Today’s episode comes from a suggestion by one of our listeners, and it’s on the topic of becoming a professional dog trainer. More specifically, the path that led me to dog training as a career.
In the episode you'll hear:
- What I wanted to be when I grew up.
- Why it’s not just training dogs.
- The things I had to learn.
- My evolution to dog training.
- Why to take care about where you learn.
- How much your passion should matter.
- The importance of the science of behaviour.
- About not being afraid to say “I don’t know”.
- My thoughts on why immersion is important.
- Why I love cows and how working with other animals helps my career.
- Why my love of dog sports like obedience, sheep herding, flyball and agility helps me understand the brain of dogs.
- How excellence is a mastery of the fundamentals.
Resources:
* Recallers is CEU approved with CCPDT and IAABC
So surprised to hear you started with sighthounds. I’ve heard so many people and trainers say that sighthounds are less intelligent which always makes me question that person’s intelligence. I no longer have sighthounds but this started me thinking about them and in general about dogs that don’t “offer” behaviors. I think the games you use are possibly the best way to help those types dogs learn to work with their people because it’s learning without the dog really feeling like they are being trained. Thanks for the thought provoking ideas!
Excellent information. I too was inspired to teach at an early age (3rd grade) and I am glad to say I retired from teaching. I love all of your passion and so grateful for these podcasts.
Thank you so much Susan! I am in my last year of high school right now, so I have a long ways to getting any career in dog training. But having this info to look back on and help me through my journey is such a blessing. ❤️