k9wise

If you’re your own coach, how do you know you have the best one?

Just like with our dogs, setting them up for success means making sure they have the right coach.

The same is true in business. Having good guidance and a network of professionals you can learn from helps make sure you’re not just guessing your way forward.

From the very beginning, when I first started taking cases, I invested in one-on-one business coaching.

Over the years, I’ve continued that commitment — investing in both one-on-one and group coaching, and staying connected with a professional community of positive-reinforcement trainers.

It’s a place where trainers support one another in many aspects of the work, from the business side of running a practice to talking through challenging cases.

Just like doctors consult with colleagues, trainers sometimes compare notes when a situation calls for another perspective.

Being part of that kind of professional network means cases can benefit from shared experience and thoughtful collaboration.

Over time, I’ve also had the opportunity to talk through cases with fellow trainers when they’ve felt stuck, and to connect clients with trusted colleagues when another specialist might be the best fit.

In the end, that kind of collaboration benefits the dogs and the people who love them.

Mindful people
Mindful dogs

Believe the Dog

— k9wise

Most dogs are doing dozens of things right every day.
We just forget to notice.

One of the simplest training exercises I recommend comes from trainer Kathy Sdao: SMART x 50.

SMART stands for:
See, Mark And Reward Training.

The goal is simple:
Reinforce 50 things your dog does right every day.

Not commands.
Not formal training sessions.

Just life.

Your dog looks at you instead of barking out the window?
See it. Mark it. Reward it.

Your dog lies down quietly while you drink coffee?
See it. Mark it. Reward it.

Your dog walks beside you instead of pulling?
See it. Mark it. Reward it.

Your dog chooses calm over chaos?
Definitely reinforce that.

When we start noticing and reinforcing the good choices dogs are already making, something shifts.

Dogs offer more of those choices.

Calm becomes valuable.
Learning becomes easier.

Try it tomorrow.

Just start counting how many good decisions your dog makes.

Dog folks in Western North Carolina — try this tomorrow and see what happens.

Mindful people
Mindful dogs

— k9wise 🐾






Photo & training: Gene Long / k9wise