Episode 287: Better at polishing a turd

In a recent episode of The Canine Paradigm, we were thrilled to have Tracy Racich join us for an enlightening discussion. This episode, intriguingly titled “Better at Polishing a Turd,” stems from a candid comment made by Tracy. The conversation was sparked by a post Tracy shared about a month ago, which caught our attention and led us to delve deeper into the subject on our show.

The focus of our discussion with Tracy was on the current state of dog training, highlighting both the commendable aspects and the areas that require improvement. Tracy’s insights are particularly valuable for newer trainers entering the industry, offering them guidance on how to navigate the complexities of dog training effectively.

One of the key points Tracy emphasised was the importance of not just “polishing” our skills but also recognising and addressing the underlying issues in dog training practices. This metaphor of “polishing a turd” serves as a powerful reminder that superficial improvements are not enough; we must strive for genuine progress and development in our training methodologies.

For those new to the field, understanding the balance between polishing existing techniques and innovating new approaches is crucial. Tracy’s perspective sheds light on the need for continuous learning and adaptation in dog training, ensuring that we provide the best possible guidance and support to the dogs in our care.

As we reflect on our conversation with Tracy, it’s clear that the path to becoming a better dog trainer involves more than just polishing our skills. It requires a deep commitment to understanding the nuances of canine behaviour and a willingness to embrace change and improvement in our practices.

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