Did you make any new year resolutions?
Different sources say different things, but it seems between 40 and 60% of people do make resolutions to change their lives on 1st January.
The commonest resolutions are to get fitter, lose weight, change eating or drinking habits or change relationships. Gym and weight loss group memberships soar in January – and did you know that Divorce Day (there is indeed such a thing) is January 6th?
It’s easy to make resolutions, and for the first few days you’ll probably succeed well. It’s a new ‘thing”, so the novelty factor gives you a boost, you’ll tell your friends and family who’ll give their support and the change of routine is attractive.
Then it gets more difficult. The novelty factor wears off, it’s easier to flop in front of the TV than go to for a run and the Christmas left-over chocolates start calling to you.
Three weeks into any change there’s a dip. Most diets start to fail in the third week of January. Gym slots free up in that same week.
The Three Week Dip is a reality in our classes too. In the first two weeks of our Perfect Pet courses, there’s loads of enthusiasm from our clients and their pooches respond really well. But the third week seems harder.
People who want their dog to recall brilliantly off lead, or those who want their dog to toddle along on a loose lead by their side for a whole walk start to get frustrated that it isn’t happening yet. There’s still lots of work to do before they reach that nirvana.
Whenever you make a decision to create a new habit or earn a new skill, whatever it is, it takes work and practice. Lots of practice.
The harsh truth is that in the end it’s up to you to do that practice. It’s hard – but there are ways to make it easier.
Here’s a few tips to help you succeed in reaching your goals:
1) Make sure you understand what practical steps you need to take; (the games you need to play with your dog)
2) Find time every day to practice; (our homework tip sheets) – little and often is always the best way to learn anything
3) Get support; from friends and family and from your Perfect Pet group who all want the same thing as you. Share the ups and the downs.
4) Make it easy; keep your treat bag by the door, put your homework sheet on the fridge, and plan your training in short, 2-5 minute slots – while the kettle boils, between TV programmes, while your dinner cooks. Break down walks into 2 minute slots – train then find somewhere to let your dog sniff for as long as he wants before practising again.
Keep training
Carol