Social Skills Every Dog Trainer Needs To Master
You might think that working with dogs is all you need to become a professional trainer. But many new trainers are surprised to learn that the role requires much more than dog handling. For every pet you train, there's also a human owner who can benefit from your knowledge. Dog trainer courses teach you not only the practical skills of dog training, but also these social skills that set clients up for long-term success.
Assessing Pet and Owner Dynamics
When working with new clients, take a few moments to get to know them and observe how they interact with their dogs. This quick action on your part can tell you quite a bit about what's working and what isn't in their relationship as pet and owner. It does, however, require the ability to read people as well as dogs, make constructive judgments, and adapt your initial assessment when needed.
Communicating to Groups and One-on-One
As a dog trainer, you may teach private classes or large group courses. Some of this will depend on your specialty and what you're comfortable with, but it never hurts to polish up your group and individual speaking skills. Handling a large group of both humans and dogs can be especially challenging. Trainer courses show you how to command attention, maintain positive energy, and balance the needs of individuals versus groups.
Simplifying Complex Ideas
The field of dog training has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last few decades. Techniques have evolved from outdated methods like force or coercion in favor of greater respect for dogs' intelligence and abilities. Some of the animal psychology behind even simple training procedures can be highly complex. As you learn, practice breaking the information down in ways that will make sense to average people to ensure your lessons stick.
Busting Myths
While the dog training industry constantly learns and grows, the public's ideas about it have often stagnated. You will probably, for example, run into more than one dog owner who subscribes to the now-discredited theory of pack dominance. Be ready to gently correct false information and steer clients toward more healthy and accurate models of dog psychology and training.
Setting Clients Up for Success
Your job as a trainer is not just to help dogs learn positive behaviors. Without knowing how to work with dogs themselves, your clients may struggle to maintain results. Part of your duty, therefore, is to also teach pet owners how to train and communicate with their animals. Contact your local certified dog trainer school today to begin learning both the practical and social skills you need to thrive in this industry.
Reach out to a company like International School for Certified Dog Trainers to learn more.
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