Macro vs. Micro: Build Your Training Plan
Welcome back to Trainer Testimonies! Today, we're delving into a concept that's a game-changer in the world of dog training: the difference between long-term goals (Macro) and short-term goals (Micro). This framework is like a secret map when it comes to creating effective training plans for our furry companions.
Note: These are my own terms, not every trainer will use these words but they should use similar concepts.
Embracing Micro Goals:
Micro goals address the small, day-to-day problems or behaviours you see, things like pulling on leash, barking at other dogs, not coming when called, jumping up, etc. The list of Micro goals is endless but they don’t tell the whole story, they don’t touch on WHY these behaviours are happening. I could easily tell you how to teach your dog to walk nicely in Heel or show them it is wrong to jump up but if we don’t tackle WHY these behaviours are so persistent they will typically come back unless you are exhaustingly diligent at managing your dog’s behaviour. The WHY comes from the Macro.
Understanding Macro Goals:
Think of the Macro goals as working towards changes in your dog’s overall behaviour and personality. Most dog owners have some change they would like to see in their dog and their relationship to them. Part of my job as a dog trainer is to filter and refine those Macro goals.
If a client comes to me with a dog that barks at other dogs, doesn’t like visitors, and won’t listen in busy environments (very typical problems) I can assume some long-term goals right away. This dog is probably anxious and needs their confidence built up. They don’t understand what their role is in their relationship so we need to build trust between the handler and the dog. They have a hard time controlling their knee-jerk reactions therefore we should build their impulse control.
Confidence building, trust, and impulse control are not commands we can teach them, they are changes in the dog’s personality and viewpoint. Overnight, in one session, we are likely to see little to no progress. Over the course of 3-6 months, we could see enormous changes that will allow the dog to live a happier, calmer life.
Blending the Two:
Now we will look at how the Macro and the Micro work together. For the anxious dog in the previous example, while we teach them how to Heel we would also use walks to face small challenges, such as encouraging them to eat some kibble we threw next to a garbage can they were spooked by, or have them jump up on a landscaping boulder that they previously weren’t sure they could navigate. By showing them that scary things can be faced, and facing your fears can be fun, we change their view of the world slowly but surely. A combined approach of tackling the immediate issue (poor leash walking) and our root cause (lack of confidence) we teach them how to behave well and squash the reason they were behaving poorly in the first place.
Finding the Balance:
It is easy to look at a dog’s behaviour and want to address it directly, and you should, but make sure to take a step back and think hard about what overarching emotions or instincts are driving these behaviours. Addressing just the Micro often means we are putting a bandage on the wound. Not really treating the issue at hand, only tackling the emotion behind the behaviour is giving up easy tools and communication that will make the job significantly easier.
So there you have it, the secret sauce to successful dog training: understanding the balance between long-term macro goals and short-term micro goals. Find the right formula for your specific dog and you will be amazed at the progress you can make and how much better your dog’s life will become.
Stay tuned to Trainer Testimonies for more insights into the world of dog training and behavior.
