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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 27, 2004 9:51:43 GMT -5
Hi,
I am new to your group. I am about to start training as a handler/trainer. I am excited to be working with lots of dogs. I have owned over the years a husky,keeshond,german shepard/malamutex,malamute,collie/beaglex,jack russell terrier and I am without a dog at the moment am interested in a new Jack Russell pup. I would like to know how to get into agility training as well. Any help and advice would be great. If you wish to email I will provide my address. I am in the process of moving and I would like to know what areas of the country have the most concentration for the agility training and trainer/handler spots. this is a great website! Thankyou Nancy
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Post by Laura on Jul 27, 2004 10:44:36 GMT -5
Hi Nancy, welcome to Reality ! Are you attending a training school? We have some agility people on the board, as well as SAR, and some terrific professional trainers, so feel free to ask any questions!
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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 27, 2004 11:01:45 GMT -5
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I have been thinking of going to ABC college for training. Do you know if they are good /and/or have you delt with any of their people. I talked to the school directly in L.A. and I thought if I went to their facilty I would get more out of the classroom stuff as well. Any imput would be really appreciated.I would like to work with rescue shelters and adoption places to make sure these animals can really get good homes with people knowing how to live with their new animal. Or taking in a rescue to get them ready for a real adjusted loving home. This is an entire career change for me so I really have big ideas but I do not know the field as of yet. I do know it has many facets to it and that is great. I am selling my business(I hope) so I will have enough money to kep me going for a while to totally dive right in and focus. I read that article on the Husky rescue and alabout those cats. I was upset but now I feel I can help and do something about all this. I am a huge Malamute and Husky fan and would preferr having another one of each but I am not in a position or own a house as of yet.I just lost my Jack Russell in a relationship breakup so I am pining right now for a dog anew JRT would be nice. They are hard to train as well but I love the portability of the dog and they have to be with you all the time. Again any advice you may give will be received whole heartedly. Thank you.
Nancy
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Post by Laura on Jul 27, 2004 11:21:52 GMT -5
Nancy, I can honestly say to save your money and take a pass on ABC, I just haven't heard anything really good about it. If you truly have your heart set on going to school, and you have no problems relocating temporarily, the two best training schools are Tom Rose Academy, and Triple Crown Academy. Here are the two websites for each of them. www.triplecrowndogs.com/trainers_academy/www.tomrose.com/index.cfmThese are about the only schools most professional trainers will recommend. I actually went to Tom Rose for a seminar, I had a great time and learned a lot.
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Post by Brooke on Jul 28, 2004 20:36:00 GMT -5
;D Not much to add here but I just wanted to say HELLO and welcome! ;D ;D ;D
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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 28, 2004 22:21:06 GMT -5
HI Brooke,
Thank you so much for welcoming me. I am trying to decide on learning to be a handler/trainer. I am looking for the best area to possibly work in this new field for me. I am 51 years old and some of my friends have expressed that I am too old to endeavor into this field. Are there any people that I may learn from just to see if I am qualified or even have the talent. I have been a hairdresser the last 14 years and have owned my own business. I just feel a calling now to help our animal friends especially dogs. So before I change my career totally I want to know if I am best suited. Sometimes your desires are never to become realities. The advise given so far has been great. This is a great site with sound advice. Thank you for your input as well.
Nancy
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Post by Brooke on Jul 28, 2004 22:30:47 GMT -5
I am 51 years old and some of my friends have expressed that I am too old to endeavor into this field. Holy cow! No way! Its a good thing Loey's computer is down I can't remember how old she is and I think she'd rather it be that way If you have the energy and desire definately go for it! There is no age requirement and I'm stunned that others would consider there was. I don't think there is an age where you are "too old" it just depends on the person and what they can handle. It doesn't matter how many years you have in this trade you are always learning and growing as a trainer. It's never ending.
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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 29, 2004 9:14:57 GMT -5
Thanks so much Brooke for your encouraging words. I hope someday to meet all from Reality Bites. You all have a devotion to animals and seem to have great advice. Is there a Chance that you can edge your way in to a less expensive taring program and then work your way up to the top training schools later? I have to work and learn my new trade. My interest in dogs and rescue /adoption has been getting stronger and stronger. So I figure something is telling me that animals are in a greater need than humans. An animal app recites any love and kindness shone. After adopting a Jack Russell terrier he was unbelievably grateful and a breeze to train. Once he had settled in and loved us he would do anything we asked. And, as you know, that is quite remarkable for a JRT! He never tried to run away. But I hear through the grapevine that he has turned into quite the escape artist. You think that would be a message that he is no longer happy in his new home and situation. But I am no longer with him so I have to look the other way. Sad isn't it. He had to be taken away by someone who loved him so much and no one is paying attention to the signs of his new situation. He has gotten to the point of biting humans getting in the middle of dogs fighting for pecking order in his new home. There are 4 dogs plus him. 2 beagles,one doxie mix and another JRT that is epileptic. How inconsiderate of all the dogs. Humans? I guess it will all work out but again I have to mind my own business. So I am searching for a new JRT. And what a great dog to start learning to be a trainer with. If I succeed here I thought I would be on my way. Nancy
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Post by Laura on Jul 29, 2004 9:30:26 GMT -5
Nancy, you're going to find that the dogs are a piece of cake to train, compared to their humans ;D.
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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 29, 2004 10:17:21 GMT -5
PHEW!!!! I can relax and start reading and digging into this dog training thing. I have been looking around this site and it is a wealth of encouragement and knowlege. I am so glad I looked around and found you on MSN. A lot of the dog sites are just a way of bored housewives to vent their stuff,chatter about anything but dogs, pump their ego on who they rescue(humnan or dog) And air their ficticious drama. So Reality Bites is light years from that chitter chatter and how good ARE my graphics. This site talks about dogs and even as a spectataor has good information, stays on task and the stories are about dogs!!!! Thank you!!!
Nancy
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Post by Richard on Jul 29, 2004 14:27:01 GMT -5
Hi Nancy,
Welcome aboard.
You've probably noticed here that this is a exceptionally balanced Forum of dog people....there are some of the most talented, knowledgable trainers/handlers/owners around on this site and I've come to realize that you don't find this much talent in one spot that often!!
As for your friends, well, if they think you're too old to start something new at 51 years old, well, I'd either stop telling them my dreams and goals or find new friends that will support me in my endevours (ok, harder than it sounds I know). When you're trying to take off, you don't need a bunch of dead-weights slowing you down....It's your life, get out there and go!!
A lot of people start to think about slowing down as you reach your midlife...what a bunch of bunk!!....there are more who are realizing it's just a new time of their lives and with that, more freedom (and wisdom) to choose....be one of those people and continue to pursue your goal....
One last point, and it's a biggie:
Remember, age is just a number..the secret is to live your life, not your age.
-Richard
ps: we have our drama/soap operas but they soon go away when they realize we won't play!!
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Post by stylesenroute on Jul 29, 2004 15:15:02 GMT -5
Thanks Richard for the encouragement. I knew I was going to like this site. And all of the encouragement helps me to forge on with my dream. I am glad I have talented people to talk to and rely upon. In my business I have always given just a little bit more. So I know as I begin this career I will do the same thing. You can only fail if you do not believe in your self. I need to relocate somewhere first and then get a dog and I am on my way. I am trying to figure out where the most people(trainer/handlers) are concentrated. But I suppose it really does not matter. Any where that might feel comfortable will do, I suppose. I do like the idea of this particular job because you always have to go to seminars and surround yourself with like minded people. We are going for the same goal of making a dogs life so much more happy. It boggles my mind how people think of dogs and animals in general. Like they have no feelings or emotions and a whole culture of their own. If more where understanding these shelters would not be full up of animals that have been abused,abandoned or tortured. So every day you can make a difference to some poor animal. Again, thank you for your encouraging words. I do love the book recommend section too!
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Post by Brooke on Jul 29, 2004 23:21:43 GMT -5
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