Along with the curriculum plans in my last post, the homeschool elective I’m most excited about doing with the kids is … Dog Training 101! We are hoping to get a little Shichon puppy at the end of September (a Shih tzu/ Bichon mix). The kids and I have been busy doing all sorts of research on dogs and making dog toys to sell as a fundraiser. We already have a labrador that we love dearly, she’s just a bit too big and strong for the kids to take on walks, and she can’t quite sit on our laps. 🙂 I’m looking forward to this newest member of our family for several reasons:
– I’ve always said that when I grow up I would get a small fluffy dog. You know, the kind that needs it hair brushed daily and sits on a small pink bed, wears a diamond collar, and answers to Princess or Fluffy or something like that? I’m turning 40 in September, so its totally time to go for it!
– The kids are going to help train the dog! I think its really important in our homeschool to focus on learning skills along with our academics – cooking, sewing, piano, and the like. Dog training is a great skill to learn and something the kids could build on later in life as an animal trainer, vet tech, or many other occupations. Its also basically a beginning communication course for kids – I’ll explain what I mean by that in a minute.
How am I going to make this into a school subject? Well, initially I was planning on training the dog myself and attending local classes. I emailed a couple of trainers and asked them about classes and fees and so on. A couple of them I even sent more than one email, but NO ONE responded to me. With covid happening right now, I can only assume its thrown their schedules up in the air. Eventually after searching through various books and online offerings, we came across Baxter and Bella. I am super impressed with what they have to offer! It didn’t take me long to realize that this is a course I can use with my kids. Along with videos and clear lessons, it walks you completely through the process of dog training and helps you step by step. We’ve been listening to some of their podcasts and are excited to get started with lessons.
Baxter and Bella online dog training program provides everything you will need in order to successfully train a dog. There are more than 65 lessons, over 100 how-to videos, printable charts & checklists, as well as lifetime access to many other supporting resources, even including unlimited one-on-one video coaching, phone calling, events, classes and courses too! You can learn more about who they are, what they offer and how to get started by visiting: https://www.baxterandbella.com/learn-more Use the code “HEALTHY25” for 25% off the membership!
Now, let me explain what I mean with my comparison of dog training to a communications course. Dogs do not communicate exactly the way that people do. In fact, sometimes they have the opposite response than you want them to. For example, you might be calling a dog’s name and chasing it while trying to get it to come inside. The dog, however, is happily running around the yard, convinced that you’re playing a fun game. Dogs don’t read minds, respond to long explanations, or understand that “what you’re really saying is…” Training a dog involves thinking ahead through what you want the dog to do, giving a clear, consistent command, and following up with a treat or praise. It often involves problem solving and putting yourself in the dog’s shoes for a minute to figure out how or why your dog is doing something.
It is a valuable skill to learn that your audience may not receive communication the way you intended them to. It is a valuable skill to think through what you are trying to say and how to best convey that. Its a valuable skill to consider how someone else is going to respond to your words, actions, and even tone of voice.
Best of all, dog training comes with such high value rewards! Clear communication is rewarded by the dog’s response. And this is repeated over and over again! Its a huge confidence builder to unlock the secrets of communication and successfully implement them. What kid doesn’t love to show off his dog’s tricks? Can you tell I’m super excited about our new fluffy family member? I am!
So, let me leave you with these two things:
I’ve created a Facebook group called The Healthy Small Breed Dog where I’m compiling lots of info, research, links, and more. Come join us!
Check out BaxterandBella.com and see what you think. If you’re interested in joining, use the code “HEALTHY25” for 25% off. (Yes, its my affiliate code, only shared because its something I love.)
Humbled by the Honor 