Find your Happy on the Trails.

I learned a long time ago that when I went to work a dog, I had to shake off any prior stuff. Meaning if I had trained a difficult dog prior or spilled my coffee- I had to let go of it before I began to work the dog. My goal was for each dog to feel like they were the best and had all my attention. During their training session I was 100 percent with them!

This should be your goal too! Every time you work your dog. 

I know I have spoken about this before- and you will hear me speak of it again because I believe it is very important! 

Now, lately when I watch two teams work with very similar dogs. One dog is so excited to work, and the other is like Eeyore. And, it has nothing to do with the dogs' drives. I think it has to do with the handlers.

One handler is on a schedule- needs to get certified. Always thinking about what they can do different to get the dog done faster or better. The other handler has no expectations. They are going thru the steps to see where it takes them. Which dog do you think is performing with excitement?

Yes, both handlers have heard me talk about shaking it off before they start and just being there for the dog.

But maybe we need to do a little more.

I know many of us have high expectations with our pups. We research a good breeder, try to get the puppy with the most potential. And, we have our goals to get certified and out on the calls. And yes, I believe in goals!!! Yet, we must be careful about those time limits. I think that might be key. The goals will be completed with no stress on the trail. The goals will be completed with patience and letting your dog make the discoveries. The goals will be completed with happy trails!

If you are feeling the stress to make every trail better than the last, or that you are not moving as quickly as you would like- your pup is feeling that too! Somehow you need to find a way to let that go.

I have seen a lot of our SAR handlers find that working with the others that are not in SAR. Doing it just because they love being out with their dogs. Bringing it back to why they first were interested in the work.

There truly is nothing more I enjoy than being behind the line following one of my dogs. Watching them, learning, and I always find it amazing. And, when we have had our largest struggles- it is not the dog- it is me! Me- putting too much pressure on the results.

This week I watched new pups finish their first course. I was so grateful to the handlers, because even on the tougher trails they just let the dogs work. They enjoyed the process of watching the dogs figure it out. And, when they did you could feel the joy off the handlers- and boy did those dogs feel it too!

Find the happy on your trails! it is imperative to the dogs! And the success of your team! Go for those goals, I will be the first one cheering you on and do my best to help you achieve them. Just remember, to the dog it is a game. It needs to be worth it not only with the reward at the end, but every step of the way!

Don't be an EEyore questioning every move and doubting every step. Be a Roo- curious, and ready for the adventure wherever it takes you! If you are so will your pup!