Little Things Make Big Things Happen

Over the many years I’ve been living with and training my dogs for dog sports, I’ve learned by experience and from instructors the concept conveyed by legendary basketball coach John Wooden…”It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

Whether you call it “foundation” skills or “the basics”, the little things in dog sport training and everyday life not only determine success in sport but influence our relationship with our dogs. Without a solid foundation, it’s likely that frustration will build as expectations grow for higher levels of performance. Some people think foundation skills are just something to “get through” so they can go onto more exciting things. But ignoring the little things and expecting success without them can lead to frustration, blaming the dog or simply quitting.

Personally, I find embracing the little things a lot of fun! These are the skills that are frequently revisited as the puppy matures into a young dog, a competition dog and a champion. 

I’ve listed just a few here:

• Recalls (everything)
• Toy-based skills – Retrieves, Release of toy on cue (reward behaviors)
• Release cues (all sports)
• Verbal response to down (herding)
• Circle work (agility)
• Target behaviors (agility)
• Staying at source after alert (nosework)

I’ve written about some of these “little things” in the past. If you have time, check them out!

The Release Word – the first step toward impulse control

Recalls!

Learning through choices