Dog Training Progress: How a Behaviour Diary Can Help You See Real Change
I was tidying up recently and came across a diary I had kept a few years ago. It wasn’t about me though—it was about Amos, my dog. Amos used to have a few ‘struggles’, which we worked hard to overcome over the years. He’s now a much happier version of the dog he once was, but because things are going so well these days, I often forget the ‘dark days’. That little diary was a lovely reminder of just how far we’ve come.
One of the things I often advise clients to do is keep a diary. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—a simple notebook will do. Jotting down what went well (or maybe not so well) during training allows us to look back and recognise improvements. As a behaviourist, I see the progress that takes place between visits, but when we live with our dogs day in and day out, those changes can be easy to miss. A diary helps us remember.
There are other benefits too. I was speaking with a client recently who I had tasked with writing a diary. Not only was he able to track changes in his dog’s behaviour, but he also noticed how much more time he was spending with his dog—and how much he was enjoying that time. The training was helping, but the extra attention and companionship were also strengthening their bond.
As it happens, I was reminded again just yesterday when I received an email from another client whose dog I had worked with on reactivity. Thanks to her hard work and commitment, the changes have been huge. She reminded me of the very first time we met, when her dog couldn’t cope with even the sight of another dog in the distance. Now, that same dog happily trots by while focusing on her owner.
Of course, diaries aren’t only for behaviour ‘problems’. Tracking progress with loose lead walking, recall ‘wins’, or any small achievement can be just as valuable.
Why not give it a go and see what changes you notice? There are plenty of dog training journals available, but a simple notebook will work just as well. Write down what you’d like to achieve and keep a little tracker—you’ll be amazed at how quickly progress starts to shine through.
