The Pitfalls of Aimless Training: Why Having Clear Purpose and Intent is Essential

Reflecting on my own training journey, I wanted to share what I've come to know through making mistakes and the passage of time. Read on to find out how to plan a great dog training session and why being intentional is critical to success!

How often have you set out to train your dog with no clear plan of what you're going to train, why you are training and for what purpose?  Or perhaps you have an idea of what you're going to train but haven't thought through 'why' you are training it. Perhaps your training feels a bit ad hoc, aimless even. Perhaps you are 'avoiding' what really needs work? Ring any bells? 

A clear understanding of the purpose or intention of your training session is an essential element to ensure you and your dog meet you full potential. 

So, what exactly does it mean to train intentionally?

Training with intent is being engaged in the present moment. It requires an eagerness and determination to perform the current task to the best of one’s ability. It is an understanding that no action is too small and every detail matters. This is what champions do consistently in every moment of every day. Your intention is what sets you apart from your competition. It is why you get up earlier to train, why you go all in - it is connected to your purpose.

There’s some strong evidence that suggests the key to higher performance is all in your head. However, mindset can be hard to control. Engagement and enjoyment have been identified as two factors that lead to more mindfulness in our training.

Think about training your dog. If you were asking for simple repetitions of wrapping a cone, with no engagement or fun, and then asked for the same task with added engagement and fun, you would see neuroplasticity happening immediately. Your dogs’ brain is more open and willing to change when you’re training with intention and enjoyment.

Set micro goals!

Studies have shown that deliberate focus and goal setting can boost performance, and dramatically speed progression in training.

So how do we boost intention and avoid wasting time on far off goals? You break your training up into smaller chunks, focus on exceling at the micro goals that add up to the sometimes seemingly impossible long-term goal.

Find meaning!

If you start to feel disconnected or feel like you are just going through the motions at practice, in a competition or in a training session, take a moment and ask yourself two questions.

• Why am I doing this?
• What meaning can I give to this task in the present moment?

If you can start asking yourself why you are doing something before you are doing it, you can inject more meaning into that task and feel more motivated and driven to complete it. This allows you to release the feeling of obligation or expectation in that moment.

Feeling a sense of purpose and meaning are essential to optimal performance in sport and in life. Practice and training should feel rewarding if you are intentional. I understand that not every action is going to be connected to your ultimate purpose in life, but you can direct your focus to a positive feeling and have a sense of satisfaction in what you are doing at any time.

We all go through seasons of feeling unmotivated in our sport and in daily life. Setting intentions and finding meaning may be just what you need to get back on track. 

A formula for intent

When researching for this blog, I came across this neat formula. 

Two of the most important character traits entirely within our control that drive intent are attitude and effort. Regardless of the circumstance or how we may feel that day, we get to decide how we will approach training, practice, or competition.

Attitude drives our mindset, our perception, and our actions. It gives us purpose behind everything that we do. As a result, our attitude will more than likely determine the effort given toward those actions.

When our attitude and effort link up in a positive, enthusiastic, all-in fashion — we are now training with intent.

Attitude + Effort = Intent

Training with intent begins as soon as you get your dog out to train.

How did you show up for your dog today?

The simplicity of the exercise should never dictate the effort or intention required.

Okay, so how do I now apply this to training my dog today?

Plan your training session before you head out the door!

I strongly recommend following a well thought out training plan that breaks the big goal down into bite size chunks of learning, so you and your dog are not overwhelmed. If you don’t feel you can write a training plan, engage a coach or trainer, or look at the various online training options that will provide this structure for you.

When you plan your training session, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the purpose of my training session today?
• Will it help me get towards my bigger goal with my dog?

When planning your training session, here is a little checklist of things you should consider:

• What am I training?
• How much time have I got for training?
• What is the list of behaviors or skills I am training?
• Have I reviewed my video and notes from my previous training session?
  • This assumes you already video all your training sessions and review and reflect on them with written notes. A game-changer!
• Have I reviewed my lesson plan and (if relevant) instructional video?
• Am I clear what ‘good’ looks like?
• What would a successful training session look like?
• Have I got all the equipment I need? Nothing worse than going out to train and finding you don’t have something!
• How will I warm up and cool down my dog?
• What is my plan to get my dog (and keep my dog) engaged and motivated during training?
• What is my reward strategy for this training session?
• Is my training environment suitable for the dog and exercise I am training? Do I need to manipulate it in any way?
• How will I keep a training record of what worked well, and what needs a plan of action for the next training session?

Before you step out the door to train your dog, ask yourself these most important questions.

• How do I need to show up for my dog today?
  • Am in in the right mindset for this training session?
  • Do I have the right attitude and am I engaged?
  • Can I bring enjoyment to this training session?

If you answered ‘no’ to any of the above, go do something else with your dog 😊

I hope you've found this an interesting and thought provoking read. I'd love to hear your thoughts :) Don't hesitate to email me at [email protected]

About the Author 

Karen Morrison is a New Zealand Agility Champion and Jumpers Grand Champion. Owner of Karen Morrison Agility, Professional agility coach and seminar presenter throughout New Zealand. Karen loves working with individuals to help them achieve the skills, mindset and confidence so they can keep moving up and doing the thing they love most with their canine partner. She can create a custom program designed for your unique needs and goals, with a focus on supporting you to develop the confidence and skills you need to be successful. Check out her website for more information Karen Morrison Agility