How Unleashing My Passion for Dogs Led Me to Uncover the Secrets of Dog Training!

Dogs have always held a special place in my heart. From the moment I can remember, there was a dog in my life—sometimes a playful puppy and other times a wise old soul. These incredible creatures have not only given me companionship but also sparked a lifelong passion that pivoted into an unexpected journey: dog training. In this post, I’ll share my experience with dogs and how it led me to embark on a quest to unlock the secrets of effective dog training.

Discovering My Love for Dogs

Growing up in a pet-friendly household, I was surrounded by dogs of all shapes and sizes. Each dog brought its unique energy into our home. My childhood was filled with moments of playing fetch and teaching tricks. During these times, I learned that dogs are much more than pets; they are companions with distinct personalities and needs.

As I grew older, my love for dogs deepened. They brought me calmness. I felt less stressed when I was around dogs.

Having my own dogs allowed me to apply what I learned. I spent countless mornings teaching basic skills like "sit" and "stay," celebrating each small victory. Our bond flourished during these training sessions, showcasing how patience and love can yield meaningful results.

The Turning Point: A Challenging Pair

While my passion for dogs grew, we adopted 2 rescue dogs called Zac and Gilly, whose journey introduced significant challenges. They came to us arrived with a history of negative experience, little socialisation, often reacting aggressively in unfamiliar and scary situations.

This experience was both daunting and enlightening. Traditional training methods were insufficient. I quickly realized I needed to understand dog psychology more deeply. Zac and Gilly's struggles became my personal project, pushing me to explore diverse training philosophies.

During covid, when I was furloughed, I chose to read extensively about positive reinforcement and canine communication and enrolled onto my first courses. I discovered that dogs respond better to encouragement than punishment.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

One essential lesson from my journey was the amazing impact of positive reinforcement. This method involves rewarding dogs for desired behaviours instead of punishing undesirable ones. Watching Zac and Gilly to praise and treats was a game-changer.

Studies show that positive reinforcement leads to lasting behaviour changes. Dogs trained with positive methods are more motivated during training sessions. By redirecting Zac and Gilly's focus and rewarding calm behaviours, I helped them overcome their fear-based reactions.

Their transformation inspired me to have a change in career and become a dog trainer!

The Joy of Helping Others

I then applied for a job with Dogs Trust as a Dog School Coach. I got the role and was so proud of myself, as there were hundreds of candidates that had applied I was later told, As I advanced in dog training, I found immense joy in assisting fellow dog owners with their challenges. Whether it was teaching a Rottweiler to walk on a leash or helping a nervous cockapoo feel safe, each success brought deep satisfaction.

Every moment a nervous dog blossomed into a playful, confident animal was a rewarding experience. My childhood passion evolved into a purpose: creating strong bonds between dogs and their owners.

Diving Deeper into Dog Training

I gained so much experience during my time with Dogs Trust, which I will be forever grateful for! Driven by my love for dogs and the joy of helping others, Dogs Trust put me forward for my APDT assessment my education in dog training. To become a member I had to undergo theory, oral, practical and interview, to test my dog training knowledge and skills.

I quickly recognized the importance of customizing training to each dog's unique personality. What worked for one dog, may not work for another dog, making adaptability crucial.

Training involves understanding a dog's emotional state and responding appropriately. This connection between human and dog became the essence of my training philosophy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each dog's individuality.

I passed my assessment and I think my practical assessment went down in Dogs Trust history as being one of the most difficult classes to be watched and assessed on!

A New Chapter for Dog Training

My journey into dog training began with a love for dogs that transformed into something much greater. From childhood experiences with pets to the challenges presented by Zac and Gilly, every moment contributed to my development as a trainer and person.

I learned that training is more about fostering a loving relationship with our dogs than simply teaching commands. The companionship of dogs is a remarkable gift. I hope to inspire others to find their own passion for training, leading to happier, healthier dog-human relationships.

In September I took the leap to leave Dogs Trust and set up my own dog training business (scary-but so glad I did it!).

As I continue to navigate the world of dog training, I am excited to see where this journey will lead. Whether you are a seasoned dog owner or just starting, I encourage you to embrace your passion for dogs and embark on your training adventure!