Journal Entries
Long time, no see.
Posted Feb 2, 2009
It's over two years now, since I started helping out with training. The wierd thing is I love it. the ups and downs make no difference, the wether is just an additional challange.
The reward is not just in the dogs either. Sure, watching wee pups turn into much better behaved adolescents is one of lifes great pleasures, but what has suprised me is how the owners develop too.
Many come to their first session and are like the timid new kid who has just moved into a strange classroom. Terrified that their dog will be the one to wee on the teacher, toilet at an incovenient moment or, just make a cats behind of the whole class.
Yet just a few classes later they are no longer staring at the dog, making sure it's still there. They start to walk with their heads held high, using the lead to sense what the dog is doing. they start to take pride as the dog learns to come when called, stay on command and pass other dogs (and people) without trying to nail them to the floor.
The most curious thing of all is how the trainer develops too.
I'm not one for public speaking. I hate standing in fornt of a crowd and being asked questions.
Yet all this is a part of dog training AND I LOVE IT!!
I may not ever become a trainer in my own right, but I'm absolutely convinced that I've missed a true call of nature.
Looks like I missed my calling.
Now, if I can ony get my own pair of furballs to understand that playing up in class is an executionable offense, I'll be on a winner.
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Latest reply: Feb 2, 2009
Training the trainer
Posted Aug 13, 2006
Having always had a love for dogs, especially boxers, it's hardly suprising that we have put our two through various traing programs. they both have Kennel club silver and Professional Dog trainers bronze. They done many agility days, some hydrotherapy and Henry has had a days tracking.
This has led to an even greater interest in training dogs. So much so that I have just done my 5th day of being an assistant/trainer with one of the trainers that we used with our two.
If you ever want to begin to understand what dog training is truely about I suggest spending a day simply observing classes. It is an eye opener. Doing it week in, week out teaches you so much about dogs and not a little about the handlers too.
From terriers to danes the learning process is much the same but the manner can be quite different.
Where this journey will end I do not know but, I do know that when my current job expires I will definately have to be involved with dogs.
The dream (6 lucky numbers willing) is to have a dog centre. Puppy training, agility, KC awards, kennels, dog holidays both with and without owners, a shop and maybe a vets. Not quite as far fetched (bar the lottery win) as you might think! I have a willing trainer, behaviourist, vet and receptionist all waiting, plus whatever I can learn. It just those 6 numbers wil not drop in the same line no matter how hard I try.
For those interested in how the boys are, they are now both on dogster.
www.dogster.com/?336828 for Henry
and
www.dogster.com/?336829 for Diesel
Enjoy!!
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Latest reply: Aug 13, 2006
At last!
Posted Mar 5, 2006
Henry has passed his Kennel club Good Citizen Silver Award. Second attempt but he's done it! diesel passed his before Christmas and is soon to take his Gold.
The more that we get under our belts the more likely we will accept if invited to demonstrate Bronze at Crufts next year. We had to say no this year as they hadn't been in the ring before and we didn't want to risk putting them off shows for good.
They've also had their first play in 'proper' snow. I didn't know that they were so hungry! Snowball fights are a must.
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Latest reply: Mar 5, 2006
Boxer Boys
Posted Feb 13, 2006
Some pics are now on the world of boxers site. I don't think you've seen them before.
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Latest reply: Feb 13, 2006
Front page
Posted Jan 3, 2006
Yahey! Flick of the Wrist is front page, thanks to the UnderGuide!
That's almost a fullset, Mostly Harmless, The Post and now the UnderGuide.
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Latest reply: Jan 3, 2006
Outrider
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