At first glance, the two might seem worlds apart. However, Bella (our schnoodle) is now six months old and I’m starting to see parallels.
Both Bella and ISO management systems require structure, consistency, and ongoing effort to achieve the best results.
Whether you’re training a playful pup or maintaining compliance with an ISO system, I have come to realise that the principles are not that dissimilar.
Structure and Consistency Lead to Success
Bella thrives on routine and clear expectations, just like ISO management systems do. A well-trained puppy knows when to eat, walk, and rest because its owner maintains a structured approach.
Similarly, an effective ISO management system relies on documented processes, defined responsibilities, and consistent effort to ensure smooth operations. Without structure, both puppies and management systems can become chaotic and frustrating.
I’ve seen both first hand – Bella turns into a land shark (with tiny razor teeth) when she’s overtired and I’ve also seen management systems that were so document heavy, they were unmanageable. In either case, they become difficult to handle, whereas having a good structure in place leads to success.
Continuous Improvement is Key
Training a puppy isn’t a one-time event (sadly) – it’s an ongoing process that evolves with time. With Bella, we are teaching her to sit before crossing a road, sometimes it works perfectly, others not, but it is improving with time.
The same applies to ISO management systems. Continual improvement is a core principle, emphasising efforts to enhance performance and effectiveness.
Just as Bella’s behaviour improves through practice and reinforcement, an organisation should continually assess and improve its processes. Continual improvement is based on the idea that small, ongoing, and well thought out changes lead to significant improvements over time.
Commitment from Leadership (or Ownership)
A well-behaved puppy depends on a responsible owner who invests time in training and care. Whilst I would not consider Bella to be a well-behaved puppy (as of yet), we are committed to her training and play time.
Likewise, an effective ISO management system requires commitment from leadership.
If top management doesn’t actively support the ISO management system, it may fail – just like an untrained puppy can develop bad habits. Strong leadership ensures that ISO principles are integrated into the company culture and continuously reinforced.
Clear Communication Prevents Confusion
Puppies respond best to simple, consistent commands. If my husband and I switch between “Down” and “Lie Down,” Bella gets confused. The same is true for ISO management systems – employees need clear procedures, responsibilities, and expectations. Overcomplicating instructions can lead to miscommunication, non-conformities, and inefficiencies.
Regular Audits and Checkups Keep Things on Track
Routine vet visits ensure a puppy stays healthy and grows properly. We visit the vet monthly for Bella’s puppy check, and also so she learns visiting the vet is not a scary experience. She seems to quite enjoy the visits now, I think it’s mainly due to the treats she receives from the vet.
Likewise, regular audits and reviews are essential for maintaining an effective ISO management system.
Internal audits help organisations identify non-conformities, track performance, and implement corrective actions. Audits also serve to confirm when things are going well, and my suggestion is to think of audits as opportunities to identify improvements, rather than a chore to grin and bear.
Rewarding Good Behaviour / Enhancing Employee Morale
Bella responds well to positive reinforcement – treats (salmon and peanut butter are her favourite at the moment), praise, or affection. These treats encourage the desired behaviour. She is more likely to do something we ask, if she knows there is a treat in it for her.
Employees engage more with ISO processes when they see their feedback and suggestions are being implemented. By bringing employees on the ISO journey, they feel part of the management system and bring new ideas and initiatives to the table. As these are the people on the ground, they know the daily issues and often provide the best solutions to resolve them.
And while peanut butter might not cut it, a thank you, an acknowledgement, and maybe a nice treat to eat goes a long way to keeping your team on side.
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
Whether you’re raising a puppy or managing an ISO-certified business, success depends on consistency, commitment, and continuous improvement. Investing time and effort into both will yield rewarding results—whether that’s a happy, well-trained dog or a high-performing, compliant organisation.
So, the next time you’re reinforcing ISO management principles, think of it like training a puppy: be patient, stay consistent, and always strive for improvement!
