Embracing the Journey: Why Dog Training is a Lifelong Commitment
When will my dog be “trained”?
The honest answer is never! Training is not a singular event.
At Noble Woof Dog Training we believe training is a journey that evolves throughout your dog's entire life. Our motto, "Training is a Journey, Not a Destination," reflects this philosophy, emphasizing the ongoing nature of dog training and the importance of commitment and consistency. Let’s explore why dog training is never truly "finished" and how embracing this lifelong journey from the perspective of relational psychology is essential in building a strong bond with your canine companion.
Four core reasons training is never over
Continuous Learning: Just like humans, dogs are constantly learning and adapting to their environment. While basic skills like ‘sit’ or ‘down’ may be mastered relatively quickly, there will always be new situations and challenges that require ongoing training and reinforcement. Whether it's teaching your dog to feel secure within and navigating unfamiliar environments or refining their social skills, training is an ongoing process of learning and growth for both you and your dog.
Behavioral Maintenance: Dogs are creatures of habit and behaviors that are not consistently reinforced can easily diminish over time especially if you don’t offer clear and ongoing feedback. Training with your dog should be a life-style choice where you commit to maintaining desired behaviors and preventing regression - for the lifetime of your dog. By incorporating training into your daily routine, you can reinforce good habits and address any emerging behavioral issues before they escalate.
Relationship Building: Training is not about teaching your dog commands (at Noble Woof we use the term ‘cues’ because we don’t believe in commanding any sentient being around)—it's about building a strong bond based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. By engaging in regular training you have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with your dog, strengthen your dialogue, and enhance your understanding of each other's needs and preferences. This ongoing exchange fosters a sense of teamwork and partnership that extends beyond a singular training session, class, or training package.
Adaptability: Dogs are individuals with unique personalities, preferences, and behavioral needs. What works for one dog may not necessarily work for another, and training methods may need to be adjusted based on your dog's temperament, energy level, and learning style as they move through different stages of their life with you. Embracing the journey of dog training means remaining flexible and open to trying new approaches, remaining open to your dog’s needs and preferences changing and remaining open to establishing new techniques to meet their ever-evolving needs.
training from the lens of relational psychology.
We believe the most transformative dog training incorporates a profound exploration of the relationship between humans and their canine companions. At Noble Woof Dog Training, we view training through the lens of relational psychology, recognizing that the bond between a dog and their guardian deeply informs their behavior far more than a dog’s ability to follow “commands” does.
What is Relational Psychology?
Relational psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior and emotions within the context of relationships. It explores how individuals interact with others, how they form attachments, and how these relational dynamics shape their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
How does it relate to dog training?
The partnership between humans and dogs is believed to have originated as far back as 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. We have been in relationship with these creatures for a very long time. Our behavior informs their behavior and visa versa. In the context of dog training, relational psychology provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the relationship between humans and their canine companions. This relational lens emphasizes the importance of building trust, fostering empathy, and cultivating mutual understanding in the relationships we share with our canine companions.
Four relational pillars of dog training
Mutual Understanding: Relational psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating each other's perspectives within a relationship. Similarly, effective dog training asks us to empathize with our canine companions recognizing their unique species-specific needs, emotions, and communication styles. By putting more effort into understanding them as a unique species with needs very different from our own, we foster a deep sense of security and carve out a foundation for meaningful interactions and learning experiences on both ends of the leash.
Communication and Trust: Central to relational psychology is the notion of open and honest two-way communication as the cornerstone of healthy relationships. In dog training, clear communication is essential for conveying expectations, boundaries, and desired behaviors effectively. While dogs may not communicate through verbal language as humans do, they possess a sophisticated system of communication consisting of body language, vocalizations, and scent cues, to name a few. Understanding and interpreting these signals is key to effective communication and training with dogs. From there, dogs can learn to associate specific verbal cues or hand signals with desired behaviors, and consistent use of positive reinforcement helps establish clarity. Establishing this two-way communication allows us create a safe and supportive environment where our dog’s learning can thrive while our relationship with them deepens.
Growth and Adaptability: Relational psychology encourages individuals to embrace growth and change within the context of their relationships. Similarly, dog training is a dynamic process that evolves over time as both dogs and their guardians learn and grow together. By remaining flexible and adaptable in our approach to training, we empower ourselves and our dogs to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Respect, Connection and Collaboration: At its core, relational psychology emphasizes the importance of connection and collaboration in fostering healthy relationships. In dog training, this translates into cultivating a partnership based on respect and collaboration.
Throughout history, dogs have served various purposes, including hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship. However, as human societies have evolved and become more urbanized, the roles and functions of dogs have also shifted. Many modern dogs are no longer engaged in activities that align with their original purposes, but they are still bred for that original purpose. As a result, many modern dogs may experience frustration, boredom, or behavioral issues due to the mismatch between their natural inclinations and the constraints of their living environments.
We can show more respect towards our canine companions by remembering that we ask far more of them then they ask of us. We are the ones who removed them from their original purpose-bred jobs, and placed them in environments that don’t align with their genetic make-up. As such, it is up to us to work with them to meet their unique needs. By working together as a team, dogs and their guardians can overcome obstacles, celebrate successes, and deepen their bond through shared experiences.
In the world of dog training, relational psychology offers a powerful framework for understanding and nurturing the bond between humans and their canine companions. By embracing the principles of mutual understanding, communication, growth, and collaboration, we embark on a lifelong journey of connection and discovery with our dogs.
By recognizing that training is not a destination but rather an ongoing process of growth and learning, you can cultivate a strong and harmonious relationship with your canine companion.
Our experienced trainers are here to support you every step of the way, providing personalized guidance and resources to help you and your dog thrive. Together, let's embrace the journey of dog training and celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged friends.