Not everything has meaning.

As humans, one of the things our brain is designed to do is see patterns and trends; it's how we learn so quickly. We also look for patterns when we need more information - like trying to solve a puzzle. Seeing patterns is a tremendously valuable skill set, and the best of us can uncover mysteries and troubleshoot.

However, when trying to solve a problem with our dogs - whether in the ring or with their wellness - we tend to grab onto every puzzle piece we can find to fix it. Sometimes, the data collection is helpful, but other times, we create meaning where there isn't any, which can make us a bit cray-cray.

Recently, a coaching clients was desperate to solve an ongoing problem in the ring. She had a string of NQs in a particular class and was in major data/puzzle piece collecting mode. In her case, the puzzle pieces did not lead to a specific issue - the reasons for the NQs were varied. But that didn't stop her from weaving them into a cohesive story to uncover a trend. The maddening part was that there was no trend - the reasons for the NQs were unrelated. DRATS!

We can all relate to this tale, wanting desperately to find the pattern so we can fix it. However, seeing patterns where there are only disparate data points is the opposite of helpful - it can lead us to inaccurate conclusions and negatively influence our training actions. In other words, we start chasing down the wrong thing or something not even there.

We are hard-wired to see patterns, but we also have to be able to discern a lack of trend. For example, I run big dogs in agility. They have reliable running contacts, yet every once in a while, my dogs will stride over the contact. If this costs us a Q, should I go home and retrain them? Or should I chalk it up to statistics and accept this will happen occasionally? Not all data points or puzzle pieces require a story; sometimes, they are just data points.

One of the things I enjoy about training dogs is the puzzle aspect. I am fascinated by leaning in with curiosity and trying to decipher dog behavior. Sometimes, we uncover patterns, and other times, anomalies. And while the anomalies can frustrate us, we have to get good at telling the difference and refrain from creating meaning when it isn't there. Stuff happens. Dogs make mistakes. We make mistakes! It's all part of the sport we love - just don't let those moments mean more than they do.