* [Question] How does your membership with Animal Training Academy help you overcome these challenges?
[Audrey’s – Answer] I would name two things.
The first thing is that I was introduced to Sarah Owings’ training rubric through ATA. Well, that is not exactly true. I was first introduced to it through the Cyberscent course (which is instructed by both Sarah Owings and Helix Fairweather). However, it is through the ATA members only content featuring Sarah and Ryan [Cartlidge] that I fully grasped its power. Before, I was using it strictly in the context of the Cyberscent course. Now, I apply it to all of my training, and it’s been a game changer!
For context, this rubric asks 3 questions (I might be paraphrasing them, but the essence is there):
1. What are things that you (the trainer) did well?
2. What are things that went well for your learner?
3. What is your next approximation?
Why was this a gamer changer for me? Remember my answer to the previous question, where I would quit when faced with a rough spot in my training… That was because I could only see what was going wrong in my training sessions. With the repeated use of this rubric, I am now able to see what is going well and put a stop to the self-criticism.
The second thing is the ATA community. Whenever I am not sure on how I can overcome a training challenge, I know I can turn to the ATA community for help with brainstorming solutions. Not only that, but the ATA community is incredibly supportive, empathic and caring. It truly feels like a safe space to share my training journey. The ATA community is also incredibly inspiring. People are sharing their own training journey and it is a good reminder that you are not alone: everyone struggles from time to time!
Finally, through the ATA community, I met like-minded people who are always willing to listen and troubleshoot ideas with me. On this point, I want to give a shoutout to Anaïs Morel, fellow ATA member, because I truly enjoy her friendship and geeking out with her!