Soapbox time

I’m going to say it again - If someone is making you feel like shit, do not continue to employ that person.
I keep getting this from clients.
🚩“We came to you because the other trainer made me cry”
🚩“We spoke to a trainer and they made us feel so ashamed.”
🚩“I wasn’t expecting you to be so nice.”
❓How come we are SO good at positive reinforcement for the dogs, and so woefully terrible at it for the people? How does anyone think it’s okay to be cruel or judgemental to someone who is coming to you for help?
You can be the most amazing trainer in the world, but if you can’t be kind and compassionate towards the people as well as the dogs, you need a new job.
❕Dog training shouldn’t suck.
❕You shouldn’t dread training class.
❕Your dog trainer should lift you up, not put you down.
Here’s the thing; I don’t train dogs. That’s not actually my job. My job is to teach people to understand their dog, enrich their dog’s life, and train their dog new behaviours. My job is to listen to people’s concerns and empathize with their fears.
Some dog trainers are just jerks. They feel that their way is the only way, and everyone else is inadequate.
Others are wrapped up in their own trauma and stress that they can’t be effective teachers. They started working with dogs because working with people was too hard and then, surprise surprise, the dogs come attached to people.
And some are just so tuned into the dog that they get blinders on and forget to pay attention to what the people are learning.
I promise you, there are kind, compassionate dog trainers out there who actually have people skills. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or judged, get out.
And dog trainers; up your game