Each dog that we train and compete with is a different journey. While individuals are always unique, providing new and valuable experiences along the way, similar patterns in the learning process can be seen. The ability to recognize and embrace these stages of training can help us to make the most out of each of them. Acknowledging the early learning phases, as well as the polished results seen in later maintenance phases, are easy to recognize. But it’s the in-between phases, that can sometimes be hard to see, where some of the most important parts of the journey are.
When we start training our baby dogs, everything is kept simple; we work on skills, develop connection and communication, and eventually get to a point where we are ready to compete. The trial environment brings along its own challenges, so we often see lots of mistakes at first; “baby dog” moments. But gradually, things start to come together. We are able to accomplish some qualifying scores here and there, and mistakes happen less frequently. This is the stage where we see a lot of “almosts”. The run was ALMOST clean, with just one or two bobbles, but lots of moments of brilliance. Or the ALMOST perfect heeling pattern, with just a disconnection here and there, but the engagement is really starting to come together. This phase tends to be the longest one, with successes slowly increasing over time. I like to call this the “Editing Phase”, not only because we are refining our skills, but also because this is the time when the videos that we share tend to be pieces of our best moments edited together, rather than sharing full clips from beginning to end. For most, this stage lasts a few years. We tend to call our agility partners “baby dogs” until about the age of 4 or so, as it takes awhile to become a seasoned competitor. Although there can be variance, in general, dogs who take part in sports that require a high level of training tend to be the most competitive from around ages 5 or 6 to 8 or 9. At this age they are old enough to have the experience needed to get through a competition, even if things go a bit wrong (which they inevitably do), but not so old that they start slowing down or struggling with the physical requirements of the sport.
The Editing Phase happens in all dog sports and with every dog, to one extent or another. Just like editing videos to show our best moments, during this stage we are piecing together all of the good stuff in our performances, and trimming out the parts that we don’t want. But this phase can often bring frustration along with it, and is arguably, the most difficult part of the journey we take with our sport dogs. There is nothing quite as heartbreaking as having a nearly perfect run, but with just one missed contact, or leaving the obedience ring knowing that, if your dog hadn’t gotten distracted by that bird flying right in front of them, you would have been in the ribbons. And when this phase lasts awhile, it can be incredibly demotivating.
But, I actually think that the Editing Phase is the best part of the journey! Each time you step foot in the ring it is an opportunity to learn more about your canine partner, to build your relationship, and to figure out what still needs some “editing” in your performance. And the editing isn’t solely for the dog! Every dog teaches us new things, gives us more experience and makes us better handlers and trainers. In my opinion, this is the part of the journey where the real “meat” is. It’s the part you and your dog learn the most from, and it’s often where some of the best memories are made.
The Editing Phase is really about fine-tuning the relationship between dog and handler, making each other better through the process. Although there is always more growth that can occur, once you are at the point of being a cohesive team, the amount of actual learning that is happening (for both human and dog) drops considerably. So, take the information that you learn in this phase and use it to make you and your dog a stronger team! But also, don’t forget to enjoy this part of the journey; it only happens once a dog. Embrace it.
It’s just another part of the incredible journey that we get to take with our dogs.
