I was working with a student on this concept this evening. I showed them an overview of a new skill I want them to accomplish, and then I let them try some initial steps with their dog. We did a rough version of the final picture, a few bits here and a few bits there. With me filling in the gaps to explain what the final version should look like.
It would be unfair to the students, or their dog, to try and force expert results in just a first lesson. I would never expect or demand that. They can now envision what we are trying to do as a finished skill, but started out with just the initial steps I want them to focus on for the next week.
The problem with humans is we can visualize what we want, and then we assume the dog "gets" what we envision even when we haven't developed that skill in their dogs. So, they are often too quick to correct a dog and I have to get them to back off. The good thing about tonight's lesson is that we have discussed this concept before, so they didn't resort to any kind of corrections with their dog. They understand how I work because we have worked on other skills with their other dogs in the past.
Yes, perfection seems great, and it is a pretty thing when you get something similar to that out of your dog. But, effort and progress should also be seen as pretty things. A correct learning process is the goal, not really the perfect end skill.
Plan accordingly.
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