Last fall, I taught my first dog training course - 6 weeks, 6 students, 6 dogs.
Sometimes I do some public speaking - teaching at clown and magician's conferences and occasional church functions. One time, I used some video of my dog, Jack, as part of the presentation showing him running through several learned behaviors and having fun doing it. I don't remember what the context was, but apparently the audience was impressed with Jack.
So, I started getting requests to teach a class. OK. I had a location that wouldn't cost me anything so I put together a 6 week outline, bought extra clickers and treats, limited the class to 6 dogs, and got started. I charged $10 for the class to cover the clicker and extra treats - hey, it was my first time and I wanted to make sure everyone got more than their money's worth. I actually let 8 people register anticipating some drop outs. Here's how it went:
Week one: A good introduction lecture. No dogs. Taught the clicker. Talked about rules. One of the rules was "No choke chains". One student didn't show up. Later that week he said, "Sorry I missed class. Got busy and forgot. I'll be there next week". I said, "Sorry you missed class, but you can't come next week - I can't make up that lesson with you individually". One down.
Week two: First class with dogs. Went well. Had to work hard getting people not to yank the leash and scream "NO". Demonstrated how better results could be obtained with positive reinfiorcement. Great results with a few "untrainable" dogs.
Week three: With dogs. More leash yanking and screaming regardless of how I demonstrate that the dog doesn't need it - but one couple couldn't get over it and insist that it is the dogs who can't work with these methods (in spite of the fact that the dogs are doing fine with me). Two more down.
Week four: No dogs. Movie clips. Questions and answers. I ask one young student if she has been working with loose leash walking during the week. "No, but my dad is using the clicker to teach the dog to put his head into the choke chain!" [Later that week I kill the dad - one more down: no, I didn't really - but I did talk to him about the irony of trying to use positive reinforcement to teach a dog to be choked]
Week 5: With dogs. 4 students left. Great session.
Week 6: Talent show. 2 students - both had shaped a very nice bow behavior. Both students finishing the class were 11 years old.
What did I learn?
- It is great to run a class on my terms. If you can't come to the first lecture, I don't have to make up for it.
- I can teach any dog I have ever seen - not so with people.
- I can't compete with the Dog Whisperer - and I don't want to. Poor dogs, though.
- I like teaching dog training. You get very immediate positive reinforcement.
- Every trainer in the family has to be in the class.
Yeah, I will do it again.
