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Every Training Plan Needs a Little Terrier In It

Anyone who trains with me knows that I always ask them what their think/plan/do is.  It’s a Bob Bailey saying, and it’s to make you think about what you have in training, what you want, and then how to get there and then go do it.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it shouldn’t be really, dogs have a way of changing the best laid training plans.

This week I wanted to work on Maggie’s articles, really make that path to reinforcement clear to her………uh, huh!

Here’s a little bit about the training ideas that went into the think/plan part:

Here’s the DO!

This, this kind of “in the moment stuff is happening”, reality is why I love dog training so much.  Right NOW you have to react, but it may not be the reaction you were planning on!

So, I will stick with my think/plan/dos and I will think harder when I train Maggie, my partner who keeps me on my toes.  Love you, Maggie.

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3 Responses to Every Training Plan Needs a Little Terrier In It

  1. Diane November 17, 2014 at 5:22 am #

    Luv this. As well as learning the how with food distractions you’ve shown me

  2. Pam Kasper November 17, 2014 at 5:38 am #

    I love this!

  3. Nancy Ryan November 17, 2014 at 7:13 pm #

    Margaret,I took my first bronze class with you through the DF academy, this
    past summer. Loved it of course.Now i’ve just found this blog and I wanted to
    comment that your scientific approach to positive training really resonates
    with me. I have never been to chicken camp,and do not know when I will
    go…..but, I do know an agility person that has gone many times if that
    counts, just joking….anyway, to apply this to obedience !!! It’s my dream
    come true. Building momentum to bring known behaviors to fluency…Wow. it does
    work – your video of Maggie!! What a proof! and she, a terrier, found the road
    to reinforcement. I was very impressed.
    Anyway, I’m just learning this momentum stuff, and recently, had a similar
    experience with my rough collie and the article pile when I entered grad open.
    I very much thought we were fluent, especially for just 3 articles, but the dog
    said otherwise. I know now how I need to help her find the path to
    reinforcement. Thank you very much.
    I’m sure I will make many more mistakes ….but building momentum with
    individual behaviors will get stronger for us.banect

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