training your dog, it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. Maybe your dog isn’t picking up a new command, or they seem to be going backwards in an area where you thought they’d made progress. These moments can make you feel like you’ve failed as a dog owner. But here’s the thing: failure is not the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable tools you have.
Failure is Feedback
Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, see them for what they really are: feedback. Each time something doesn’t work out, your dog is giving you information about what they need, or don’t need, and how they’re experiencing the moment, training.
Maybe the method is too complex, the environment too distracting, or they simply don’t fully understand the cue. All of these moments of “failure” are opportunities for learning—for both you and your dog.
Think of it like solving a puzzle. Every piece of feedback you get is just another piece of the puzzle coming together, the goal is understanding and progress.
Learning to Listen
Dogs are constantly giving us feedback through their behaviour, body language, and reactions. By tuning into these signals, we can adjust training techniques in ways that truly resonate with them. When your dog resists or struggles, they’re not being stubborn or “bad”—they’re trying to communicate and it’s our job to listen.
For example, if your dog is pulling on the leash, they might not just be ignoring your cues—they could be overstimulated by their environment. If a recall isn’t working, they might not fully understand what’s expected or that it’s expected under every circumstance.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
Much like in human learning, dog training benefits immensely from a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and behaviours can develop through effort, learning, and perseverance. When we embrace this mindset, setbacks become less discouraging. Instead of seeing them as barriers, we can see them as stepping stones. The same applies to our dogs. They’re learning, just as we are, and every misstep is an opportunity to grow.
So, how do you shift from a fear of failure to embracing it?
- Be patient – Training takes time, and every dog learns at their own pace.
- Stay curious – When things don’t go as planned, ask yourself: “What’s my dog telling me here?”
- Adjust your approach – There’s no one-size-fits-all method in dog training. What works for one dog might not work for another, and that’s okay!
- Celebrate small wins – Every bit of progress is worth celebrating, no matter how small.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Training your dog is a journey, not a race. Each challenge, frustration, or “failure” you encounter is simply a signpost pointing you in the direction of better understanding and more effective communication with your dog. The next time something doesn’t go as planned, pause, reflect, and see it for what it is: valuable feedback that will guide you toward success.
So, the next time you’re struggling with your dog’s training, ask yourself, “What lesson is my dog teaching me today?”
Need help navigating these setbacks and turning failures into progress? At Confident Canine, I specialise in holistic training and use positive, reward based training techniques that take your dog’s unique needs into account. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more understanding relationship between you and your dog.
Book a consultation today, and let’s solve the puzzle together!
