Do Not Rush the Training

Foundation is the most important piece of any training you will do! And, it is always what we want to rush.

It can be obedience, detection, trailing - we always want to get to the good stuff, and get thru the easy stuff fast. 

Please! Take your time- do your homework- do not skip ahead.

My foundation work is set up for you to take the time to learn each step. To learn how to work the line, cast your dog, read and respond. The foundation is not just the first 8 weeks teaching the dog what to do, it is 3 courses teaching you both!

I know it is easy to get caught up, and want to keep moving forward. After a couple weeks, teams want to move to trails or sidewalks. And, yes your dog can track those areas after learning the very basics. But, it is not all about the dog, it is about you two as a team. I am not just training the dog's foundation, but yours as well. Before, we hit the neighborhoods- you need to be ready too!

I can almost guarantee if you skip steps it will take you longer than if you take it one puppy step at a time.

And, you don't have to be training with me just to hear this- whoever you are training with stick with their plan thru foundation. Keep it simple for you and your dog to learn by listening to one trainer.

I am not telling you to stick with one person forever. There are many great seminars out there for you all to attend with lots of good trainers. Amazing trainers!

Yet, if you have just started your dog in the last couple months- don't start signing up for every seminar out there switching techniques every weekend. Get your foundation down.

K9 Track NW foundation is not the only way, there are many techniques to teach you and your dog how to trail, and every trainer has their own twist on things. Every trainer has their own thoughts on foundation and what that all entails.

My foundation courses may be longer than others, and I can tell you why. I actually did already above- I am not just teaching the dog - I am teaching the team! And, for the team- you and your dog- you must take the time to build that foundation.

So, if you are just starting with me and your dog is finding treats at the end of a trail- don't rush it by putting a person there instead- there is a reason we wait. 

Or if you are working trails don't jump to busy streets- take it step by step.

And, always feel free to ask me why-

There is a reason and explanation behind each puppy step to find the trail.

If you jump ahead to far it is a lot longer route to the finish line than if you take it one step at a time.

I know I have spoke about this before, but before you even start your training- interview the trainers!!! Call and talk to me and others to find the one you feel best about- you will be working with this person for awhile.

And, yes things change. You picked a trainer been working for awhile but just do not seem to be moving forward. Talk to your trainer- ask the "why" questions. And, if you still feel the need to change then do it. 

Trailing can be very tough. It normally takes about two years to certify, and a lot of trails!!!!

The foundation does not cover all there is to getting ready to test. Once you have the foundation then we age and lengthen trails! Here again we can not rush the process, the learning.

If you are frustrated and feeling you are not moving forward in your training- first take a step back - did you skip something? What do you feel needs more work? Talk to your trainer- I chat about this with someone at least every other week! 

Take the time to train, the benefits are a strong team!