When it comes to teaching dogs, some self-training handlers seem to have a special knack for understanding and applying learning concepts, while others find it more challenging. This difference can really affect how well a service handler connects with their dog and how successfully and quickly their dog learns. Let’s break down the key skills that set these two groups of handlers apart.
Pattern Recognition
Conceptual thinkers are great at noticing patterns in how dogs behave. They can quickly see how a dog reacts to different learning situations. This skill helps them to:
- Identify the emotion or need behind each behavior response
- Predict how a dog will respond
- Change their approach if needed
- Come up with creative alternatives that are more relevant to their dog
On the flip side, others may have a harder time spotting these patterns. They might focus too much on individual behaviors and miss the bigger picture, which can lead to: \
- Trouble identifying the main reasons behind behavior responses
- Difficulty solving unwanted responses
- Slower adjustments to different training environments or parts of their dog’s personality
Big-Picture Thinking
Successful handlers can keep their eyes on the big goal—like a specific behavior—while also figuring out the smaller steps needed to get there. This ability allows them to:
- Create effective training plans that lead to long-term success
- Adapt quickly to new situations without losing sight of the main goal (often called lateral thinking)
- Motivate themself by knowing where they are in the process and see the progress
Less successful handlers might struggle to balance the big picture with the smaller tasks, often getting overwhelmed by details or forgetting the overall goal.
Connecting Ideas
Conceptual Thinkers are skilled at seeing how different training techniques and dog behaviors relate to each other. This helps them:
- Combine different approaches to create effective strategies like using social learning with targeting
- Find ways that different techniques can work together.
- Understand complex dog behaviors by recognizing how things like genetics and environment play a role.
Challengers may focus too much on individual techniques and miss how they can fit together in a bigger training plan.
Finding Common Ground
While many handlers look at the differences between behaviors and how to teach them, conceptual thinkers are good at finding what’s similar. This ability helps them:
- Discover new solutions by applying lessons from one behavior to another.
- Connect different training philosophies to create a more inclusive approach.
- Develop training approaches that can work across various situations.
Less successful handlers may get stuck on differences, creating blocks to coming up with new ideas.
Memory and Recording Details
Having a strong memory is important for service dog handlers training their own dogs. Those that apply concepts effectively often keep detailed notes about each training session, including what worked well and what didn’t. This helps them remember important details and tailor future training to meet the dog’s needs in similar and different environments. In contrast, less successful handlers might forget to record the details, which can lead to missed opportunities for improvement.
Curiosity and Taking Risks
Conceptual handlers are usually curious and willing to try new things in their training. This mindset encourages them to:
- Experiment with different training principles and ideas.
- Keep learning and adapting to new information about dog biology, emotions, cognition and behavior (and how they affect the developmental stages of their dog).
- See mistakes as chances to learn rather than failures.
Less successful handlers may be more hesitant to take risks, which can limit their ability to discover new techniques, solutions or new ways of thinking.
Confidence and Persistence
Finally, having the confidence to test out training ideas, make changes based on what they observe and their own feedback, and stay motivated to find a solution is crucial for service dog teams to be successful. Conceptual Thinkers often show:
- Resilience when facing challenges during training
- A growth mindset that views challenges and set backs as part of the process and is an opportunity to improve
- The ability to refine their training approaches over time
Less successful handlers might feel discouraged by setbacks and be less willing to adjust their training approaches or give up training altogether.
By understanding these differences, service dog handlers who are self-training can work on developing the skills and mindsets that help them train more effectively.
How to Develop Conceptual Teaching Skills
Even if you’re not a natural conceptual thinker, you can still improve your dog training abilities and your relationship with your dog! Here are some starting steps to help you develop these skills:
1). Start a Training Journal: Right after each training session, take a few minutes to record what happened. This might be pen and paper, voice recordings or even video. Include:
- What you worked on
- What went well
- What was challenging
- How your dog responded
- Any ideas for next time
2). Get Creative with Your Training Plans: For each behavior you want to teach your dog, try to come up with at least three different concepts you can use to teach it. This helps you think outside the box and explores different ways your dog might learn better. It also broadens your ability to apply those principles in other situations.
3). Make a Step-by-Step Plan: Choose one of your training ideas and write out a 10-step plan. This helps you break down the training process into smaller, manageable parts. Break each step down further than you think your dog will need.
4). Evaluate and Try Again: After you’ve tried your plan, think about what worked and what didn’t. Then, make changes and try again. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t work perfectly the first time – that’s how you learn and improve!
5). Take two behaviors and look at what is similar about them. Does one behavior have a part of the other one in it? Could that part be used as a starting point for teaching the other behavior? Consider how you might use one concept to teach both behaviors.
By practicing these steps, you can start to develop the skills that make conceptual thinkers so effective at dog training. Remember, becoming a great handler and self-trainer takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if you face challenges along the way. Keep practicing, stay curious, and most importantly, build a strong bond with your service dog!
