The Trials And Tribulations Of Owning And Training A Puppy! Part 4

This week has been a bit meh really. I feel that we have hit a classic training plateau or slump when nothing really seems to be improving. This is quite normal (although I do have to keep reminding myself that it is a thing!). 

It’s quite standard to see some really stellar improvements for a few weeks and be blinded by your own success, and then for it all to just feel like you are getting nowhere or even that your dog is getting worse. This training plateau usually means your dog (and you) have learnt a lot and your brain is subconsciously sorting all that training and information into manageable files for future reference. While this happens there is just no room or headspace for any more improvement to occur. So, It’s good to remember to cut yourself some slack and maybe even have a break from training, do some nice walks and relax and play with your dog. 

Our biggest issue during this slump is that recall has become a little bit hit and miss, not that Brin is going anywhere, he’s just not quite coming all the way back to me. When this happens it’s important to remember that we mustn’t panic. I find that if I get right down in a crouch and go back to puppy recalls with silly voices and lots of praise and play I can get Brin’s focus back. If I get all stern and repeat the command he just switches off, so light and happy is my new normal!

On the plus side it is good to lighten up and have a break from training and I’m enjoying longer forest walks with all of the dogs, especially now Sonic seems to be on the mend. Shuffling through the leaves and enjoying the colours changing to autumn is one of my favourite things to do.