#trainer thoughts

[theadventurek9]

Being a trainer that falls mostly in line with the +r community I often struggle a lot with balancing owners QoF with their dog’s QoF and using aversive free practices. Sometimes I think its just not practical. I do believe most all things can be trained with aversive free techniques. Yet, there is more to the picture than that. You have at least two beings (dog and human) that have a lot of needs. Sometimes the best least aversive route takes a lot of time, skills and experience which dog owners might not have. Or maybe taking that long may effect the dog’s other needs for exercise and enrichment.

I’m not even talking e-collars, prongs or corrections here. I’m not talking about punishment. At some point there is more of a consideration for things that are for welfare and health purposes that in my mind may outweigh their emotions in the moment.

The ideology of some of the +R community that we must avoid everything aversive that we can do to the dog is a little near sighted and doesn’t look at the whole picture. I’m always changing how I feel about aversives and what I am and am not okay with. That’s a part of learning and growing. Yet I think it’s important for all trainers to look at a big picture of the dog’s emotions, their health, their well being AND the owner’s well being as well. 

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 52: Things Your Trainer is Thinking

What goes through the head of a trainer or coach during a fitness session? A LOT. Random things. Curiosities. Panic. Here's a list of what's been on my mind recently during class

Should I scoot over more so I'm not right in front of this person?

Is the music loud enough?

Is the music too loud?

What if we tried...

What's the next move?!

Did I do the left side?

How can I challenge but not upset everyone?

Are they bored?

No one is responding...are they breathing?

Remember to cue one step ahead

What song is next?

Eeek that song doesn't mesh with this playlist

Am I playing too much Justin Bieber lately?

Are they SO OVER this song/choreo?

OMG amazing jump

That was SO in sync

Look how cute they are

That fit/set...mental note I want that

Forgot to print out my schedules again

Is the front door open?

Where is (name)? Hope they are ok!

Look at this CREW

Her squats have gotten so much deeper!!!

They are slowing down and moving with intention!!!

Do I need to buy more snacks or drink mixes?

Did I remember to bring more wipes?

All while trying to be present, make timely cues, share happy notes, make corrections, and more.

[poke-trainer-tsuki]

I’m that weird trainer who prefers to keep my Pokémon’s nicknames the same as their species name...