I used to never even think about the underdog...until I actually started TRAINING dogs :)
Where is she going with this? I'm not really sure...but sometimes these posts take a life of their own :)
Everyone wants that perfect puppy when they get their next and greatest dog...they want the most powerful worker, the fastest, the smartest, the 21" dog, the dog with pace...you name it. We all have the ideal dog that we want them to be.
Expectations are a great thing...they help us define our criteria for performance...they help us train our dogs, but they also really can hurt our relationships with our dogs.
The more I train dogs, the more I really REALLY am drawn to the underdog. You know those dogs, maybe their structure, temperament, or drive, or mental thinking weirdness (is that even a real description??), makes them different from the "others"...
In reality, who are WE to call a dog weird...I mean...think about it...but ANYWAY...I digress...
Where I used to want those "easy" dogs...ya know, the ones that you teach them something and it is immediately permanent, and generalized to all situations? The ones that come out of the womb with drive to spare? The dogs that just instantly have that connection to you? Yeah...they really ARE great. I won't say they are not. Because they make us all look GOOD.
I like an easy dog...BUT...the tough ones are the ones that really make you better. I have gotten to the point now where I am drawn to those dogs. They make me work harder, they really showcase what my strengths and weaknesses are.
It's not always easier, but it is SOOO much more worth it when things come together. That connection, the teamwork...it's pretty amazing. And as a trainer you EARNED IT. It wasn't just given to you.
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment...but for me at this point it's about HOW I got there, not just getting there. I enjoy seeing the improvements, the ups and even the downs are good. Life is about constantly learning new things. I am glad I have dogs as my teachers!!!
Off to Chicago for 11 days, I was asked to fill in for one of the instructors at the Contact Sports Agility Camp, prayers to this instructor and her family to help them through the hard times. I will be teaching along side 3 women that I really admire and respect as trainers...it's so very exciting, I am honored to be asked...ready to get down there and teach! :) Then the North Central Regional...hopefully to get some Semi-Byes for the pups.
Klink is looking GREAT! :) YAY!!!!
Life's pretty great right now :) Someone pinch me!
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment...but for me at this point it's about HOW I got there, not just getting there. I enjoy seeing the improvements, the ups and even the downs are good. Life is about constantly learning new things. I am glad I have dogs as my teachers!!!
Off to Chicago for 11 days, I was asked to fill in for one of the instructors at the Contact Sports Agility Camp, prayers to this instructor and her family to help them through the hard times. I will be teaching along side 3 women that I really admire and respect as trainers...it's so very exciting, I am honored to be asked...ready to get down there and teach! :) Then the North Central Regional...hopefully to get some Semi-Byes for the pups.
Klink is looking GREAT! :) YAY!!!!
Life's pretty great right now :) Someone pinch me!
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3 comments:
Let's hear it for the interesting dogs!!!!! Woot! Woot!
Congrats on being asked to teach. You're the "sleeper hit of the year". You know , like the movie that know one knew about, but turned out to be awesome. And then everyone knows. LOL Good for you!!!
Wait, there are easy dogs????? Where do I get one of those?
But at times I'm ready to be done with my lessons in humility and patience and just want easy for a little bit! It's a good thing I love the dog SO much as it can be hard to see around the bend in the moment. I sometimes wonder if that strong connection is there out of necessity on both our parts :)
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