Let Your Dog Figure It Out

Photo by Angel Luciano on Unsplash

I've noticed something interesting over my years of teaching. Often, the biggest breakthrough in training isn't with the dog – it's with you, the owner!

Many of us naturally want to help our dogs by physically guiding them over jumps or through tunnels. It takes a few sessions before that lightbulb moment happens: your clever pup can absolutely master these skills without being physically placed there.

Once owners see their dogs figuring things out independently, the trust in the training process – and in their dog's abilities – really blossoms. It's brilliant to witness!

Have you ever caught yourself pushing your dog's bum down to make them sit? Or dragging them through a tunnel at an agility class? We've all been there. But when we physically manhandle our dogs during training, we're actually making things harder for them in the long run.

When you physically move your dog into position, you're depriving them of their chance to work it out for themselves. They don't get to feel how their body should move or balance. It's a bit like those swimming lessons where the instructor holds you up the whole time – you splash about, but you never actually learn to swim.

Dogs who are physically guided don't understand what they're meant to be doing. They just know that sometimes you move them about, and then they get a treat. Confusing, right?

Dogs learn best when they're allowed to get it wrong sometimes. Proper ‘trial and error’ is brilliant for their doggy brains. When they finally crack it themselves, that learning sticks.

Each time your dog sorts out a problem without your hands-on help, they build genuine confidence. Not the fake kind that disappears when you're not there to prop them up. They're understanding what you want, not just tolerating your pushing and prodding.

Rather than manhandling your dog, try tweaking their environment. Make the right choice obvious and the wrong ones harder.

For example, if you’re teaching your dog to go through a tunnel, start with a short, straight one in an empty space. Give them nothing else to investigate. No distractions. Just an interesting object to explore.

When they make the right choice – even if it's just looking at the tunnel at first – reward them with enthusiasm.

Dogs who learn through figuring things out become proper problem-solvers. They're more confident, more reliable, and frankly, more chuffed with themselves. And isn't that what we want? A dog who understands what we're asking, not one who's just putting up with being pushed about.

Next time you're tempted to physically position your dog, take a step back. Give them a moment to think. You might be surprised at how clever they really are when given half a chance.