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Applying Studied Skills to Sessions
Hey everyone,
I am wondering what anyone whose studied new interventions or protocols do to jump through the challenging hurdles of intimidation of applying them to your session for the first time. Whether you’re an experienced trainer or not no worrie, what do you do in your steps or mental steps to feel confident when applying this method whatever it is?
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11 Replies
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Hi Aubrey,
Love this question. I think so many of us can relate to that feeling of hesitation or intimidation when trying something new with a client or a dog. It’s completely normal to feel that way, no matter how much experience you have.
For me, I’ve found that having both a calming practice and a practical checklist really helps. The calming part is about settling my nervous system so I can show up present and focused. Sometimes that means taking a minute for deep breathing, repeating a little mantra like “I’m here to help, not to be perfect”, or taking a few moments to visualize the session going well.
Then I lean on a simple checklist, either mental or written, to focus on the most important things for this session. It might include:
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What’s my main goal for the dog or the human today?
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What one or two key instructions or visuals do I want to use?
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How can I set up the environment for success?
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What will I do if things don’t go as planned?
Having that little structure keeps me grounded. It reminds me that I don’t have to do everything or get it perfect. I just have to do the next helpful thing.
And honestly, I try to treat myself the same way I’d treat the learner, with kindness, patience, and curiosity. New skills feel awkward at first for everyone: dogs, humans, and trainers.
I would love to hear what other folks use. Meditation? Rituals? Sticky notes? Power poses? What works for you?
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Thank you! This is actually really helpful and I plan to use your techniques that you mentioned here. Thanks again!
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You’re very welcome, Aubrey! I can’t wait to hear how it goes.
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Totally agree with Catherine’s thoughts!
My CATCH education was great, but I’ve also picked up a ton from other courses and this a mentor I have locally.
When it comes to trying out something new with a client – which, let’s be real, is pretty much every client right now since I’m just starting out – I go into full-on planning mode. I’ve got my notes all ready, and I try to be super clear in them. I try new games and training with my own dogs and even make little demo videos. It’s like a win-win. Client gets a visual, and I get to see where I might be a bit clunky myself (I use them to see where I can better my mechanics).
During the first consultation with the client, I’m all about setting them and their dog up for good times. First thing I check is if the dog’s basic needs are even being met and where we could make things better. Everyone I work with gets some kind of enrichment plan, and if needed, I point them to the vet (whether that’s for a check up or to ask for behavior meds). Then, I build a pretty strict management plan for my clients. My goal is for the dog to not even get the chance to do the problem behavior and make the environment a success zone. This can be tricky sometimes ’cause I don’t know their house layout beforehand, so I’m always thinking of backups on backups to make sure the management stuff actually works in their space.
So, for me, it’s basically all about over-planning with a bunch of backup ideas in case the first thing doesn’t pan out. It’s the one thing that keeps me calm while I’m meeting with clients.
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So, for me, it’s basically all about over-planning with a bunch of backup ideas in case the first thing doesn’t pan out. – Jeff I.
This!! ^^ – backups on backup ideas is great. And as you get more experience, you’ll remember little tricks that worked at previous clients which will make you much more creative on the spot. Well done!
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This is some great feedback here. Thanks for letting me know how you handle this situations. Using the dogs I train with though I just get so nervous sometimes. Obviously I don’t show it and it doesn’t get in the way of me actually doing my job but the nerves are insane!
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It gets easier, every time! Anytime we learn a new skill, there are nerves right? The thing to remember is: You are nervous because you CARE. You care about the dog, you care about the pet owner, you care that you help them well. And that is to be celebrated, Aubrey! Bring your sparkly, caring, skillful self to the front and center every time you get ready to teach. The fluencies will follow right along. ????
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Thank you so much! This actually really helped me! Yeah, I should bring that part of myself to shine with the animals. I’m a lot more naturally fluent with things like that when I care. Thank you
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You’re welcome! I encourage you to write down all the feelings now, because in a few years you’ll barely remember feeling nervous. ???? It gets so much easier as you go along. Your clients are very lucky to have you!
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Wow! This is beautifully said- I can relate because I’m always doing everything I cancan to think of- even if it means I’m sacrificing my own time, resources, car time- because I care and want the dog and the owners to be happy, healthy, loved, educated to the best of my ability and cared for. This is so inspiring to hear and to see that you are mentoring a fellow dog lover- but really you’re mentoring all who read this! Thank you!
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@JenniferS Thank you for your kind words. I understand how easy it is to put others first all the time, but as one who experienced extreme compassion fatigue at one point in my career, I encourage you to, as flight attendants are always telling us, “put on your own oxygen mask first”. When you care deeply, it’s easy to keep pouring your efforts into others: the dogs, the people, the family, your job… but unless you care for yourself first and best, you will find one day that you have poured yourself out. Take time to do the things that feed your soul and nourish your own heart, please! Our profession needs deeply caring people like you! Thanks again for posting your reflection. I appreciate it!
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