The Art of Self Reflection

Training Tuesday

It was a difficult weekend.

We hosted a seminar that was truly intended to challenge the human end of the leash.

Most seminars are about working with the dog, looking at deficiencies in the dogs training, seeing where the holes are and helping the handler/trainer figure out what to work on when they return to their normal training patterns.

This past weekend we focused on operational assessments for the team. This type of training is more about the handler/trainer than the dog.

It. Was. Hard.

The problems were set up with care, but were difficult. There were lots of blanks. All of them were blind. It was mentally exhausting for the handlers. The dogs worked hard. Brad Dennis helped guide us through this journey and as always, it is transformational for all involved.

Students were asked to give constructive feedback to other students. Instructors gave feedback on giving feedback and assisted students with learning.

Each student learned a lot about themselves.

Each instructor learned a lot about themselves.

Learning to provide feedback and doing your own self reflections will help increase your ability to get better faster. To recognize mistakes as they are starting to happen and to celebrate the wins.

And when the instructor gives you a compliment, please, say "thank you" and stop. Take that compliment and put it in a safe place to examine and savor at a later date when you need it. We mean them and no qualifying remarks are needed.

In case you need a great way to structure feedback during your mental dialogue or with your team (canine or not), here is a great structure to use. (Thanks Cb Wing).

I like...

I wish...

I wonder...

I will go first:

I like the fact that my dog works really well off leash. I wish he worked better on leash for detailing areas and to complete ORTs. I wonder if I focused on the skill sets for ORT and detail work for two weeks where we would be.

Guess what my training plan is for two weeks with him?

We are planning another Operational Assessment Seminar for next year. This is truly where we are coaching the human end of the leash.

What is your: I like, I wish, I wonder?