Reminders...

The dogs in my life never cease to amaze me, and remind me over and over again that I’m far from perfect. That I don’t know everything. That things will go wrong…but that’s okay. Today, was not my best day.  I was a bit frazzled due to waking up an hour late, causing me to miss my first two walkthroughs. But no excuses, it’s not so much the handling for me at this point as the head. Good practice if anything. Whimzy in her first run once again reminded me that she is still just a year old…and thus can’t be trusted on course. No micromanaging, no clean run. But it was beautiful, so mommy’s fault. Life goes on. 

Nikki reminded me that even when you do micromanage, shit still happens. Her standard run was so wonderful; I couldn’t help but stand there and laugh as she did a mid-run victory lap taking 5 extra jumps. It makes me so happy to see that dog having fun, finally enjoying the sport.

Jenna reminded me, for the hundredth or so time, that she is much more talented than I give her credit for. A double Q and she nailed her contacts today, after 2 weeks of no contact training at all. No super fast zones, but undeniably in and not creepy in the slightest. Very proud of my munchkin, perhaps there is hope I’ll be as awesome a handler as she is a dog one day. If I ever am, I’ll certainly owe it all to her…she has taught me so much.

But that’s just the way this works isn’t it? People think I’m a dog trainer…to be honest they teach me so much more than I can ever teach them.  I teach them how to do equipment and read handling cues; they return the favor by showing me how to be a better trainer and handler. Their faults are my lessons, in the journey we both take together. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=621wmqsSVT0&list=UUdSVfN8AoSbf822LdbpZrDw&index=1&feature=plcp

Today's runs. 4/6.