Message from Fieldwood

Spreading the Word: Training Makes a Difference
As we begin a new year and enter National Train Your Dog Month (January), we'd like to encourage each of you to spread the word about the difference training can make in the lives of dogs and their people.

Each year, millions of dogs are abandoned at shelters. Many of these dogs are given up due to behavior problems that are both easy to prevent and easy to correct with training. We know how frustrating it can be when your dog's behavior keeps you from enjoying all of those things that are the reasons you got a dog in the first place! If a person doesn't know how to correct problems, or doesn't know that problems CAN be corrected - well, we can see how someone might get to the point of giving up. If only more people knew how much training can help!

If you're already a friend of Fieldwood, you know how training can help you to enjoy your dog and live a happy and harmonious life together. You know that while no dog is "perfect," problems can be solved, and behavior can improve. You know that there are kind and effective ways to teach your dog to abide by the "house rules." And you know there's help out there to assist you if things go off course. But how about your neighbors? Friends? Family?

While it can be awkward to criticize others when you see them doing something incorrectly, there are ways you can reach out and help without offending - and their dog will thank you for it! Instead of "butting in" to tell someone to stop yanking their leash, or yelling, or that they need to change everything they are doing, here are four tips to offering help in a positive way:

1) No one likes being told they are wrong, especially if they are already frustrated with the situation. Just like with our dogs, advice works better when we share what TO DO instead of focusing on what NOT to do. Sharing a "tip" instead of criticism can be a great way to frame the conversation:

"You know, I had that same problem, and what worked for me was…" or "I heard some great dog training advice for that issue. It was…"

2) Sometimes "asking permission" in a way, before delivering advice can set the person up to be much more receptive. Most people will accept your offer if you phrase it like this:

"Would you mind if I ran an idea by you?" Or "Would you mind if I share some advice with you?"

3) Sometimes people feel uncomfortable about needing professional help, and think they should be able to handle things themselves. Sharing with the person that you also used professional help with your dog can make them feel OK about needing help too. Let them know they're not alone. Some people are also more receptive to a referral to a professional than to advice offered by a stranger:

"You know, the folks at Fieldwood really helped me out with my dog, and we had fun in class too! Can I get their contact info for you?" Or "Man, that's exactly how I felt before I went to class Fieldwood! I'll bet the instructors there could help with that."

4) Focusing on the great outcome of training, and helping the person see "the light at the end of the tunnel" is a great motivator as well:

"I'll bet there's a great, well-behaved dog inside of Fido just waiting to come out with some training!" Or "Just imagine how much nicer it will be after some training when you and Fluffy can walk down the street without her barking at other dogs. It will definitely be worth going to that class."

So next time you see someone who is having a frustrating time with their dog, take a moment, frame the conversation in a positive way without criticism, and reach out! You might be able to help a friend, acquaintance, or coworker to make a New Year's Resolution to attend a training class with their dog or make an appointment to finally address a serious behavior issue. You never know - you may even save the dog's life.

Ann Withun, BS, CPDT-KA

Fieldwood Dog Training Center, Instructor www.FieldwoodDogTrainingCenter.com
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed www.CCPTD.com
Dog Scouts of America, National Board of Directors and Local Troop Leader www.DogScouts.org
Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Professional Member #71216 www.ADPT.com
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Board of Directors (Secretary), Associate #467 www.IAABC.org
Furry Friends Network, Behavior & Training Volunteer www.FurryFriendsNetwork.com
APDT C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator #E750378
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #71216

…and don't forget to come celebrate National Train Your Dog Month with us!