Keeping a training journal

[skittledoo]

I've decided to keep a training journal for Bamm.

Basically my reason is because I want to be a professional dog trainer. I want to focus mainly on dogs that have behavior problems.

So... I love to write and I like to have records of things that go on. I want to be able to see his progress as he continues his training so I've decided to keep a training journal and record his responses to different situations; what he's learned, what needs focus on, etc etc. Maybe when I'm done I could possibly publish it... we'll see....

But the main goal is for me to work on myself as a trainer and work on his progress.

ideas?

 

[adojrts]

I keep training journals both for myself and for students. One thing that I have found to be useful, is to skip ahead a few weeks and put a reminder in which is highlighted, to revisit a skill. And note the last time it was trained, so I can review those notes without searching for them. Since most of my training is agility this can be very useful. We often have to revisit and keep tuned, skills like box work, 270's, lateral and/or distance skills and obstacle discriminations etc. And of course making notes about a problem or a skill that may have gotten a bit sloppy etc, that became apparent at a trial.

Hope that helps
Lynn

 

[tessa_s212]

I should probably do the same. I think it would do a great deal for me as a trainer and help my dogs a lot. I just never in the past was able to force myself to do it. However, with my ambitions of teaching the 4-H kids this year.. I think I would like to keep one for them like adortjs talked about.

 

[lizzybeth727]

We keep very detailed training journals for the service dogs I train. For every behavior we teach our dogs, we keep a log of every session. We write what our criteria is for that session, where we're practicing, how long the session is (time and/or number of tries), how many successes/failures we had that session, notes for next session, and any other details that might be important (distractions, health problems that might have affected the behavior, etc.). Many times we do spend more time writing notes than the actual training session! But it's really worth it, definately makes us more productive and makes the training go faster.

 

[Whisper]

I keep a journal for my dogs, too. What I'm training, how it went, what areas we need to work on, what she did well, any new ideas I've come up with, the length and amount of sessions, and much more. It ranges from Millie's SD training to little tricks I'm teaching them to reconditioning some things.

 

[PennyRose]

I keep a training journal for all the dogs I train too. I find it's extremily helpful. I write down all my days work along with my thoughts on microsoft word daily then print it out and keep in a large binder. Its easier to read.

Besides being a private instructor, I am also a trainer at multiple shelters so I also have all the volunteers keep a log book of any questions they have for me about the dogs and I address them back in the book.

All the shelters I train at, I made one entire book with files on each dog from the time they come in until the day they get adopted. Its very useful.

I also tell my clients to keep a journal daily with their strong points/weak points etc... with a list of questions for me to address the next time they see me.