How to Train a Farm Dog Step 1: You • This is Z Life

Introduction

Working with any kind of animal requires you to be present. This post will outline some of my favorite steps I take before training my farm dog. I want to be physically and mentally prepared to connect with man’s best friend.

Woman standing in front of an anatolian shepherd puppy giving a treat. Green grass surrounded by woods.

Notice Feelings

Did I just get off work? Have I had an emotional day? Has it been a good day? Am I feeling rushed? What’s my schedule for the rest of the day? Am I excited to spend time with my pet? Am I nervous to work with my dog?

Notice Physical Feelings

I like to mentally check off sections of my body. Is my upper body feeling tight? Has it been a long day; do I have my jaw clenched? My neck and shoulders are usually an issue. How’s my chest, back, and belly? Due to a horseback riding injury my hips and legs will sometimes hold pain. Am I hungry or thirsty?

Set Intention

I imagine the feeling I want for my training session. I let go of feelings that will work against us. I take into account how my dog is feeling (click here for analyzing how my dog is feeling).Sometimes setting intention is just saying I’ve had a hard day; I’m going to work on connection with my dog. Sometimes setting intention is saying I’m motivated today; I’m going to work on a challenge. Sometimes my dog is in heat; my intention maybe to do something she finds fun.

woman sitting with, anatolian shepherd dog, nigerian dwarf goat, horse

Move Your Body

If you’ve worked with horses, you may know the phrase “A lick, and a chew”. I will literally do a quick lick of my lips, and move my jaw in a chewing motion to release facial tension. Animals mainly communicate with body language; I want my face to be relaxed and observant. My upper body usually holds the most tension, so I’ll stretch my neck and roll my shoulders before I work with my animals. Sometimes my hips and legs are an issue, so I may do an easy yoga pose to get my body ready. And of course!! Take a few deep breaths!!

Conclusion

Know how my mind is working today
Notice how my animal is acting today
Plan how we want to feel working together
Release my mental tension
Release or stretch my physical tension

Working a few minutes on yourself before working with your animal can improve the time spent with your best friend. Read the next post for some things I notice about my dog before training.