The fourth day after Dog Day is tough. Dogs and humans alike are losing the excitement of the first meeting and routes. Meanwhile expectations continue to rise. Minor health issues may crop up. Everyone feels a bit low.
In my class’s case, day 5 included a change in the weather, with the threat of worse to come. The Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly inclement, but no one likes to learn in the rain. We may even get some measurable snowfall before the class is done.
The key is to look for ways to break up the low. This is the point where the handlers need to learn that their dogs are fun, as well as mobility aids. Much like a human-to-human relationship, both partners need to give when the times get tough. In many ways, this re-enforcement when your partner needs it is where the team’s foundation is truly formed. It will definitely pay dividends later.
Staying consistent, however, is essential. Dogs, like humans, like to receive the same feedback every time they look for it. It’s now that the dog starts to comprehend that the new handler isn’t just another trainer that will be on for a week then gone. Instead, this person seems to be staying with them for a while. All the changes experienced earlier in the first week are sinking in. They are tired and not yet feeling fulfilled by the relationship, but we keep asking them to work.
For my class, an added struggle with the end of the first week is Thanksgiving Day. Everyone wants to be home with family and friends, but we made a decision to be here training with a new dog. We are tired and homesick, but we have to push through for ourselves and for the dogs.
At least the food was excellent!
And now, my dog and I are exhausted. I’ll leave this entry a bit short. It’s time for some much-deserved rest.
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