Recognizing burnout in yourself or your dog is crucial for a successful and enjoyable training journey. It can sneak up on you so quickly. Here are some things you should know to help you navigate this situation:
What is burnout:
Burnout is a state of exhaustion, boredom, disinterest, or other such emotions in you or your dog while training. This results in a lack of enthusiasm or interest in the session and often includes resistance and frustration.
Causes of burnout:
Dog training burnout can affect both the human trainer and the canine student. For humans, it often stems from unrealistic expectations, excessive pressure, and a lack of self-care. Frustration with slow progress, feeling overwhelmed by challenging behaviors, and neglecting personal well-being can all contribute.
For dogs, burnout can arise from repetitive exercises, being pushed beyond their physical or mental capacity, or experiencing excessive negative training methods that cause fear or anxiety. Recognizing the signs of burnout in both yourself and your dog is crucial for ensuring a positive and successful training experience.
Signs of burnout in you:
Frustration: Feeling increasingly annoyed or discouraged during training sessions.
Impatience: Short temper and difficulty staying calm while training your dog.
Dreading sessions: Avoiding or putting off training sessions due to lack of motivation.
Signs of burnout in your dog:
Loss of interest: No longer showing enthusiasm for treats or play during training.
Distracted: Easily losing focus and attention during training exercises.
Blowing you off: Ignoring commands or refusing to participate in training altogether.
Tips to overcome burnout:
Take a break: Step away from formal training for a few days or a week. Spend time playing, cuddling, or going on relaxed walks with your dog.
Revisit your goals: Re-evaluate your training goals and adjust them if needed. Make sure they are realistic, achievable, and positive.
Switch things up: Introduce new training games, tricks, or activities to keep things interesting and engaging for both you and your dog.
Shorten sessions: Break down training sessions into shorter, more frequent bursts to prevent overwhelming your dog.
Seek help: if you cannot seem to break out of burnout, consider seeking help from dog savvy friends or a qualified dog trainer.
Remember, training should be a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to address them, you can get back on track to a successful and enjoyable training journey. Burnout is NOT a failure and is very common. We just need to adjust going forward.
