Clichés and the Test of Time

When going through my local newspaper, I found an article written about keeping fit. It emphasized various clichés and commented that although many of them are considered outdated or overused, they can still be relevant. Some of the ones the author mentioned---in an effort probably to encourage me to get in shape to run a 5K race being put on locally---I thought worked very well with training dogs.

The first one mentioned was "Where there’s a will, there’s a way". The meaning behind this is that if you want it badly enough, you will find a way to make it happen. I think a caveat should have been added----I really want to be tall and voluptuous with lovely long legs. Even the greatest plastic surgeon couldn’t provide more than the curves. I do believe, though, that if you are willing to work hard, you can accomplish a great deal.

When I started in obedience with my first Golden, I worked on getting his CD title. I went to a marvelous clinic given by Jack Godsil and Bob Self, but never benefitted from it as much as I could have because I didn’t understand how I should properly set my goals. Baron was qualified for what was then the Gaines Obedience Competition so I was unwilling to try more advanced training as I didn’t want to do anything to rock the boat! More fool me!

After Baron earned his CD, I then started training for his CDX, and after that for his UD.

With my next Golden, I did things a little differently. I started training for an OTCH from the beginning. I found by doing this, I created a strong series of habit patterns that benefitted both the dog and me as we progressed. What would have happened if Sprite had not gotten her OTCH? Well, I still would have had a great journey trying and may well have learned many new and more efficient methods to use with future dogs down the line.

Everyone has different methods of going for their goals. I will set what I think is my ultimate goal----originally, it was getting a WC on Sprite. With her son Luke, I wanted a Master Hunter title and from there it went to being Qualified All Age. After that the aim was Field Champion. Now, I set Field Champion as my ultimate goal from the beginning and try to map out what needs to be done to attain that goal. I may never reach that goal, depending on the dog, but I can still try to maximize any potential that dog may have. As I hit various road blocks along the way, in order to keep from falling into a deep depression I give myself a variety of goals I need to reach in order to advance towards my ultimate goal.

An example of this is that even though my dog might not perform well enough to get a leg in a hunt test, if it is a dog that has been having a lot of difficulty with a specific aspect of training and all of a sudden the light goes on, that to me is a victory. I can remember coming home very excited and telling my husband "I got to the water blind"----didn’t mean I was called back afterwards, but we did the water blind. My husband’s response was, "What do you mean, you got to the water blind?" Our getting to the water blind turned out to be a big step forward for both the dog and for me. I was overjoyed. Completing a water blind successfully became the next goal. This dog eventually went on to get his MH title and then an AFC.

The reason to map out steps to reach your goal is so you follow a method that although it won’t guarantee success, gives your dog a solid foundation on which you can continue to build. You don’t just go out and decide you want to have a Master Hunting Dog, you need to work up to that level, building success as you go. The stronger the foundation you lay, the better your chances of attaining that goal.

With all the excellent books, DVD’s, clinics available and magazines offering outstanding training articles, you can sit down and work out a method with which to accomplish your goal. You may have set backs along the way; you may never quite get there; but if you are willing to work hard you will maximize your dog’s potential and can have a marvelous time while doing so. What you learn training each individual dog helps you to fulfill another goal which is becoming a better trainer and handler as well as a more compassionate owner.

Where there is a will, there’s a way----but, your goal should evoke passion and excitement in you, it shouldn’t become a duty to fulfill for if it does, then maybe that goal is not the one for you or for your dog.