In the world of dog training, comparison can either be a helpful motivation tool or an albatross around your neck.

It can cause us to become better or it can lead to excuses.

It can give us a bar to aim for or it can give us a target to tear down.

It can make us a better trainer or overwhelm us.

So how do we use it to our advantage? Here are some do’s and don’ts that I try to follow –

Do find a trainer that you can respect and learn from. Watch and emulate what you respect and keep track of your progress.

Don’t assume that they are successful due to their breed of choice or their current dogs. Good trainers can make a mediocre dog great and have experienced a multitude their own disappointments, frustrations and setbacks which helped make them the trainer that they are today. Remember that the master has failed more times than others have even tried.

Do understand that each dog is different. While there are many areas that you can use as a general guideline, your dog isn’t going to check all the boxes at the same time as a friend’s dog

Don’t make excuses for your dog based on the differences. Your dog is who they are. Become the best version of that. You have brought that dog into your life and have chosen to work with them. Recognize the differences and figure out how to work with them on their level.

Do celebrate successes – when your dog is above average, enjoy it! It’s an amazing experience and should be recognized as such.

Don’t think less or different of those who aren’t in the same current position as you are. Some day you might have the reactive dog, the one who is sidelined due injury, or the one who frustrates you to tears. Or you may have the “easy” dog while they have the “hard” one.

Do let it push you to become better.

Don’t let it steal the joy of the journey.

Do let it show you what is possible.

Don’t let it cause you to place unrealistic expectations on yourself or your dog.

Do compare your former dog training self with the one you have become today.

Don’t expect your current dog to be a carbon copy of the ones that you’ve had in the past.

In summary, if you are a motivated, challenged and better version of yourself through comparison, you’re using it correctly! If you are becoming discouraged, complacent, or conceited – STOP!!

Comparison is a tool in your dog training toolbox. You don’t have to use it but, if you do, learn to use it wisely in your journey to developing the best partnership possible with your dog and version of yourself.