Are you a natural born dog handler?

I work with all levels of dog handlers, from first-time owners to well-seasoned competitive handlers. I often refer to other sports and use them to explain a theory or aspect of training that handlers may struggle to grasp.

However, one thing that never fails to surprise me is the assumption that every single dog owner in the world makes — that they can train a dog. It may seem a ridiculous thing to say, but anyone considering getting a dog automatically assumes that they will be able to train it. With the best will in the world, anyone who works with dogs knows this is simply not the case.

I have played and taken part in many sports in my life. Some I was good at and some not. But not one sport did I go into assuming I would be fantastic at it.