Letter to a “new” Dog Trainer Oh Hi. Nice to see you. And welcome. I hope you find what you’re looking for on this dog training path. I really do.
The path is full of wonders. Of heart expanding times. Of happy tears, A Ha moments, new passions, late nights and early mornings. Of new discoveries and breakthroughs. Of sharing moments together with likeminded people. The best of times.
Just know, the path has some perils to be aware of on it though. Like most shiny things, they can dull with time. But that’s ok, you can always buff it up if you know where to look. And where do I look I hear you ask? Well, where ever your curiosity takes you and your ego allows you. This is the hardest part here. The ego. At some stage, people may see you as a leader in a field. It is now hard to move out of that area and into something new. But it may be important for you to do. The crossovers will be there but, the small details, the place where the magic happens may be different.
Search for a crew, but you don’t have to stay there forever. Sometimes the shoe fits but it wears out. Take that and try a new shoe but, don’t forget the old shoe helped you to get where you now are. Don’t just kick it to the curb. The old shoe played a part in where you are now. Thank you old shoes.
Try things. Don’t be afraid to ask a question. Seek the answers for yourself as well. Don’t tie yourself into one way. There is more than one way to the top of the mountain. Seek another path sometimes. It’s actually hard to do.
Play. A lot. With techniques and with equipment. With methods and games. Make training a learning experience for everyone involved. Problem solve and don’t be afraid to change the course of what you’re doing. Playing is one of the best ways to learn so, learn how to play.
Invest in others around you. Invest in yourself. Be kind to those around you and be kind to yourself. Be generous to others, and to yourself. Sometimes you might need to get off the path. Perhaps for a moment. Perhaps for longer. Thats ok. The path will always be there for you if you choose to come back to it.
And in ending the letter to a new dog trainer, I want you to know this. There will be heartbreak and sadness. There will be moments that take your breath away, for good and for bad. But, in the teachings, there is a way for us to improve our lives as well. Use all the techniques we use on dogs, on ourselves. Motivate. Shape. Guide. Counter condition. Reward. Take all the learnings and make a great life for yourself and those you come in touch with.
I wish you love on your journey.
