In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Crystal Wing, a former high school art teacher turned dog trainer. Crystal shares her journey of transitioning from teaching to dog training, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and the challenges of finding safety and comfort in change. The conversation explores the significance of creativity, curiosity, and observation in dog training, as well as the application of art principles to enhance training techniques. Crystal introduces the Six C's framework for understanding dog behavior and discusses the importance of being present in the moment during training sessions. The episode concludes with insights on embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and valuing information over judgment in the training process. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional aspects of dog training, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness, overcoming judgment, and fostering curiosity. They discuss how societal expectations can weigh heavily on trainers and the need to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. The conversation highlights the significance of observation and analysis in understanding dog behavior, as well as the role of confidence and self-perception in effective training. Ultimately, the speakers advocate for a shift from judgment to curiosity, encouraging trainers to focus on the process rather than perfection.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Crystal Wing

01:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Dog Training

03:56 The Importance of Taking Risks

07:43 Finding Safety and Comfort in Change

11:04 Creativity in Dog Training

16:15 Curiosity as a Tool for Creativity

21:36 The Role of Critical Analysis in Training

28:32 Staying Present and Mindful in Training

29:44 Mindfulness and Sensory Awareness

31:32 The Importance of Paying Attention to Dogs

33:08 Video Analysis in Dog Training

35:45 Mastering One Skill at a Time

36:37 Compassion in Training

38:46 Curiosity and Continuous Learning

41:14 Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity

44:19 Emotional Awareness in Training

46:13 The Role of Mistakes in Learning

49:31 Creating a Weightless Training Environment

52:00 Embracing Nervousness and Uncertainty

54:10 The Art of Observation in Dog Training

01:02:12 Understanding Dog Communication

01:05:09 The Importance of Intent and Confidence

01:09:21 Building Skills: Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence

01:13:05 The Impact of Self-Perception on Training

01:15:40 Generosity in Observations and Learning

01:18:08 Innovative Teaching Techniques for Better Understanding

FOLLOW US:

https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod

https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast

PETRA:

https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/

www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com

LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025