Growing up in Montreal as an Anglophone, I became bilingual in French as my second language because I was emerged in it; using it daily. But, when I moved to the U.S. and stopped practicing my second language, the result was that it became very rusty. Each time I return to Montreal for a visit, it begins to come back to me, but I must attest that sadly, I’m no longer bilingual. I know that if I practiced French daily, it would absolutely return.
The same is true for any skill not practiced regularly. This happened to our current Refresh Program participant, Bandit, who joined us this morning. Bandit once had impeccable obedience skills. However, due to a lack of consistent practice, some of those skills have diminished over time.
Regular practice is essential for maintaining proficiency in any area, whether it's language, sports, music, or even dog training as a lifestyle skill. Just as muscles weaken without exercise, our abilities can deteriorate without regular use and reinforcement.
For anyone looking to regain or maintain a skill, consistency is key. Daily practice, even if only for a short period, can make a significant difference. It’s never too late to start again. With dedication and regular effort, skills can be revived and even improved.
So, whether it's brushing up on a second language, reigniting a passion for a musical instrument, or reinforcing skills with your pet, remember that practice truly does make perfect.
What skill did you lose because you stopped practicing it?
Woof! Elaine