G
Guest
Guest
I passed!!! 
I'm now fully qualified and an approved dog training instructor.
I've been working on all the theory course modules for getting on for a year now, and after loads of coursework, and module diplomas received, I had my final, practical assessment on Friday night.
I thought I was going to take a class of about eight dogs (and handlers) at Gold level (advanced, including things such as scentwork, the send-away, retrieve, as well as polished recalls and heelwork), but I stood there on Friday night, with very shallow breathing and a "bunny stuck in the headlights" look on my face, as no fewer than 14 dogs (and handlers) walked in through the door. To say I froze, and almost died of fright, is not an understatement. They told me afterwards that they all wanted to be there to give me "moral support" lol, love 'em!
Anyway! All went very well indeed, and the hour class seemed to fly by. The dogs were all great, and the handlers followed my every instruction, and did me so proud. I ended the evening with a short heelwork to music routine, to Daniel Beddingfield's "Gotta Get Through This". Quite apt, I thought.
I'd only ever written the routine out on paper, and completely sprung it on the handlers, but after one quick talk through, they took to it with gusto. Just imagine, 14 dogs and handlers, listening to my every instruction, and walking in formations and so on around the room, then ending with all the dogs being told to "Sit, stay!" in the centre of the room, as the handlers formed a circle around them, and walked around one full circuit.
Not one dog moved. They all stayed sat until their handlers returned to them and gave them the release command.
I was so proud! *sniffs*
I've been working with a lot of this advanced class for 18 months now, and they are fantastic. All of them came to my club as complete beginners, and, along with my Dad, we've got all of them through their Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze award, and several through the Silver as well, with a 100% pass rate for all dogs entered. Loads of them now want me to put together a demo team, for fund-raising purposes at events during the summer next year and so on. Damn right I'm going to!!
It took me a hell of a lot of guts to do that on Friday night, and I am so proud of meself! Just wanted to share in my pride and joy of the moment!!
The two assessors were very impressed, not only in the training the dogs had received, and the methods I use, but also in the calm and happy temperament of all the dogs in our club. A testament to every single one of us, I think, and not just us two instructors.
I get to do a job that I love, how lucky am I???
Going now, before I burst.
Lou
I'm now fully qualified and an approved dog training instructor.
I've been working on all the theory course modules for getting on for a year now, and after loads of coursework, and module diplomas received, I had my final, practical assessment on Friday night.
I thought I was going to take a class of about eight dogs (and handlers) at Gold level (advanced, including things such as scentwork, the send-away, retrieve, as well as polished recalls and heelwork), but I stood there on Friday night, with very shallow breathing and a "bunny stuck in the headlights" look on my face, as no fewer than 14 dogs (and handlers) walked in through the door. To say I froze, and almost died of fright, is not an understatement. They told me afterwards that they all wanted to be there to give me "moral support" lol, love 'em!
Anyway! All went very well indeed, and the hour class seemed to fly by. The dogs were all great, and the handlers followed my every instruction, and did me so proud. I ended the evening with a short heelwork to music routine, to Daniel Beddingfield's "Gotta Get Through This". Quite apt, I thought.
I'd only ever written the routine out on paper, and completely sprung it on the handlers, but after one quick talk through, they took to it with gusto. Just imagine, 14 dogs and handlers, listening to my every instruction, and walking in formations and so on around the room, then ending with all the dogs being told to "Sit, stay!" in the centre of the room, as the handlers formed a circle around them, and walked around one full circuit.
Not one dog moved. They all stayed sat until their handlers returned to them and gave them the release command.
I was so proud! *sniffs*
I've been working with a lot of this advanced class for 18 months now, and they are fantastic. All of them came to my club as complete beginners, and, along with my Dad, we've got all of them through their Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze award, and several through the Silver as well, with a 100% pass rate for all dogs entered. Loads of them now want me to put together a demo team, for fund-raising purposes at events during the summer next year and so on. Damn right I'm going to!!
It took me a hell of a lot of guts to do that on Friday night, and I am so proud of meself! Just wanted to share in my pride and joy of the moment!!
The two assessors were very impressed, not only in the training the dogs had received, and the methods I use, but also in the calm and happy temperament of all the dogs in our club. A testament to every single one of us, I think, and not just us two instructors.
I get to do a job that I love, how lucky am I???
Going now, before I burst.
Lou
