Every January, people make resolutions to make themselves “better”. They pledge to get their finances in order or eat more vegetables. They promise to exercise or read more.

I, too, was thinking about this new year, and things that I could do differently. I’ve been working with dog-human partners for so long that I know that it’s important to take note of the latest teachings and trends in the training business. It’s important to stay up-to-date on techniques and theories, as we’re always discovering things about dogs and the bonds that they develop with humans.

I’ve attended workshops and seminars, conferences, and lectures. I’ve read, I’ve taken tests, I’ve watched other trainers work, and myriad other methods of learning. But as I sat there and pondered what I was going to do this year, my dog Gunnar came up and looked at me. He gave me that “It’s time for a walk” look, and without thinking, I got up, and off we went. It occurred to me, as we were walking, that he had trained me. All of the seminars and books and whatever else mean nothing without the one-on-one time I have with my dog. We are always saying “Trust your dog”, and that’s the first thing that anyone needs to do to develop that bond and relationship. My dog is the trainer and I am the student. All the reading and learning that I can do pales in comparison to what Gunnar teaches me.

So, how can you be a better trainer? Listen to your dog. Trust your dog. The techniques and theories may come and go, but your dog remains the same.