Motivation is everything!
How to identify and eliminate the biggest motivation killers
Dogs are usually very easy to motivate to cooperate: some like food, others can be rewarded with play. People are more difficult, says dog training consultant Holger Schüler.
I experience it again and again: at the second or third appointment with the customer, I am happy about the progress. And the customer? Is frustrated because not all problems have been solved.
At this point in training, a major motivation killer often comes into play: expectations that are too high. Everyone knows this - it happens to everyone.
It's easy to counteract this: see the successes! Even the small ones. The dog still can't stay home alone without howling? But you can already go to the mailbox? That's also a success. Consciously take one step at a time, that will keep you on track.
On the other hand, motivation goes down the drain if you give up too quickly. If you keep thinking, "That's working well enough!", you'll just stay where you are. And if you say too often, "It doesn't matter if it doesn't work out now," you're not acting consistently. Challenge and encourage yourself and your dog. Standing still is boring!
And that brings us to the next motivation killer: boredom. Always the same round, always the same exercises. That's no fun! Make sure there's variety and keep looking for new challenges. Have confidence in yourself and your dog. And when you've managed another step together, be genuinely happy about it. It doesn't matter to you whether others find it easier.
Have you ever fallen tired onto the sofa in the evening and felt guilty because you spent far less time with the dog than you had planned? Or were you inconsistent again? Or impatient? Between work, family, household, and everyday life, there isn't always much time and, above all, energy left for the dog. "But I really want it, I was so determined to do it, why can't I do it?" - these nagging questions eat up the last bit of energy. Because nothing kills motivation worse than a guilty conscience. What you perceive as your own failure is something you prefer to suppress - completely unconsciously. Your inner demons have some pretty nasty tricks up their sleeves. Self-doubt and a constant guilty conscience prevent the fun of training. Be proud of yourself and your dog - that is the key to success.
The best source of motivation of all: short, sharp training sessions. Practice frequently and briefly, spread out over the day. This is good for the dog, as it helps him learn much better. If you and your dog have concentrated on the task for five minutes, you will make rapid progress. The rest period afterwards allows what has been learned to sink in. There is always time and opportunity for short work sequences, and it is much easier to increase the frequency than the length of each work session. Even if you are tired and just want to sink onto the sofa - if the toy is already within reach on the shelf above the TV, you can still play intensively with the dog for five minutes... and work on bonding and training at the same time.
A simple but effective trick to finish: smile! This is the best way to combat stress and tension. Your dog will only cooperate willingly if you are having fun and enjoying what you are doing. Always remember: even the best dog can only be as motivated as its human partner.
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