The PackFit Training Trifecta
Packfit's Training Trifecta...
#1. GIVE A DOG A JOB. In Nature and in the Animal Kingdom, *everything* is worked for. *Everything* is earned. It's in every animal's DNA to work for what it is they gain. Animals don't eat unless they work for it. They don't gain rank... mates...safe places to take shelter or raise their young ... nothing is handed to them on a golden platter~ except when they become domesticated. Then, everything is gained and nothing is earned; which creates an imbalance (and is often reflected in behavior). Top this off with a particular breed who was bred to perform specific tasks... but is doing nothing but hanging around the house all day, and we'll definitely see this reflected in behavior (and the dog will, likely, end up adopting a job themselves... which usually doesn't work out well for us). Like us, dogs thrive through having a sense of purpose. A job to do. Contrary to popular belief, they *want* a job. They *want* to work. They *want* to earn. It's in alignment with their *nature*. Find a job that's appropriate, fulfilling, and also matches the dog's level of drive (will differ from dog to dog), and provide opportunities for the dog to "work" every day. Like us, having a purpose (and working to fulfill that purpose) satisfies in astronomical ways (mentally, physically, emotionally).
#2. TEACH WHAT TO DO. Subscribe meaning to the words and directives you use. Learn how to communicate, then teach. Help a dog connect the dots. Build in layers and vary the context. Engage and work the brain.
#3. TEACH HOW TO BE. Calm and balanced is an animal's most natural state. It's their baseline. Unfortunately, we interrupt this. Needs don't get met and high states of arousal are typically (and unknowingly) conditioned. There may instances where there's an excess of engagement and stimulation.... like we see with the remote treat dispensing devices or "highly trained dogs". Dogs who don't know who they are or what to do without constant direction, engagement or stimulation.
Teach a dog what to do, yes; but condition how to be outside of the doing.
Train the brain. Condition the mind. Fulfill with purpose.
