Learning never ends...

Over the past few months my brain has been absorbing all kinds of information.   I believe that continuing education is so very important in dog training, canine fitness and well in LIFE.   For me, I go through stages where my brain is full and I couldn't possibly put more into it and then all of a sudden  it is time to open up the doors for learning again.

Here is what I have been up to:

• Six months ago I started the Professional Trainer Program through the Karen Pryor Academy.  I am happy to say I have completed this program and obtained my KPA-CTP certification.  Why this program for dog training?? I am a self taught clicker trainer and I knew there were pieces of the clicker puzzle that I was missing.  I wanted to become a better trainer and improve the services that I provide to my clients.   Clicker/Shape training is a method I believe in very strongly and I now have more tools in the tool box to communicate better with my own dogs and help my clients improve training with their dogs. 
• I became a CGC evaluator so that I could offer classes that focus on AKC trick training titles.   Many folks want to train fun tricks with their dog and sometimes the dog struggles due to a lack of strength.  Often folks believe it is non compliance or lack of understanding but actually it may be related to strength.   I will be offering classes that help folks design a training plan for each trick they need for titling and of course I can provide the test for titling.  Drama has his Champion Trick Dog Title (TDCH) from DMWYD and has his Trick Dog Performer (TKP) from AKC.
• I took a two day "Worked up" workshop from  Sarah Stremming - I have already implemented many things that Sarah taught in my work with Drama and during my workshops.  Sarah has clear instruction on managing arousal levels and understanding if your dog is ready to work.    Thank you Sarah!!
• I helped organize and attended a three day Law Enforcement training on proper tug engagement and decoy work - For me,  the information on tugging was amazing.  The Driven Dog - Karin Chan and David Wright really understand working dogs and how to build them up.   If a dog is to be expected to kick someone's ass and save your life, then the dog needs to understand that they are capable of kicking someone's ass.  WOW!!  What a concept.  Big eye opener for this law enforcement group.  The decoy work was also amazing to watch - not sure I would want to put on that suit but I have much respect for those that did.   I was exhausted after these three full 9+ hour days just watching!

Of course all this was done while running my business in Portland, teaching online and traveling to NC, PA, WA, FL 2x, CO, Germany, and TN - It sure wasn't easy but I did it.    The feeling of accomplishment is somewhat overwhelming.
There are always natural learning opportunities but sometimes you have to seek them out and schedule them into your life.  If may not be easy but it IS totally worth it. 

Consequently - Drama and I have trained a lot. The training assignments required through KPA are quite extensive.    I had to be very careful to keep Drama's arousal and environmental sensitivity at a managed level.   Not that I didn't do that before but with the number of training exercises in short periods of time that were required, it was important to be very careful about how much pressure I felt and applied to him.  

I am proud of what we have accomplished together.  We are a team and our communication and training will just keep getting better and better as we grow and learn together. 

Bobbie