer to go first?” Clients will shrink back and look at one another. They are totally confused. 🙂

Instead, give clear directions in terms pet parents can relate to and understand, such as:

• “We are going to teach your dog to keep four feet on the floor instead of jumping up. When any of your dog’s feet leave the ground, you’ll walk away from him. Once all four feet are on the ground, you’ll click and toss him a treat.”
• Clients are learning “feet leave ground, I leave (neg punishment).”  “Feet stay on ground, I stay and click/treat (positive reinforcement).” Voila. Simple problem-solving they can use to decrease a behavior, such as barking and so on. 🙂

Use Analogies Often

I’ll admit it: I’m an analogy queen. I use them for everything 🙂 Analogies are a comparison showing a similarity, which can help explain meaning and how it relates to real life. OK, I may have lost you in that sentence so let me bring you back by keeping it simple.

Politely greet dogs:

• Refrain from petting dogs on top of the head. This is rude in doggie language.
• Think about it this way: What if I petted you on top of the head instead of shaking your hand? You would think I was crazy right?
• Same thing with dogs. Touch dogs under the chin instead.

Give Simple Instructions

Keep explanations and stories to a minimum. A person can only absorb so much knowledge in an hour. A few years ago, I completed a Tag Teaching seminar and it literally changed my life.

When explaining anything:

• Explain using 5 or less words.
• Demo using the same 5 or less words (demo with a dog and person).
• Ask a student to demo using the same 5 or less words.
• Ask each student to practice with his dog (5 reps).

Example:  Teaching “Touch”

1. Explain: Dog touches nose left palm.
2. If students become confused, break down the behavior even further. Nose left palm.
3. For reps, I ask clients to count out 5 treats (this equals 5 reps).

What are your tips for effectively teaching clients about dog training? Please share!