Elevate Your Dog Training Game - An Interview with Tailwinds
In a recent episode of "Get Fresh with Jenn at Pet Grocer!" we were excited to welcome back our first repeat guest by popular demand, Shianna from Tailwinds Training & Coaching. Shianna's previous episode was one of the most downloaded, and we were excited to dive into more fascinating topics about dog training with her.
Who is Shianna?
Shianna Fairley is a renowned dog trainer with a plethora of certifications, including a recent achievement in CKC judging certification. She is not only skilled in dog training but also has training in human psychology, making her approach holistic and comprehensive.
What answers can you expect in our newest training podcast?
Why Use Training Treats and Which Ones are Best?
Customers are always asking us what training treats are best. Shianna and Jenn discuss their favourite options and remind us that ultimately choosing what your dog is most motivated by (a.k.a. a high value treat) is best.
Importance of Choosing the Right Treats:
- Essential for positive reinforcement.
- Helps build a positive association with desired behaviours.
- Consider size, nutritional value, and the dog’s preferences.
- Small, tasty treats are best to keep the dog focused and motivated without becoming overly full.
Shianna's Favourite Training Treats:
How to Address Unwanted Behaviours?
Common Unwanted Behaviours: Barking, chewing, digging.
Key Strategies
- Identify the root cause (e.g., boredom, anxiety, lack of exercise).
- Implement strategies to correct the behaviour based on the cause.
- Emphasize clarity and consistency in communication.
- Ensure the dog understands what is expected.
How do you train an excessively shy dog?
Training and Confidence Building:
- Assess realistic behaviour improvement goals.
- Understand stress-induced lack of food motivation.
- Use controlled environments for gradual desensitization.
- Allow dog to approach without forced interaction.
- Teach dog control over its interactions for comfort and consistency.
- Avoid overwhelming the dog (flooding).
- Consider medication or holistic supports to reduce anxiety.
- Use medication short-term or long-term depending on the dog's needs.
- Encourage controlled successes in public spaces to build confidence.
How do you get training to stick? Practice, practice, practice!
Practice is the best way to help establish desirable patterns of behaviour with your dog. Repetition of training skills is key to a great outcome.
The Role of Effective Repetition in Training
- Helps establish a recognizable pattern of behaviour.
- Accelerates the training process.
- Keep training sessions short and focused.
- Avoid overdoing repetition to maintain the dog’s interest and prevent burnout.
Be open to tailoring training to each individual dog
Shianna emphasized the importance of tailoring training methods to fit each dog’s unique personality and needs. Just like humans, dogs have different temperaments and learning styles. Understanding these differences can significantly impact the effectiveness of the training. For example, some dogs might respond better to a more structured training regime, while others might thrive with a more flexible, play-based approach.
The Role of Human Psychology in Dog Training
Another fascinating aspect of Shianna's approach is her incorporation of human psychology into her training methods. She believes that understanding the owner’s mindset and behaviour is just as important as understanding the dog’s. Effective communication and consistency between the owner and the dog are vital for successful training. This holistic approach helps in addressing any underlying issues that might affect the training process.
Shianna’s dedication to her work and her innovative training methods make her a standout in the field of dog training. Her ability to blend dog training with human psychology provides a unique and effective approach to addressing training challenges. From the importance of using the right training treats to understanding and correcting unwanted behaviours, her insights offer valuable guidance for dog owners.
To listen to the full interview tune into our podcast HERE
