Instruction Skills Flashcards
What to obtain about history of the dog?
Health, home environment, history of training, past or current issues
Four Keys to Empathetic Listening
- Quiet your mind and focus on what person is saying
- Listen through the words to deeper thought behind them
- Don’t interrupt while being spoken to
- Say back to them, in your own words, what they said and the feelings you sensed
What to avoid when talking with a client?
- Mind reading
- Rehearsing - thinking about your next question instead of focusing
- Filtering - hearing only what you want
- Day dreaming
- Advising - interrupting and immediately offering suggestions
- Judging - analyzing and critiquing what’s been said
- Condescending - making a client feel they don’t know what they’re doing
Questions for a client with a disability
Can they give hand signals?
Can they keep up with the class?
Is the classroom environment appropriate?
Can they handle the equipment?
Have alternate methods to teach
How to deal with difficult people
Let them speak - don’t interrupt them
Be aware of your tone of voice and body language
Avoid labeling them
Ignore behavior you don’t want and reward behavior you do
Don’t become defensive
Redirect unwanted behavior
Get actual details
Draw the line - deal with a difficult client, but know when enough is enough
What to do with client goals
Zero in on one goal - what is most important to them right now?
Manage their expectations
Explain the big picture
3 Learning Styles
- Visual (demonstrating) - show clients how to do it - 35% retained
- Auditory (explaining) - 10% retained
- Kinesthetic (hands on) - have clients try themselves - 50% retained
Make sure you use all three!
Private vs Group Classes
One on one allows you to adjust process to specific dog with instant feedback
Group requires you to manage environment
Lesson Plans
What will your class cover?
Plan ahead on how you will cover questions so it doesn’t take up time during class
How will you handle absences?
First class - express handling absences, waivers, and vaccine proof
Stress the value of homework
Indoor Training Class
Safety is key
Have sufficient space between each dog
Have traffic control
Be aware of flooring surfaces
Outdoor Training Class
Weather is the biggest concern - make sure to explain policy at the first class Safety - never do off-leash work, double check equipment Distractions are high and uncontrollable
Tips for Class
Start on time no matter how many students have arrived
Provide lots of hands-on opportunities
Design class so more challenging work comes at the beginning and not the end of class
Keep language basic and simple
Training Plans
Set measurable, realistic goals
Move on when dog performs behavior 8 out of 10 times
End each session with a success - go back to kindergarten