Sometimes knowing what to do, means knowing when to stop.
This piece emphasizes the importance of pausing your "training plan" when necessary, particularly in situations where changes in the environment make your dog uncomfortable or potentially feel unsafe, hindering their ability to focus on training or trialing.
As an example, I teach a Rally Courses class in a public space that is accessible to everyone. During a recent class, while one of my students and their dog were about to enter the ring for their run, an individual came by to search for redeemable cans and bottles in the recycling bins nearby. The noises created by their skateboard and the sound of removing bin lids unsettled one of the dogs, leading to noticeable distraction. Despite the handler's efforts to regain the dog's attention and cheer them up with a tug toy and treats, the dog was unable to engage or even acknowledge the toy or the food — or their handler. Recognizing this, I quickly asked them to pause and take a break.
When a dog is confronted with a major distraction, feels uncomfortable, feels unsafe or perceives a threat, attempts to divert their attention can be overwhelming. The dog might enter a fight-or-flight state, and an energized approach from their handler to overcome the distraction can exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it.
Acclimation is crucial in both training and trialing. Without acclimation, a dog cannot fully focus. Acclimation is an ongoing process because environmental changes can occur at any time, requiring us to either halt the session and reintroduce the dog to the new circumstances or abandon the session altogether if it's overwhelming.
The incident with the individual searching the recycle bins serves as a great example of an environmental change that necessitated a pause to re-acclimate. If something changes and your dog becomes uncomfortable, it’s essential to recognize it and hit the pause button on the "training" plan. Continuing under such circumstances poses a significant risk of creating a lasting negative emotional response. Dogs can associate the negative experience with various elements, such as the location, visual cues (Rally signs, cones, ring gates, chairs, whatever is around), and, in the worst-case scenario, even with us as handlers. We have no control over what they associate the negative experience with. Any of these associations can taint the training experience and Rally, triggered by a negative emotional response.
In the previously described scenario, we took three steps to mitigate a negative emotional response. First, we stopped the training session, relieving the pressure of demanding focus when the dog was unable to provide it. Imagine being in a situation that requires 100% of your attention, while someone keeps talking to you or nagging you about something else. Second, we adjusted the environment, (or allowed it to adjust in this case), by created distance between ourselves and the distraction, (without physically moving, but by allowing time for the distraction to move a little further away). Third, we allowed time for re-acclimation, providing the dog with an opportunity to realize that the perceived threat was actually harmless. Once this realization occurred (which happened quickly), the dog regained great focus, appeared happy and confident, and successfully re-entered the ring, nailing their run.
Whenever you notice your dog losing focus, getting distracted, or showing signs of discomfort, it's crucial to prioritize their well-being over sticking to your "training plan." Instead of pushing through, take a moment to pause and evaluate the situation. If a similar situation arises during a trial, don't hesitate to stop your run at any point on the course. Don't be afraid to communicate with the steward before entering the ring or with the judge once you’re in, and request to be excused if necessary. Remember, a positive ring experience is only valuable if it's genuinely positive. Negative experiences can have long-lasting effects, some of which may never be overcome.
It's better to prioritize your dog's emotional well-being and build a solid foundation of trust than to risk compromising their confidence and enjoyment of the sport. Rather than a confidence breaking experience, you can make it a confidence building opportunity.
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