Quite a few years ago, a friend suggested that I write out “scripts” to visualize the results I hoped to see from Gracie’s training sessions. Rather than be surprised or caught off guard, I could calmly examine different scenarios on paper, so I would be better prepared in real life. It proved to be excellent advice, and a tool I use often if I am trying to visualize a positive outcome for a challenging situation.
Now, whenever I have a tricky training situation, I go over each possible scenario and various outcomes in my head, and figure out what I need to do and what my dog needs to do in order to stay successful.
Make a list of of all the interactions your dog may have during the course of a day (or a week) and make a detailed plan for how you will successfully help your dog navigate each step of each interaction. Then make a back up plan to end an interaction that didn’t go according to your original plan. It empowers you, keeps your dog safe and allows you to measure your progress as a team.
One of the many scripts I have for Katie involves being safe around open doors. I don’t want her to bolt every time a door is open, so I first visualized a calm dog waiting at the threshold, then figured out all the ways we could practice achieving that level of self control.
It may take time and many small increments to get the desired results, but thinking it through and writing it down really does help clarify your goals.
Question: What is one behavior where you think writing a script may help you and your dog?
You must be logged in to post a comment.