I’ve heard from clients before of how burdened they feel about the dog training industry.
Pet parents expressed feeling beaten down by other trainers that they are hesitant to get help.
Sometimes the hesitancy turns to refusal to try again. They would much rather “just deal” or sadly, rehome their dog.
One client shared how she felt overrun by pet professionals and lands on the periphery of the training plan.
Another client shared how she feels judged other pet parents, family members, friends and neighbors about how to “best” handle her dogs behavior. Much to her dismay, their suggestions are misaligned with her values.
When a pet parent’s growth edge shows up, old limiting beliefs float to the surface.
Feelings of “My opinion isn’t valued.” “I’m not included in the training program.” “I feel alone in navigating x situation.” “I’m not enough.” “I feel lost.” “I don’t know how to do x and I’m afraid to ask.”
Training alone doesn’t empathize or address how our clients move forward with their dog.
The essence of training is for the expert in the field (trainer) to impart knowledge and set learning objectives for the pet parent (trainee).
Expert level training is time limited and lays the foundation for how’s and why’s of what you’re doing with your dog.
The focus is strictly on building the skills.
Coaching is the other leg.
Coaching succeeds training.
Coaching creates space for the pet parent to apply what they learned and ask questions in a safe place.
Through coaching, a pet parent can feel heard, seen and valued. They receive support in a way they didn’t have before and within this leveled up professional relationship, pet parents can transform.
The pet parent’s transformation can directly impact the wellbeing and life of their dog because the pet parent isn’t just learning how to perform a skill, they are becoming the person they want to be and how they want to show up for their dog.
Your client becomes an advocate for their dog’s needs in a way where they empowered in their voice.
Your client can be present with their dog, recognize their own stress response find the space to calm themselves and then respond to their dog’s emotional needs.
Your client learns to identify the values which ground them in knowing where they stand when navigating judgmental conversations from friends and family members. This frees them from carrying the burden of those judgments.
Ultimately, when your clients embody how they want to show up for their dog in this new way, they are no longer just doing, but they are being the pet parent they envisioned for themselves.
Four Paws & You Dog Training 