Printable Link: Here

Types of Dogs

Hyper

  • Work with treats to get the dog to focus and/or give corrections using collars.

Shy/Timid/Scared

  • Give them time to warm up to you using lots of treats. Use a high and fun voice to get the dog excited to learn!

Stubborn

  • Always make the dog finish what you asked. This will help the stubbornness go away (partially or completely)

Reactive

  • Bring a dog to one of the lessons, walk around the neighborhood, or go to a park to practice using other dogs around.

Short Attention Span/Easily Distracted

  • Work in short time frames. Focus on quality rounds rather than quantity with these types of dogs. 

Dogs that Shut Down

  • Help the owner identify and understand that the dog cannot get away with tantrums (like shutting down), but do NOT overwork the dog. You can try doing things that can help the dog de-stress before you try to start practicing again. Things you can try include going for a short walk, playing with toys, giving them some treats, etc. After that, try practicing the lesson again. If the dog shuts down, you may have to stop. As the trainer you need to know and teach the client when & how to end it on a good note for the dog. There’s a happy medium that isn’t one extreme where we’re letting the dog get away with a tantrum but also not trying to teach the dog when it isn’t mentally ready to learn at that moment.

Doesn’t know how to calm itself down/soothe itself

  • Encourage the owner to use the Place command or the kennel as a “calm/soothing” spot when they are super excited. The dog needs to develop this skill just like babies who are put in a crib to cry until it learns how to soothe itself. 10-15 minutes should do the trick, if not… Rinse & repeat!


Types of Clients

The “Good In-It-To-Win-It” Client

  • This is the ideal client. Keep them motivated to continue investing in their dog! Ask lots of yes-questions!

The “Will Not Listen” Client

  • Repeat the same thing in different ways to hopefully have the “Ah-ha” moment!

Bad Kid(s) Client

  • Try to get the kids involved if it isn’t too distracting. If that doesn't work, explain to the client nicely and professionally that the kids need to behave during the lessons. The parent will most likely have the kids step out/away while you finish.

Good Kid(s)/Want The Kids Involved Client

  • This is a great situation! The more family members that are in-it-to-win-it, the better! This will help ensure that the dog is experiencing consistency during training!

Talkative Client

  • Keep track of time!! Do not hesitate to let the client know you need to get back to the lesson. You are there for the dog!

Elder Clients

  • Speak and move slowly while being loud enough that they can hear you (with a mask most likely). You may have to repeat yourself a couple of times so be ready.

The Lying Client - different than the clients that don’t do their hw clients. These say they did and didn't do it

  • Make sure to do the “Tests” at the beginning of the lessons with these clients so that they feel the pressure during the week to practice. If the dog doesn’t “pass”, address any issues/confusion with the command, and let them know they will be tested again next time. If it persists, let them know you will be taking their next lesson off the calendar in order to give them time to work on the things you have taught them so far. Add a lesson to the end of the program. 

Scared of Collar (even though they know it’s nothing bad)

  • Have them talk about what their hesitation is so that you can address any concerns they may have. You can also try having them feel the stimulation again to remind them what it feels like (not a shock!)

Doesn't like to discipline their dog because they feel bad

  • This one is tough because it is usually “how the person is wired”. However, you can talk about how discipline is good in any community/society! (i.e jails, school/work suspensions, speeding tickets, etc) … Without discipline, the world would be even crazier!

Busy Clients (don’t have or make time to practice)

  • For these clients you need to stress the importance of practicing. You need to let these people know that if they don’t practice, they won’t see results.

UNGRADED STUDY QUIZ

This is an optional, ungraded quizlet to simply help you process through what you just learned. Fill it out as a means of studying for your test later.