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Brainy Dog Teaching.
Values Based Dog Training
Dog Teachers Can
Make Life Better.
By Sherry Clark www.brainydog.com
Published in 2021 as "Dog training is a Mutually Diverse Deep Conversation."
Dog Training is a Mutually Diverse, Deep Conversation.
Statement
Values support the kinship we share with dogs.
A life-enhancing brain challenge for dog trainers and families with dogs.
Enrich the quality of interactions we have with humans and dogs by practicing the things we all need more of.
We, dog trainers, do a good job.
Dog Teachers can
Make Life Better.
Connect trainers
Well, we do.
We meet our client’s needs, understand dog behavior, and adapt our approach to unique situations. We’re skilled at refining dog performance through various exercises and we understand how important practice is.
Do we train the same way?
Of course not.
We’re individuals with different beliefs, upbringings, mentors, and choices. We practice and teach the most effective exercises in our specialties and likely, the ones we enjoy the most.
The language we use is limitless.
Between traditional science and psychology, specialties, and our practice, there's a vast vocabulary available to describe our approach.
Language can be polarizing.
Between professionals, varying associations to terms can bifurcate us into groups. Isolation from each other prevents us from sharing information and benefiting from each others education and experience.
Technical language with clients is counterintuitive.
To clients, dog training language can be so confusing that they don't even want to train their dogs.
Between traditional science and psychology, specialties, and our practice, there's a vast vocabulary available to describe our approach.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a language that's understood by all perspectives?
unite
A language that through practice, can make life better for humans and dogs worldwide?
Why does it occur to us to get a dog?
Sometimes we need a working dogs to help us achieve, defined goals.
Other times, we're in need of something that's less focused. Something internal, that fills a need, based on our individual circumstance.
Happiness and well-being seems to be what most of us are ultimately trying to achieve, in whatever way to choose to define.
Why does it occur to us to get a dog?
Sometimes we need a working dogs to help us achieve, defined goals.
Other times, we're in need of something that's less focused. Something internal, that fills a need, based on our individual circumstance.
What's the connection between humans and dogs?
There are parallels between friendships with humans and choosing to live with dogs.
Companionship, connection and safety.
management
The most essential things in life.
A technical vocabulary is great, but the terms can overwhelm clients. Categorizing exercises by the method or source of information they came from doesn’t always align with what clients are looking for.
Our vocabulary keeps getting bigger.
As Dog training shifts into dog teaching the range of exercises we can choose to achieve desired outcomes expands. Fields like animal cognition, canine communication, and social learning highlight qualities we share with our dogs.
We need another level of language.
There’s a gap in our vocabulary between what clients want and what dogs need. A natural language with common meaning across cultures. A language that stands the test of time and remains stable as science evolves. A language that strengthens our nurturing pathways so kindness becomes our default response.
This language can act as a filter between available sources of training information and the exercises we apply to dogs.
Brainy Dog™ suggests a language of fundamental essential life-values to bridge the gap between the perspectives of: families, nature, science, academia, dog trainers, and of course, the dog.
Read more about perspectives under the preface block at top of article.
This level of language can be viewed as words to describe common goals.
Motivation
punishment
reinforcement
behavior
Protocols
Control
Criteria
classical
Science.
Psychology.
Neuroscience.
Learning Theories.
operant
conditioning
A language for all perspectives.
The language of dog training has many perspectives.
In families, from the eyes of a child to changing views of grandparents spanning decades.
From survival behaviors in nature to the language of science that strives to explain them.
From institutions that offer recommended practices to dog trainers that specialize in specific niches.
And the dog, A furry creature whose universal language and big personality pull us all together. Dog, with no concern for our success, power, appearance, or fame, with one glance, can spark instinct and empathy in our brains.
Dog, who's resilience and flexibility manages to adapt to the multiple personalities of the human species.
Dog can guide us to release the stress of the day. Dog reminds us to play. Dog refuses to let us forget what's truly important in life, which, in general, is the same for all of us, regardless of our perspectives.
What if, we practiced a language that brings us all together?
A language to create collaboration.
A language that describes common goals.
A language to design tools and exercises around.
A language that motivates families to teach their dogs?
A language based on the reasons we added dogs to our lives?
A language that through practice, can make life better for humans and dogs world wide?
A language a child can understand.
Summary:
I'm suggesting that we dog trainers and dog teachers take the lead in practicing an enriching, neutral language that prioritizes essential life values.
Context:
Approaches vary significantly concerning the most effective and appropriate dog training exercises.
A challenge with dog training language and methods, as I see it, is that our multiple perspectives, definitions, and beliefs are catalysts for misunderstanding between trainers, clients, and dogs.
Perspectives are from:
-
Families with dogs, who seek to increase the well-being of loved ones. Each person, being an individual, can describe their well-being by expressing what's important to them. I call these descriptions "personal definitions".
-
Nature, whose language flows freely between its inhabitants without the need for translation.
-
Science, whose purpose is to explain nature through observation, studies, and experiments. The language of science has much history and is constantly evolving.
-
Institutions organize, teach and share knowledge, while developing standards, guidelines and professional practices.
-
Dog Trainers translate the language of families, nature, science, and institutions into a unique language to create dog training exercises.
-
And the dog. A furry little creature whose universal language and big personality pull us all together. Dog, with no concern for our success, power, appearance, or fame, can, with one glance, spark instinct and empathy in our brains. Dog can guide us to release the stress of the day. Dog reminds us to play. Dog refuses to let us forget what's truly important in life, which, in general**, is the same for all of us, regardless of our perspective.**
To clients, dog training language can be so confusing that they don't even want to train their dogs.
What if we spoke to clients in the same way they relate to their dogs?
Love
Peace
Respect
Understanding
Trust
Freedom
Happiness
Science
Psycology
Neuroscience
Learning theories
To support the reason humans want dogs.
We have common values.
Common values are the ones we all agree on. With so many perspectives, it's almost impossible to agree on a set of words that describe aspects we all want.
Agreeing on burdens we want less of is fairly easy. Whatever our paths, dreams, goals, and ambitions, it's likely that we want less:
Loneliness, Anger, Needing, Confusion, Fear, Frustration, and Stress.
The opposite of burdens can be called values... the things we do want:
Less Loneliness, more Love.
Less Anger, more Peace.
Less Needing, more Respect.
Less Confusion, more Understanding.
Less Fear, more Trust.
Less Frustration, more Freedom.
Less Stress, more Happiness.
Values need not be "evidence-based science" to be necessary in our lives.
Values are not a scientific way to describe essential goals in life, but they are labels for states of being we want, need, and understand.
Even though we have different definitions, each value communicates a general state of being. A component of well-being that can be seen as a category of needs. A conversation starter about options to fill specific needs through the principles of our source of information.
The language of values is not always at the top of our consciousness.
One challenge on our path toward happiness is our day-to-day tasks, distractions, work, and shorter-term goals. Sometimes, these tend to push our values aside instead of allowing them to lead.
By bringing values to the surface, we're more likely to design our daily tasks in a way that supports what we genuinely want and need on a deeper level.
Values are not a scientific way to describe essential goals in life, but they are labels for states of being we, want, need and understand.
To support the reasons humans want dogs.
Sometimes we need a working dogs to help us achieve, defined goals.
Other times, we're in need of something that's less focused. Something internal, that fills a need, based on our individual circumstance.
Connection.
Someone to hang out with, play with and explore new places. We can choose to put it in the Love category.
Relaxation
Someone nap with, kick back with after a long day at work. We can put it in the Peace category.
Significance
Someone that thinks we're cool. We can categorize this at two way Respect.
Curiosity.
Someone to learn with. Learning is about understanding and more memorable with a friend.
Belonging.
Someone to hang out with. Trust allows us to be ourselves no matter what's happening
Adventure
Someone to explore new things with. Freedom of choice makes life enriching.
Laughter
Someone that makes us smile. Having fun is the sweetest part of life and we can always use more. Happiness is what we drive for.
Oxytocin.
Promotes trust, bonding and social connection.
Dopamine.
Increases feelings of pleasure, enhances motivation to seek reward.
Serotonin.
Improves mood, emotional stability and give us a sense of well-being.
If we had enough of these and others by interacting with humans, would we want dogs? I'm not sure about that but I do believe if we increase meaningful interactions with humans our society would be kinder and more supportive.
Laughter.
Promotes trust, bonding and social connection.
There is a gap between
our language and
what clients need.
Communicating to clients in a way everyone understands.
We may have became interested in dogs because we saw our own personalities in a dog, somewhere in our life.
That's the state our clients are in with their new puppy or adopted dog right now.
This language helps meet them where they are at this moment.
Threshold
Communicating to clients in a way everyone understands.
We may have became interested in dogs because we saw our own personalities in a dog, somewhere in our life.
That's the state our clients are in with their new puppy or adopted dog right now.
This language helps meet them where they are at this moment.
Increase connection by moving "make life better" to the top.
We learn thousands of tips from hundreds of trainers. What we do with that information is up to us.
Happiness and well being
A suggested structure for neutral language.
If practicing neutral language makes sense, you may be an innovator in the dog training world.
By innovator, I mean:
Always thinking about dogs.
Searching for new information.
Thinking about how to increase quality.
Striving to communicate on a deeper level.
Wanting an updated path to train in today's world.
Consider this structure of terms.
Values
Exercises
Tools and
Sources of information
Make life better.
"Hey, lets hold hands and make life better" sounds impossible. But why is that a typical reaction? I's a good question.
We certainly can not do it if we don't try... so why not? What do we have to loose?
Values
Values are a category of needs we can use to reduce burdens on our dogs.
We can choose to use our standard tools, by changing the way we use them each day. We can also choose to try new tools to increase values for the dog.
Values are how to add ethics to our practice. It's a level that stimulates creativity to look at exercises and tools outside of our standards.
If we have a balance of values, I say we have a pretty good life.
Values are how to add ethics to our practice. It's a level that stimulates creativity to look at exercises and tools outside of our standards.
Exercises
Exercises, are the way we use the tools that were designed from sources of information.
We learn thousands of tips from thousands of trainers. What we do with that information is up to us.
Does what you do, with your information, tools and exercises support the values reason we choose dogs? Does it support our kinship
Do your values support the kinship you share with dogs?
We learn thousands of tips from thousands of trainers. What we do with that information is up to us.
Do your values support the kinship you share with dogs?
We dog trainers have freedom of choice about how we conduct each exercise, with every dog. We can change the way we interact, each day.
The exact recipe (a tool) for sweet potato pie can produce different results depending on the baker's preparation and baking of each pie (the exercise).
A dog training tool may be a flat buckle collar. The way we use the collar during one training session with one dog, is the exercise.
A written lesson to teach a dog to walk by your side is a tool. The way we conduct the lesson during one session is the exercise.
We may use the same lesson (tool) and the same collar (tool), but the exercise on day one may differ from the exercise on day two. We can control the way we conduct each exercise by adding values to reduce burdens on the dog.
I'm asking, "Why are we judging tools when judging exercises may be more life enriching? Every step toward kindness matters and in my mind is reason to celebrate respectfully with each other.
Tools
Tools are designed, from sources of information.
Body language and expressions can be viewed as tools as well.
Protocols
Procedures
Sound makers
Collars
Leashes
Treat bags
Talking buttons
Ramps
Our body language
Smiling
Waiting
Props for practice
Tone of voice and
Clothes we wear
The tools we've designed are just that: tools. No different from the wrench of a plumber, the structure in which a poet writes, or the recipe for sweet potato pie. For the purpose of neutral language, I see tools as anything we use or instructions we follow during a dog training exercise.
All have the potential to affect the dogs actions.
Sources of information
Sources of information are all the places, we learn.
Information come from:
Nature.
Science.
Psychology.
Neuroscience.
Learning Theories.
Social Theories.
Specialized methods.
Alternative methods.
Intuitive abilities.
Holistic approaches.
Formal education.
Certifying organizations.
Other sources include:
Reading studies, books.
Mentoring.
Online groups.
Emerging methods.
Trainers Frameworks.
New Concepts.
Buzzword methods.
Cultural methods.
Traditional methods.
Mentored tips/tricks.
Industry practices.
Social media videos and more.
I'm suggesting that there may be concepts from many sources of information that we can use or modify or meet the needs of dogs and clients.
Tools are no
different than the wrench of a plumber, the structure in which a poet writes, or the recipe for sweet potato pie."
... changing the structure of our language makes it easy to transition from behind the scenes information to language that connects.
solution
Using Values as a filter to choose exercises.
Love
Peace
Respect
Understanding
Trust
Freedom
Happiness
We can control the way we conduct each exercise by adding values to reduce burdens on the dog."
Values from the family perspective.
perspectives.
Peace
Respect
Understanding
Freedom
Love
Trust
Happiness
Love, Peace, Respect,
Understanding, Trust,
Freedom, Happiness.
Most families acquire dogs for companionship.
Dogs make great companions because they contribute qualities to our lives that are common in meaningful human friendships. The qualities we share with humans and dogs can be called values.
After all, clients hire trainers to make life better. But what words describe what better means to the dog’s family?
We can ask clients:
When your dog is trained the way you want, what will you have more of?
"More of" is important.
It's more fun to get more of something we do want, than less of something we don't want.
Here's some answers I've heard to the question:
"What will you have more of when your dogs are trained the way you want?
"I'll have more Love if she lets me pet her."
"I'll have more Peace if they stop fighting."
"I'll have more Respect if he stops biting me."
"I'll have more Understanding when she hides."
"I'll have more Trust if she reliably comes when I call."
"I'll have more Freedom if we can leave her home alone".
"I'll have more Happiness if we can walk him without pulling on the leash."
This exercise helps focus the clients perspective on why they added a dog to the family. Knowing why, encourages them to want to know how.
Now we trainers and dog teachers know what the client wants on a deeper level. This may result in a stronger connection with trainers longer engagement, more referrals and kinder words.
After all, clients hire trainers to make life better. What words describe what better means to the dog's family"
Seeing values from the dogs perspective.
Peace
Respect
Love
Freedom
Trust
Understanding
Happiness
utually Diverse, Deep Conversation.
Why does it occur to us to get a dog?
Sometimes we need a working dogs to help us achieve, defined goals.
Other times, we're in need of something that's less focused. Something internal, that fills a need, based on our individual circumstance.
What's the connection between humans and dogs?
There are parallels between friendships with humans and choosing to live with dogs.
Companionship, hormones and safety.
So, when I ask, which of these seven values you want more of. I'm really asking which are you pursuing with your time and energy? Eventhough we may not think of the word respect, my theory is that one or two of the values are the underlying...
Why practice the underlying value with your dog? Because you have a need of "resepct" if you practice respect with your dog, your need may begin to be filled and some of the tasks you engage in to pursue respect may not have as much urgency.
If there is less urgency, perhaps more time will open up to spend time with loved ones, nature, laughter and time pursuing the other values that allow us to thrive from the inside out.
You don't need to stop what you're doing. You don't need to make a new task list. You don't need to buy a truck or new shoes. Just walk over to your dog, right now, put your hand on their shoulder (if that's appropriate for your dog) and say "trust". Stay with if for a moment. The act of saying trust, while feeling trust with your dog sparks something in your brain. It's the pathway related to trust. That pathway will likely start becoming stronger and your dog has learned a new word. I word he or she can reflect back to you later.
That one came out sweet. It reads as comfort, bodywork, relaxation, and trust right away.
It also gives your set a nice contrast:
-
fMRI = science / neuroscience
-
quadrants = learning theory
-
badge = credentials
-
collar and leash = industry practice
-
online group = crowd-sourced advice
-
massage on pillow = gentle, body-centered, pleasure-based care
That’s a strong emotional counterweight.
The only small thing I’d note is that this image leans a little more toward relaxation / touch / comfort care than strict “method.” Which may actually be perfect if you want to show that dog training ideas also come from softer, sensory, holistic, or relationship-based influences.
If you want to keep going, the clean next image would probably be:
a talking button, a dog in a classroom demo, or a cleaner social-media style text box to round out the set.
That one really captures the feeling you were describing — pure relaxation in the face. The closed eyes, loose mouth, and soft cheeks communicate calm immediately.
Visually it does something important for your article: it represents the dog’s internal state, not a method or tool. That helps reinforce the idea that training is not only about techniques but also about how the dog feels in the moment.
In the set you’re building, this image quietly becomes the one that says:
“Comfort, safety, and relaxation are also part of the conversation.”
So your visual language now spans quite a range:
-
🐺 Nature — wolf
-
🧠 Neuroscience — dog in fMRI
-
📊 Learning theory — quadrants
-
🏅 Credentials — behaviorist badge
-
🦮 Industry practice — collar & leash
-
🥕 Food reinforcement — carrots
-
🎓 Formal teaching — classroom demo
-
💬 Online advice — Facebook-style post
-
🧸 Play / drive — Malinois tug
-
😌 Wellbeing / touch — relaxed dog massage
Without saying anything argumentative, those images already tell a story:
Dog training ideas come from many places.
And that aligns beautifully with your goal of keeping the article neutral enough that trainers from different backgrounds will stay engaged.
If you'd like, I can also suggest one final “cover image” idea that ties all of these influences together visually at the top of the article. It could make the whole piece feel very intentional.
Love the dog and buttons. Can you see how dogs arm is touching treat button?
what color is this background?
Here's what I have with the two pics. I DO want separation between them because I'm talking about there being a "gap". The background of the images is light gray, not white. I can not edit in this browser and to fit into my all white background I need the background in the images to be 255,255,255 pure white. The dog family, needs to be looking at the trainers and I want some skin color in the trainers. Maybe the man one being Asian.
I think this makes my point. What do you think?
Fri, Jul 3 at 6:04 PM
I think these four make more sense and yes I'd prefer a couple of family members are showing bonding to the dog. Science. Psychology. Neuroscience. Learning Theories.
this has been a reoccurring error. How do I find out right now, who is editing my document?
Earlier versions say "Saved by site owner"
It said original-branch the first time I checked history, can you see it in the earlier screen shot?
I had to go another route to screenshot. Firefox acted like it was screen shot but it just showed a previous version.
Can you see it? There are other services with the word "remote".
Something happened a few days go. A Spybot test screen appeared on my computer. It said "This is a test". The next day they sent another that said "Sorry about that test pop-up.
Log Name: Application Source: ScreenConnect Date: 7/23/2026 1:11:49 PM Event ID: 20 Task Category: None Level: Information Keywords: Classic User: N/A Computer: I-can-see-you Description: Network connection to host created successfully Version: 26.4.3.9662 Executable Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenConnect Client (9eaa99d93d581eb6)\ScreenConnect.ClientService.exe Relay Server: relay://instance-e3vqe0-relay.screenconnect.com:443/ Instance Fingerprint: 9eaa99d93d581eb6 Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="ScreenConnect" /> <EventID Qualifiers="0">20</EventID> <Version>0</Version> <Level>4</Level> <Task>0</Task> <Opcode>0</Opcode> <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords> <TimeCreated SystemTime="2026-07-23T20:11:49.5350096Z" /> <EventRecordID>2465233</EventRecordID> <Correlation /> <Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" /> <Channel>Application</Channel> <Computer>I-can-see-you</Computer> <Security /> </System> <EventData> <Data>Network connection to host created successfully Version: 26.4.3.9662 Executable Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenConnect Client (9eaa99d93d581eb6)\ScreenConnect.ClientService.exe Relay Server: relay://instance-e3vqe0-relay.screenconnect.com:443/ Instance Fingerprint: 9eaa99d93d581eb6 </Data> </EventData> </Event>
Which one?
3 MSinstaller at 11:46
This file came from another computer.
Notice firefox logo upper left.
Do you see the blue SearchApp.exe that says status Suspended?
Yesterday 8:54 AM
What condition would cause me to be connected to internet AND have airplane mode on? I'm sure you cant read this but you can see the two blue boxes.
I'm getting this message. can you read it?
defender. I don't see much info on results.
I think the article is pretty intense. Having the preface blurb could cause people to exit.
To support the reasons humans want dogs.
Sometimes we need a working dogs to help us achieve, defined goals.
file:///C:/Users/My%20Computer/Downloads/Screenshot%202026-08-19%20at%2014-18-56%20Wix%20Website%20Editor%20Brainydog.png
Other times, we're in need of something that's less focused. Something internal, that fills a need, based on our individual circumstance.
Connection.
Someone to hang out with, play with and explore new places. We can choose to put it in the Love category.
Relaxation
Someone nap with, kick back with after a long day at work. We can put it in the Peace category.
Significance
Someone that thinks we're cool. We can categorize this at two way Respect.
Curiosity.
Someone to learn with. Learning is about understanding and more memorable with a friend.
Companionship.
Someone to hang out with. Trust allows us to be ourselves no matter wha'ts happening
Adventure
Someone to explore new things with. Freedom of choice makes life enriching.
Laughter
Someone that makes us smile. Having fun is the sweetest part of life and we can always use more. Happiness is what we drive for.
Yes. That completes the thought. The goal isn't to make achievement, recognition, possessions, or any other pursuit less important. It's to reduce the pressure on any one pursuit to satisfy an underlying need by itself.
I think your idea could be expressed simply:
As the need becomes less urgent, time and energy may open up for loved ones, nature, laughter, and the other values that help us thrive from the inside out.
And the larger sequence you're building is compelling:
What am I pursuing? → What value might be underneath it? → Can I practice that value with my dog? → Does practicing it help fulfill some of my own need? → What becomes possible when the need feels less urgent?
That last question is important because this isn't really about giving something up. It's about creating enough internal abundance that we have more freedom in deciding where our time and energy go.
And “thrive from the inside out” feels like an important phrase to keep. It captures your distinction between accumulating external evidence that we matter and actually experiencing the values that matter to us.
... and that project you keep putting off.
Yes. That makes it wonderfully ordinary and real.
As the need becomes less urgent, time and energy may open up for loved ones, nature, laughter, the other values that help us thrive from the inside out—and that project you keep putting off.
I like the last phrase because it brings a fairly deep idea back into everyday life. Thriving doesn't have to mean some grand state of enlightenment. Sometimes it means finally having enough mental space to paint the room, plant the garden, call someone, build something—or finish an article. :)
You don't need to stop what you're doing. You don't need to make a new task list. You don't need to buy a truck or new shoes. Just walk over to your dog, right now, put your hand on their shoulder (if that's appropriate for your dog) and say "trust". Stay with if for a moment. The act of saying trust, while feeling trust with your dog sparks something in your brain. It's the pathway related to trust. That pathway will likely start becoming stronger and your dog has learned a new word. I word he or she can reflect back to you later.
Dogs want what we want.
I believe, seven life values are as important for dogs as they are for us. Dogs may not have words for them... yet, but they do seek the same states of being.
Encouraging families to think like their dog.
Families ask "Why is my dog doing that?". It's a reasonable question. I usually toss the question back to the family. On some level, families have a idea about why the dog is doing the behavior. They may say: "my dog is mad because..." "my dog is jealous because...". Now we have an avenue for conversation that respects the experience of the family.
The thought process can also trigger memories of events they may not have mentioned it to a trainer "it started when...".
Listening to and respecting family views (as they state them) increases our understanding of their perspective. It increases their understanding of the dogs perspective in simple common language without the need for them to become professional dog trainers.
The process requires creativity and creativity gives them permission to think like their dog. Thinking, feeling what their dog is feeling, to me is practicing empathy.
We can ask clients:
If your dog could say:
"I’d be willing to (stop or start) doing:
[blank behavior], if I had more
[love, peace, respect, understanding, trust, freedom or happiness],"
Which would your dog choose?
Examples:
Trixie, a rescued dog, is shut down from a previous life. Of the seven values, her family will likely choose Love to bring her out of her shell.
As trainers, we can explain to our clients how love and bonding may increase by practicing specific exercises. It's much easier for the family to stay on track by remembering a value, such as love, rather than an exhaustive list of words, behaviors, theories, and instructions. Clients remember and incorporate our exercises into their lives by associating them with their target values.
Jake, is bouncing off the walls. He may choose more Peace.
Daisy, a former street dog, guards her food. Her family may think she wants more Respect.
Sandy, a puppy, hides during fireworks. She needs Understanding.
Fluffy, a senior dog, is afraid of people. She needs more Trust.
Rex, a sporting dog, loves to run; he may be asking for activities involving Freedom.
Buddy, an emotional support dog, looks sad. It's easy to see that he needs more Happiness.
I believe, seven life values are as important for dogs as they are for us.
Thinking in values help trainers shift from our practiced exercises to those more intuitive for families.
Values from the perspective of science.
We dog trainers have freedom of choice about how we conduct each exercise, with every dog. We can change the way we interact, each day.
The exact recipe (a tool) for sweet potato pie can produce different results depending on the baker's preparation and baking of each pie (the exercise).
A dog training tool may be a flat buckle collar. The way we use the collar during one training session with one dog, is the exercise.
A written lesson to teach a dog to walk by your side is a tool. The way we conduct the lesson during one session is the exercise.
We may use the same lesson (tool) and the same collar (tool), but the exercise on day one may differ from the exercise on day two. We can control the way we conduct each exercise by adding values to reduce burdens on the dog.
I'm asking, "Why are we judging tools when judging exercises may be more life enriching? Every step toward kindness matters and in my mind is reason to celebrate respectfully with each other.
Values from the trainers perspective.
The most essential things in life.
A technical vocabulary is great, but it's probably no the reason we are dog trainers. Something happened in our life that triggered the thought that dogs are smart, have feelings and can learn. It was a likely moment in time that caused us to take this dog training path.
Later, we learned much information from many sources which shaped our current language.
Values are not new to dog training.
Most trainers speak of values in their practice. Putting values into action by using them as a filter for exercises can build trust with clients and create a safe place to share ideas with other trainers.
It also puts the question of 'what are my values' front and center.
By using a common language, it's more comfortable to discuss definitions of values with other trainers because basically, we all want the same things. So we just created a safe environment in which to exchange ideas.
From my conversations with other trainers, it’s clear that we have blind spots. We rarely create an opportunity to see the positive results in methods different from our own.
It's easy to criticize and judge colleagues because, in much of our society, we're programmed to notice what's wrong before what's right.
We often ignore critiques of our practice from other trainers because we've spent considerable time and effort honing our skills. We're understandably proud of what we've accomplished and comfortable with our routines.
A fun thought:
Some industries are competitive and some collaborative. Personally, I hope dog training industry chooses to be collaborative.
We may benefit by choosing to look outside our bubble.
Thinking in values stimulates curiosity and sparks creativity. For my pet-dog, behavior clients, a needs-based, cognitive learning approach works well in most cases. Dogs pretty much train themselves this way, which is more fun on my part, more stimulating for the dogs, and easier for clients to replicate. That's my way, for what I do. It may or may not be what your clients need, and I respect that.
Judge exercises, not tools.
It’s important to understand that not all reward training makes dogs dependent, and not all aversives cause harm. Dogs are adaptable individuals, and resilience is an essential factor.
Indeed, a dog whose first experiences with humans were designed to make the dog stop a behavior will immediately change the dog's true nature. Stopping a behavior that made sense to the dog took away part of who the dog is.
The trainer, who uses physical touch in dog-human communication, has a lot to teach about helping dogs to build resilience. Resilience can be helpful in emergency situations and, in those moments when clients lose their cool. The flip side, as I see it is, the trainer who starts a dog with aversives, will never have the opportunity, to see who the dog can be if they had built new behaviors by providing options for the dog to choose.
Trainers who advocate no-aversives, have a front row seat to cognitive communication with animals. It's a different level of understanding. This understanding may be in line with the reason we are so attracted to animals and dogs in the first place. Those who advocate no-aversives and choose to apply the same principles to all colleagues, no matter what their methods, demonstrate the tremendous power of choice.
Changing the way we define and use a tool provides hundreds of steps for trainers to increase values by making each step a little kinder from the dog's point of view. In the moment before we commit to an action, all options are possible.
Values are a way to filter exercises.
Try it in the app at the end of this article.
The information you enter will not be saved. Feel free to screenshot the form after you fill it out for your own reference.
In the moment before we commit to an action, all options are possible.
Values are personal.
Filtering exercises by our personal definition of each value makes sense to me. It encourages us to choose to define our current values (which can be eye-opening) and makes it simple to choose to refine values that have potential to make life better for all.
It also puts the question of 'what are my values' front and center.
By using a common language, it's more comfortable to discuss definitions of values with other trainers because basically, we all want the same things. So we just created a safe environment in which to exchange ideas.
I'd much rather have respectful, spirited discussions with trainers about the definition of a value than to be judgmental and argue over learning theory and tools.
Starting a training plan, with the intention of increasing [blank value] sets a common goal between dog and human and trainer. This type of plan allows for individuality of each family member, which of course includes the dog.
As far as I know, we don't have access to a peaceful forum to increase understanding with those who train differently than we do.
This is one of the purposes of:
Values Based Dog Training.
It's more than just training dogs.
As trainers, we aren’t just teaching sit, stay, down, and jump through a hoop. We're honoring the connection between two species that have walked side by side for thousands of years.
Looking into the eyes of a dog is a simple reminder that ego, power, money, and fame are sometimes complicated attempts to satisfy simple needs.
I know you have stories about how a dog’s trust in humanity was restored. I know that because of your patience, a frightened pup found the courage to trust again. I know you've experienced the feeling of love and bonding between your heart and the heart of a canine.
Think of the humans whose lives were improved because you took the time to help them understand and lead their dogs.
You did this, and I acknowledge your success. You know it's true. You feel it. I know you do.
It's not that much of a stretch to think dogs share the same values that we do.
You did this, and I acknowledge your success."
Thinking in values helps us see the dogs perspective.
The power of creativity can bridge the gap between our need for absolute compliance and the dogs need for well-being.
I've heard more than one trainer say "I don't think about quadrants when I train a dog" My interpretation is that training comes naturally and they don't need to categorize every exercise as in one quadrant.
We are in the mists of an age where each human is left with only a fraction of unique knowledge. The bulk of what we know as a species has been given freely to the mind of technology.
Values give us what automated intelligence can only imitate: a biological connection with each other... and our dogs. That is important enough to preserve.
One way to preserve values in human society is to extend the values we want more of to our dogs; another is to teach non-competitive, non-dominating, collaborative, nurturing, and essential values to AI. That's another article.
As facilitators between two amazing species, let's lead the way to bring the important things in life, to the top of our consciousness. Considering about half of American homes have dogs, that's increased values for thousands of dogs and humans.
What if...
No one will know but you.
There’s no need to announce you’re doing this. Simply think of an exercise you use and ask yourself which value it supports.
If it increases values that promote happiness and well-being, keep it. If it decreases essential values, toss it, modify it or seek a new one. With all the perspectives, variables and sources of information that go into each exercise, the options are limitless. Don't let fear, beliefs, and current practices get in the way of positive change. We don't know what we don't know.
What if we can increase happiness and well-being simply by encouraging clients worldwide to practice values with their dogs?
What if the side effect carries over to human-to-human interactions?
What if it's that easy?
Hang on to values.
Adopt new ones.
Reinforce them whenever you can.
Filter your exercises
Type a behavior to brainstorm about exercises.
What tools do you use?
What exercise do you use?
From the dog's perspective, which values are likely to increase or decrease by the way you conduct your exercise?
Slide the dot to select Increase, Decrease or No change"
Increase
Decrease
No change
- Love
- Peace
- Respect
- Understanding
- Trust
- Freedom
- Happiness
Result
Change is a choice, based on your level of curiosity, creativity, and your personal definition of your values. Are you thinking of ways to alter your exercise to increase values?
Keep the exercise and think about which value it increases.
Toss it out and find a new one that promotes more kindness.
Hypothesis for
Values Based Dog Training:
Establishing a framework of goals, based on essential life values can combine the good intentions of all dog trainers for the benefit of dogs and the human's they live with.
