24/02/2023 16:14
Here’s my take on the last decade…
Dog Breeds
AKA The Cockapoo
The Cockapoo. Need I say any more?! In 2013, I was running Puppy School classes when a cockapoo came into my first training class and I was in love. That one became two, became became five, ten, a hundred - until I would say that the Cockapoo is probably the most popular dog I now see though my online courses, and v. scientific research (aka quick poll of instagram) reveals the same for others. My cousin has one, my neighbours all have one, and you can absolutely see the appeal. Where my case load was German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Labradors, now I see Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Cavapoochons (and mini Dachshunds).
On the subject of breeds…where are all the chunky chocolate labs gone?! It seem that the Fox Red Lab and the working black lab has taken over hugely in popularity. I miss those big, crazy, bouncy chocolates!
Social Media
For good or for bad...
A decade ago, Facebook was the thing, most people didn’t use Instagram apart from making pics look pretty, and TikTok was a distant trend in some tech magnate’s dreams. We used to use social media to post about PUPPY GRADUATIONS and share little tips here and there, or when our next classes are. Aaah, the good old days.
Nowadays, some dog trainers seem to use social media either as a ego boost or a battle ground #sorrynotsorry. Debates rage, people get famous for being dog trainers on social media when they…erm, aren’t, and trends that very much the opposite of dog welfare go viral.
On the flip side…what an opportunity. With all the above being said, I wouldn’t be running this business if it wasn’t for the power of social media. You probably wouldn’t be reading this blog. Ethical, positive trainers have become incredibly prominent & actually I thing overall, it has had a positive impact on the welfare of dogs and animals. It is so easy to get sucked into thinking how terrible it can be, but if you train your algorithm like you train your dog (!) you will see some beautiful things.
My Instagram Feed from 2013: filter-tastic.
My Instagram Feed from 2023: reels & sass
Dog Training Online
Hint - it's here to stay
That neatly brings us onto dog training online. It reached a peak in the pandemic, and opened up a whole new avenue for dog parents and professionals alike.
Whilst online training can’t help with some things - and I say that, having built my whole business on the premise - it has been incredible for the exchange of information quickly and easily. Want to learn scent work from a world renowned trainer? You can do it online. Agility tweaks and theory? Online. A whole day’s worth of CPD? Online.
It’s here to stay and I for one am here for it.
The Dog Parent Lifestyle
#girlandherdog
If you dressed your dog in a matching bandana 10 years ago…well. It would be niche, at the very least. Now, you see #mamaandmemondays with over 17k posts of dog mums and matching dog accessories. In case you weren’t sure, I love it! Many of these dogs are the apple of their parent’s eye, and know it.
There are hundreds of raw dog food companies, cooked dog food companies and recipe books for home cooked dog food. There are treats that are gluten and hypoallergenic free, and dog-specific menus at restaurants. You get memory foam mattresses (oh yes, Alto has one), massages, wellness days, yoga for dogs, dog gifts.
You did not have this 10 years ago! The emphasis was moving on, at that time, from ‘pack leader’ type training - but there was definitely still an emphasis on not spoiling your dog or treating them like a child. Now, people proudly proclaim ‘My dog is my child’.
I think this shift in lifestyle has prompted people wanting higher standards in dog care, not lower. It could mean we are all under some pressure to have a perfectly groomed, clean, trained pup, but if that means people are on the hunt for better and better information - and dog trainers can provide that - then that is a great thing.
Now, over to you! What have you seen change in the past few years - and do you think it is for the better??
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I hope you enjoyed my take on the last decade!
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