June 11, 2021

Is there a lesson plan or flash card system that you know of to help new trainers keep track of dogs they are working with?

Full Question:
Hi Cindy,
I am a new trainer looking for some planning/organizing help. I currently have 3 dogs I am training/sitting while owners are on vacation. I am having trouble keeping track in my head where each dog is at in terms of what they have learned, and what I need to teach them next. I have autism so I struggle with planning/memory so I think some sort of flashcard system like quizlet would help cue me if I get stuck training dogs... that's what I've come up with so far. I'm curious if you or other trainers you know do lesson plans like teachers do. What have you seen trainers use to plan or remember?
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
Most trainers keep a training journal which can be as simple as a notebook or keeping notes on their phone. You will have to come up with the tasks/behaviors for each dog and lay out a plan and progress report for each one based on the goals for that dog.

We get asked a lot for a schedule or timeline but each dog and trainer have such different goals it's really not possible for us to provide that because of the variations in goals and dogs. There may be some kind of standardized app or journal available but I am not aware of them at this time. I’ve had good luck with using a notebook, other friends of mine use their phone to type out notes but I find it helps my memory better to physically write things down with pen and paper.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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