Success! And an Update... − 23 April, 2008

So my “seminar” last night (the one I was so nervous about) went wonderfully. It was a definite success, in my opinion. I opened eyes and minds and showed the instructors who attended what their dogs were saying and why.
It was a relatively small group, and most of the dogs that were brought were so mellow and calm already that I didn’t have as much of an opportunity to show off some of the behavior I wanted to, but overall, I still consider it a success. I will get plenty more opportunities to show behavioral signals to instructors in classes – and a couple of them asked me to point out things that they might miss in their own dogs, so that they can improve communication. I was totally thrilled!
It “made sense” to a lot of them – I was able to tie in some common issues and relate them to communication – and they could see – immediately – how using certain signals helped their dogs. I was also asked some of the common “mistakes” I see in training at our club – issues where people inappropriately correct their dogs for the dog’s communicating something to them. And I had a laundry list, of course.  But, I always couch my “critiques” positively – I certainly went over all of the problems I see, but not negatively – I simply explain to them what their dog was saying and how to perhaps better address the problem without breaking down the trust between dog and handler. I don’t want anyone to feel badly about missing out on their dogs’ communication, I want them to go forward and embrace using it to improve their relationship and obedience.
There was a lot of dog behavior and learning I couldn’t go over – I didn’t have the time and I was already throwing a lot at them – but I had a recommended reading list and I hope this inspires them to go out and learn more for themselves. It can only help.
My trainer friend was also excited to see the positive reaction to my seminar. She is all gung-ho to change things overnight, but it really has to be done in baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take time for the club instructors and members to learn, absorb and use the tools I shared. But it is a step in the right direction. I can’t wait to do more…

Oh, and remember the two bumbling old guys in New York City who wheeled their deceased friend’s body to a check-cashing store? The real-life “Weekend at Bernie’s” guys? Well, the charges have been dismissed… obviously, the judge saw them for what they were – a couple of old, simple guys who didn’t know any better. Their friend had died of natural causes and they really didn’t know what else to do… They needed his Social Security check for his part of the rent, you know…

Posted on April 23, 2008. and has been viewed 52 times.