11/18/2025
Sometimes I see dog training photos and videos that people share to show something they think is good, when it really is not. I dont comment, unless they are asking for advice. Sometimes people have to learn in their own way and time line, and experience failures that will help them gather knowledge on their own. We have all been there, although people my age were not sharing our progress to the world on social media. There is always something to learn, good or bad, and growth comes from both. Don't be afraid to look for answers or progress from sources outside of your comfort zone. A wide range of perspectives can shed new light on your situation.
I started competitive dog sports when there was only obedience and conformation, and obedience was taught the same everywhere. I remember all.of the points in my training life that were game changers for me, people and experiences that led me down new paths that shaped how I work dogs today. Some were by chance, others were the result of the desire for something better than what I currently had. I always looked toward things I admired and then followed that to see how it was achieved. Pillars of the sports and breeds who inspired me with their skills and performances. The agility Goddess Linda Mecklenberg, of course, for that sport. Just thinking of her fantastic run with Awesome at Cleveland that left ringside in awe still gives me goosebumps and I wanted THAT for me and my dogs. Dobermans who could do it all, from good looks to a variety of sports. Discovering bitesports was a huge change of direction for me, dogs that LOVED their work! And then the journey of that sport, mostly what I learned from training. And then finding the Malinois breed and starting with a dog from the best breeder in the country, inspired by the fabulous L'Simba Loups du Soleil that I had seen at a Championship.
At my age i am getting to the "been there, done that" stage but I still like learning. Flowers are a bit easier to handle than a high energy dog, but not as thrilling. :)
