What ADEPT Taught Me

One year, two dogs, a team of amazing people.  ADEPT has changed my life, and I am so lucky to have had the chance to participate in such an amazing program.  Throughout the past year, I have learned a lot.  From laws to training techniques to information about disabilities, I learned way more than I ever thought I would. What I have come to realize though, is that my learning didn't stop there.  ADEPT also taught me so much about myself and about life.  There are many skills I gained by being a part of this program that I will use for the rest of my life, regardless of what I end up doing.  So, without further ado, I am going to share some of the best things I learned by participating in ADEPT.

Stand up for what you believe in.

As someone who has the unique opportunity to go pretty much anywhere with a dog, I have gotten used to standing up for my rights as a handler.  I am comfortable explaining why I can be in public with the dog I am working with (and why most other dogs are not allowed there).  We are the voices for our dogs, and we stand up for Service Dog teams around the world.

Be patient.

It is really easy to get in the mindset of "I have to get this done right now!"  ADEPT taught me is that the best thing to do is take a deep breath, relax, and try again when you are feeling more patient.  It doesn't work to force things if you are in a rush or when you are feeling stressed, so just pick it up again later.  

Celebrate the small successes.

Everyone starts somewhere.  Even the CEO usually starts out at the bottom.  Every step, every loss, every victory, everything we do shapes the rest of our lives.  It is important to applaud when things go right (as well as learn when things don't go so well).  One of my favorite things to do with dogs is "shaping."  Essentially, this means rewarding when they do something that you like until they complete the desired behavior.  Shaping is the epitome of celebrating the small successes.

Stay positive.

No one responds well to you when you are grumpy.  I have noticed the same thing with dogs.  They can tell if you are stressed or frustrated, and it usually rubs off on them.  Sometimes you have to "fake it til you make it" and practically plaster a smile on your face, but the effort goes a long way.  Staying positive makes everything go much smoother in all aspects of life.

Communication is key.

I have had the opportunity to present about Service Dogs multiple times (either at my own presentations or at fundraisers), and I talk to the public about the program just about every time I go somewhere with one of the dogs.  ADEPT has helped me become more comfortable talking to anyone!

Have an open mind.

In the dog industry, there are always people who have different ideas than you.  Being a part of ADEPT taught me to be open to new ideas and techniques.  Do your research, and form an opinion based on fact instead of going along with whatever you've seen or been taught in the past.  Also, it is okay to ask for help.  I don't know everything (not even close), so having the humility to ask someone else for their opinion is an important skill to have.

Laugh it off.

Sometimes, when you have a young dog with you, things happen that make you want to vanish into thin air (think Infinity War style).  Whether it is an accident at the mall, strange noises in class, accidentally knocking something over in a store, things happen.  When embarrassing things inevitably happen (either with a dog or life in general), laughing can diffuse a lot of tension.  Laugh it off, and move on.

There are so many more wonderful things that ADEPT taught me, but these are some of the big ones.  This has been a truly life changing experience that helped me realize my passions and potential.  Thank you to everyone who made this year so great!  Until next time; stay pawsome.