Learning Together: Keys to Frustration-Free Training

Learning works best when both teacher and student are in a positive mental state. photo: AdobeStock

Training dogs brings me a great deal of joy and satisfaction. But to share this passion with my students, I must first understand any reasons that may have prevented them from fully enjoying training in the past.

 When I ask new clients who are exploring agility (my dog sport of choice) if they like training, they often say “not really” and then explain that their dog is sometimes “stubborn” or that they “aren’t very good at it.” They tell me they often end up frustrated with their dogs or themselves when they train.

It doesn’t matter who got frustrated first, the dog or the person. If either member of the team is frustrated or bored during a training session, their partner is never far behind.

 No-frustration training will keep your sessions more fun and more productive. Fortunately, the ways I keep my training sessions frustration-free for myself and my dogs can be used by anyone.  

Before You Start  

Before you start your training session, I suggest adopting this simple philosophy that my students and I live by. We think of our dogs as our pupils and of ourselves as their teachers or mentors. As a result, we are able to influence them in deeper, more meaningful ways. We are able to set clearer boundaries while providing inspiration and direction as needed. 

We are also more committed to consistency in our communication, a key element in effective dog training.  We learn when and how to help our dogs when they need us most, which is generally when they aren’t understanding us. We know how to strengthen wanted behaviors every day by looking for ways to praise and reinforce our dogs in routine ways.

 Our expectations are realistic and we take responsibility for the lessons learned, desired and not. We approach learning from a more curious and less demanding angle.  We know that how we approach our dogs’ education is important. We are willing to learn what we do not know in order to teach the individual dog that we have. We are not afraid to get help when we need it.

Getting In The Training Mood

Learning works best when both teacher and student are in a positive mental state. I make a habit of being sure that I have what’s needed in the way of patience and energy before I train. I often have to help the dogs I am training get into the optimal learning state as well. If the dog is too hyper or too aloof, I will have to help him or her shift into a more favorable mental state.

Here’s how you can help your dog focus on the task at hand:

• Burn off a rowdy dog's excess energy before training if needed. A game of fetch or a hike is a great way to do this.

• Lower or increase the value of the treats to stimulate or subdue your dog's interest in the food. For example, use kibble as a low value treat, and cheese or meat as a high value one. 

• Build up the dog's enthusiasm before training if he seems disinterested in training. Play goofy games or use gentle teasing for those dogs with a “softer” temperament.

• Change the location of the training session to a place that is more comfortable for the dog, or less distracting. For example, go inside or remove other dogs from the room. 

• Take a break from the task and reconnect with the dog if he or she looks like they’d rather be doing something else. Play and/or a massage are great ways to reconnect and refocus. 

 By managing a dog's mental state before and during the training session, I’ve found I can influence the dog longer and more fully. I make sure that we are both enjoying ourselves first and foremost, and if we need to stop and refresh, that’s fine. Managing the dog’s mental state is an important part of my role as a teacher.

Communication is a Two-Way Street

We all want our dogs to understand us and respond correctly when we give them cues, but do we understand them when they are questioning us? Often when a dog misunderstands, it is actually a question they are asking us. When you look at errors as questions, it is much easier not to get frustrated or give up on your dog learning an important skill. Being able to shift into teacher mode when your dog needs clarity can be difficult, especially if you are feeling frustrated or angry. But taking responsibility for what we teach our dogs, for better or worse, is part of being a good teacher. 

Learning how to answer your dog’s questions as they arise is the fun - and never-ending - part of communicating with dogs. So be a teacher, set the mood, and be ready to answer their questions. You’ll find it’s a very rewarding way to navigate life with your dog.