Instruction Skills

Question 1

What to obtain about history of the dog?

Answer 1

Health, home environment, history of training, past or current issues

Question 2

Four Keys to Empathetic Listening

Answer 2

1. Quiet your mind and focus on what person is saying
2. Listen through the words to deeper thought behind them
3. Don’t interrupt while being spoken to
4. Say back to them, in your own words, what they said and the feelings you sensed

Question 3

What to avoid when talking with a client?

Answer 3

1. Mind reading
2. Rehearsing - thinking about your next question instead of focusing
3. Filtering - hearing only what you want
4. Day dreaming
5. Advising - interrupting and immediately offering suggestions
6. Judging - analyzing and critiquing what’s been said
7. Condescending - making a client feel they don’t know what they’re doing

Question 4

Questions for a client with a disability

Answer 4

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

Question 5

How to deal with difficult people

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What to do with client goals

Answer 6

Zero in on one goal - what is most important to them right now?

Manage their expectations

Explain the big picture

Question 7

3 Learning Styles

Answer 7

1. Visual (demonstrating) - show clients how to do it - 35% retained
2. Auditory (explaining) - 10% retained
3. Kinesthetic (hands on) - have clients try themselves - 50% retained

Make sure you use all three!

Question 8

Private vs Group Classes

Answer 8

One on one allows you to adjust process to specific dog with instant feedback

Group requires you to manage environment

Question 9

Lesson Plans

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Indoor Training Class

Answer 10

Safety is key
Have sufficient space between each dog
Have traffic control
Be aware of flooring surfaces

Question 11

Outdoor Training Class

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Tips for Class

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Training Plans

Answer 13

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