What is Holistic Dog Training?
Holistic training considers your dog a living system.
Holistic training is a deeply involved practice that considers and combines many different aspects of canine health, wellness and behavior, and accounts for the ways that different aspects of health and wellness effect each other.
At its core, Holistic Health is based on the principle that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, and that wellness in all areas is essential for total wellness and true healing.
Holistic Dog Training considers and then treats the entire Canine as a whole living system, rather than focusing on isolated aspects of Canine behaviors, and seeks to diagnose and address the underlying causes of a behavior. Because of this, Holistic Trainers must have an understanding of many scientific disciplines so that they can effectively consider environmental, psychological, genetic and behavioral factors.
Finding The Right Trainer
Different trainers and styles suit different people and dogs.
While there are many skilled, ethical and knowledgeable professionals out there, finding the right trainer, just like finding the right therapist, can be frustrating and nerve wracking. Different trainers may have different approaches or communication styles, and not everyone is going to be the right fit for you and your dog. Chemistry matters, and finding the right trainer for you can make the training experience much more comfortable and successful.
I remember this one week in particular when I had started two new clients in basic training, and they both decided to go with a different trainer after our first session. When they told me why, I was surprised to hear that they had opposite reasons: one client worried that I would be too gentle with their German Shepherd puppy and would not recommend enough discipline, and the other feared I would be too structured with their Pittie, and would recommend too much discipline. Regardless of whether or not they were correct in their assumptions, I commend both owners for wanting the best for their dog.
As your dog's guardian, you are their only advocate, which is why it’s okay to be worried about finding the right trainer; you are entrusting them with more than just your time and money- you’re trusting them with your dog's well-being. If you’re not sure how to find the right fit for you and your dog, this short guide may be able to help. I want to help you find the right trainer for you, even if it ultimately isn't me.
