“Training” is an inadequate term for all that we do to affect our dog’s behavior. HOW we do this is a choice, a “training” choice and a mindset, which affects the big picture.

“Enrichment” as defined in Cambridge English dictionary: the act or process of improving the quality or power of something by adding something else. When acknowledging our dog’s needs and prioritizing a positive, healthy emotional state, “training” is a form of enrichment by definition- but only if the human chooses that approach.

This interpretative chart by Sally Gutteridge illustrates the main factors of what truly affects our dog’s behavior. On this chart, note that “training” is the smallest part, and I beg to differ on that point. The truth is that ALL of these aspects are integral parts of “training” whether it be sports, life skills or behavior modification. So it is the percentages that affect HOW our dog’s behavior is influenced, and the percentages in turn are where we have choices and a certain amount of control. All of these pieces of the pie effectively add up to “training”, as our dogs are always learning from us.

We need a different word for “training” and all that it encompasses. So what word comes to mind when you think of how you “train”? Is it accurately descriptive, is it what you want it to be?

My “why and how” for training is “enrichment”, the act or process of improving the quality or power of something by adding something else. And while I may fall short from time to time, I never lose sight of this goal in my training. Prioritizing my dog’s emotional state improves their quality of life and the power of their learning. And perhaps most importantly, the power of our relationship.