Intuition and Instinct in Dog Training
Intuition: a deep knowing or feeling not based on "logic" or "proof", and transcends "conscious reasoning".
Instinct: an innate, natural genius or inherent ability to respond in a specific way without logic or complex reasoning.
The difference between the two is feeling and response. Feeling and knowing, and acting based on that feeling and knowing without question.
Dog training needs to be redefined, and trainers need to train in their lanes.
Bold statements, but hear me out. This information is shared with concern and respect.
Instinctual Training.
What is "instinctual training"?
Instinctual training is setting aside all the information, directives, and guidance we've been given about dogs; all the research we've done and what we've been taught, and dialing in to what we feel the individual dog in front of us needs.
If the mindset is only “the dog needs training”, any training program will fail.
I learned this lesson (among countless others) many years ago with my game changer dog, Lobo. After bouncing from trainer to trainer to help me resolve some significant behavioral issues that developed directly after my divorce, there were 3 massive pieces to the equation each and every trainer missed: 1) the fact that "obedience training" does not resolve "behavioral issues" (every trainer harped on "obedience training" with him; a well-trained dog does not directly translate into a well-behaved dog), 2) the state of mind aspect, and 3) the human ingredient: the part I played in the development and influencing of his behaviors.