Did you set a new year's dog
training resolution last month? How is it going..... For most people (hopefully
not you!) we set huge goals in January, don't write them down and by February
we've forgotten what the plan was.
The problem is that saying
you will have do something "this year" is very vague. And it gives
you months and months to do it.
So it never really gets done.
One of my wonderful clients
(hi Laura) has been making amazing progress with her challenging and
adorable lurcher Roman this year.
Her secret?
We talked through what her
most important goals were and why they mattered. We picked ONE to focus on for
the next 12 weeks (there's plenty of year left for the other goals). Our big focus right now is helping Roman to travel
We broke down the goal into
all the essential stages, and Laura wrote a plan that meant she would work on
those training tasks regularly every week.
My big vision:
For Roman to be calm and confident on car journeys of varying lengths, including vet trips or classes. For us all to be able to go out together for trips and visits.
Three Key Goals that will help me work towards the vision, and are achievable within 12 weeks
1. For Roman to be able to travel longer distances in the car, without getting anxious and to be more relaxed about visiting new places.
2. For Roman to be less anxious about going to and being handled by Vet.
3. For Roman to be more settled in the car on his own.
What actions do I need to take to help achieve these goals?
- Relaxation Protocol to help Roman relax on mat and give him a purpose in new places
- Introduce new drives and increase length
- Take different routes on drives to and from walks
- partner and I to get out of car on drives and increase time and distance from car
- Relaxation Protocol in the car
- Outside Relaxation Protocol after a drive
- Regular drives to vet, then getting out in car park, then going in to reception without treatment
An online weekly diary plus
regular Skype calls keeps them on track, and lets us adjust the plan as needed.
Result - Laura and Roman have
already achieved more in the last 5 weeks than they did in 6 months last year. And they didn't start until 19th January!
I can't wait to see them both at a Rehab Club so we can make progress on the next big goal - how Roman copes around other dogs.
I can't wait to see them both at a Rehab Club so we can make progress on the next big goal - how Roman copes around other dogs.
If you're working with us for
training or behaviour, we can help you set those goals and work towards them
consistently - just book a Skype call with Morag or Clare.
What's happening in WCC
world?
It's been another amazing
week at WCC and I just can't fit everything into one post. So you can find out
more in the links!
If you want to have more fun
with your dog, don't forget to sign up for Sian's Parkour workshop on Sunday 25th March . You
can apply for a place HERE If you
have applied don't worry, we're working our way through them all and will be in
touch asap!
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