A place to learn a new language, the Koehler Method of Dog Training, which is an entire language of communication between owner(s) and their dog. Let the journey begin.
Now that you've had the benefit of 1-to-1 coaching with Stephanie and have seen how Sofie responds to her/her mechanics, I have two things for you to add to your training.
1) Your pace is to slow. Go watch Stephanie work Sofie and you will see Sofie is nearly at a jog (she sooooo moves like Leenie and I loved training Leenie) working with Stephanie. Of course, that is because Stephanie has done this many times and is VERY comfortable and confident of her mechanics. And every new student goes through this same situation of being to slow as they are in their head trying to remember what to do next. Pick up your Pace and you will see Sofie quickly check in with you and be MORE interested in being with you than focusing her attention elsewhere.
2) How to pick up your Pace? Pick up your head. Your head is always pointed to the ground and your shoulders round forward. Not only is this really poor posture, especially for us older, more mature women, BUT when you do that your body position indicates a lack of confidence. Sofie reads that lack of confidence and doesn't focus on you as you are focused in your head on what to do. And EVERY new student does exactly what you are doing. But, you are able to do better, I have seen how you move, so by simply picking up your head, focusing your eyes on where you are doing, squaring your shoulders, you WILL move faster. The reality is Sofie is attached to you with a leash and can't go anywhere except within a 4' space from you. Focus on your body posture and you will notice an immediate shift in Sofie's position AND in her focus.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteNow that you've had the benefit of 1-to-1 coaching with Stephanie and have seen how Sofie responds to her/her mechanics, I have two things for you to add to your training.
1) Your pace is to slow. Go watch Stephanie work Sofie and you will see Sofie is nearly at a jog (she sooooo moves like Leenie and I loved training Leenie) working with Stephanie. Of course, that is because Stephanie has done this many times and is VERY comfortable and confident of her mechanics. And every new student goes through this same situation of being to slow as they are in their head trying to remember what to do next. Pick up your Pace and you will see Sofie quickly check in with you and be MORE interested in being with you than focusing her attention elsewhere.
2) How to pick up your Pace? Pick up your head. Your head is always pointed to the ground and your shoulders round forward. Not only is this really poor posture, especially for us older, more mature women, BUT when you do that your body position indicates a lack of confidence. Sofie reads that lack of confidence and doesn't focus on you as you are focused in your head on what to do. And EVERY new student does exactly what you are doing. But, you are able to do better, I have seen how you move, so by simply picking up your head, focusing your eyes on where you are doing, squaring your shoulders, you WILL move faster. The reality is Sofie is attached to you with a leash and can't go anywhere except within a 4' space from you. Focus on your body posture and you will notice an immediate shift in Sofie's position AND in her focus.
BTW, I had to learn this fact too from Margot.