Comments on: Or is it . . . http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html Agility training for all dogs of all breeds Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Jackie http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3341 Jackie Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:22:17 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3341 Love this topic! I've had dogs who have fallen into all the categories .... love at first sight, those who have chosen me, and those that I've had to learn to love. Buddy is my Buzz!! A dog who forced me to learn & expand my knowledge. Buddy was a wild child when he came to me at 10mths of age, & he pushed all my buttons. At times I felt I hated him & then I felt enormous guilt for feeling that way. Nobody wanted him .... he was too wild! Trust me .. I tried to place him :-) He was a lot of dog with a lot of unfocused energy and barrier frustrative issues. Sheer necessity forced me to find a way to help Buddy learn & save my sanity. He grew up to be a great dog but the bond between us took time .... it grew from constant frustration to an understanding and eventually LOVE. Buddy is thirteen now & I wouldn't trade him for a million dollars! Of all the dogs I have now, my "heart" dog is Rowdy and he chose me. I was looking at a different puppy in the litter, but Rowdy just wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't click with the puppy I had chosen & Rowdy was insistent that I notice him and as soon as I did ....CLICK! .... it was instant. And as soon as I felt that click, I instantly knew his name would be Rowdy. And for those who know me, you'll know how significant the name coming to me like that is, 'cos I have a terrible time naming puppies :-)) I think we get the dogs we are meant to get whether we realize it or not. They are our teachers if we are willing to learn. Love this topic! I’ve had dogs who have fallen into all the categories …. love at first sight, those who have chosen me, and those that I’ve had to learn to love. Buddy is my Buzz!! A dog who forced me to learn & expand my knowledge. Buddy was a wild child when he came to me at 10mths of age, & he pushed all my buttons. At times I felt I hated him & then I felt enormous guilt for feeling that way. Nobody wanted him …. he was too wild! Trust me .. I tried to place him :-) He was a lot of dog with a lot of unfocused energy and barrier frustrative issues. Sheer necessity forced me to find a way to help Buddy learn & save my sanity. He grew up to be a great dog but the bond between us took time …. it grew from constant frustration to an understanding and eventually LOVE. Buddy is thirteen now & I wouldn’t trade him for a million dollars!

Of all the dogs I have now, my “heart” dog is Rowdy and he chose me. I was looking at a different puppy in the litter, but Rowdy just wouldn’t leave me alone. I didn’t click with the puppy I had chosen & Rowdy was insistent that I notice him and as soon as I did ….CLICK! …. it was instant. And as soon as I felt that click, I instantly knew his name would be Rowdy. And for those who know me, you’ll know how significant the name coming to me like that is, ‘cos I have a terrible time naming puppies :-) )

I think we get the dogs we are meant to get whether we realize it or not. They are our teachers if we are willing to learn.

]]> By: Tammy Rudd http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3321 Tammy Rudd Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:30:14 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3321 Shebang's breeder (Gloria Smith) picked her for me, although I had the choice to change my mind for a different puppy, and yes, it was love from day one, but little did I know she would become the absolute love of my life. Even though she had littermates who had good hips (Shebang had TPO surgery at 6 months) and became big winning agility dogs, and Shebang retired at 4 years old because of her hips, I will be forever grateful to Gloria for picking Shebang for me. http://www.youtube.com/user/clickertrickdog#p/a Tammy Rudd Shebang’s breeder (Gloria Smith) picked her for me, although I had the choice to change my mind for a different puppy, and yes, it was love from day one, but little did I know she would become the absolute love of my life. Even though she had littermates who had good hips (Shebang had TPO surgery at 6 months) and became big winning agility dogs, and Shebang retired at 4 years old because of her hips, I will be forever grateful to Gloria for picking Shebang for me. http://www.youtube.com/user/clickertrickdog#p/a

Tammy Rudd

]]> By: Devora Locke http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3316 Devora Locke Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:13:23 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3316 Oh lord, we are grateful for Buzz too! And all dogs like him. :) I just love this blog, Susan. It has come to be one of my favorite places on the web. Keep up the great work and congrats on the new house! Oh lord, we are grateful for Buzz too! And all dogs like him. :) I just love this blog, Susan. It has come to be one of my favorite places on the web. Keep up the great work and congrats on the new house!

]]> By: Kelly http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3283 Kelly Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:35:39 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3283 I fell in love with my youngest dog without ever meeting her. I was planning to get a Sheltie, but not for about a year. A chance conversation with a breeder grew to the slim possibility that this little girl might be available. As the conversation continued over the following weeks, I became more and more convinced that she was meant to be mine (and in time managed to convince her breeder, too ). You should have seen me "rehearsing" how to tell my husband that I felt 100% certain that this little girl should come live with us, despite the fact that we were already at our "legal limit" for dogs. I was lucky enough to have input from Susan and Lynda on my baby girl and then flew down to Tennessee to get her, with orders that she was not to come home if I didn't love her right away (or she didn't love me). Turned out it wasn't an issue. She is an absolute gift, as are her breeder and extended family, and I couldn't be more delighted. Our dogs come to us because they are meant to come to us; I fully believe that. Good vibes winging Buzzy's way from Eastern Ontario! I fell in love with my youngest dog without ever meeting her. I was planning to get a Sheltie, but not for about a year. A chance conversation with a breeder grew to the slim possibility that this little girl might be available. As the conversation continued over the following weeks, I became more and more convinced that she was meant to be mine (and in time managed to convince her breeder, too ). You should have seen me “rehearsing” how to tell my husband that I felt 100% certain that this little girl should come live with us, despite the fact that we were already at our “legal limit” for dogs. I was lucky enough to have input from Susan and Lynda on my baby girl and then flew down to Tennessee to get her, with orders that she was not to come home if I didn’t love her right away (or she didn’t love me). Turned out it wasn’t an issue. She is an absolute gift, as are her breeder and extended family, and I couldn’t be more delighted.

Our dogs come to us because they are meant to come to us; I fully believe that.

Good vibes winging Buzzy’s way from Eastern Ontario!

]]> By: Janis http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3281 Janis Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:10:42 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3281 This blog hit me closer of all your ramblings. My 1st BC, is human-like in training, like Stoni. She was the one I wanted out of the litter (choose her for her markings and didnt know much about dogs) and she has made me look alot better than I actully am on the agility course. My 2nd BC, is the complete oppisite. The breeder tried to talk me out of Spyder, because, he was so laid back. But, this little pup is the only one that came to me and showed me, he wanted to choose me. He is still a couch potato, but when it comes to doing agility, he is awesome!! I did have my doubts, before our 1st trial last week, but wow, he really shined. I was in awe, how great he did. He is head strong, but deep down, he does know what I am wanting from him. I am so happy, Spyder chose me. This blog hit me closer of all your ramblings. My 1st BC, is human-like in training, like Stoni. She was the one I wanted out of the litter (choose her for her markings and didnt know much about dogs) and she has made me look alot better than I actully am on the agility course. My 2nd BC, is the complete oppisite. The breeder tried to talk me out of Spyder, because, he was so laid back. But, this little pup is the only one that came to me and showed me, he wanted to choose me. He is still a couch potato, but when it comes to doing agility, he is awesome!! I did have my doubts, before our 1st trial last week, but wow, he really shined. I was in awe, how great he did. He is head strong, but deep down, he does know what I am wanting from him. I am so happy, Spyder chose me.

]]> By: Katie http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3280 Katie Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:56:24 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3280 This is all such great food for thought. Currently I have just my one, first ever agility dog and can't help but think about getting a puppy soon, this whole animal training world so so very much fun! This blog has been an invaluable resource for me, combining Susan's knowledge with the experiences of other blog followers. I hope I will be able to make all the right choices in picking out that second dog! The thing I am curious about is just how important the structure is when you are looking at puppies, considering Susan was going to leave Feature behind if she didn't have it. Does anyone know of any good resources about puppy structure I can read to get more informed on the topic!? Any tips appreciated! Katie This is all such great food for thought. Currently I have just my one, first ever agility dog and can’t help but think about getting a puppy soon, this whole animal training world so so very much fun! This blog has been an invaluable resource for me, combining Susan’s knowledge with the experiences of other blog followers. I hope I will be able to make all the right choices in picking out that second dog!

The thing I am curious about is just how important the structure is when you are looking at puppies, considering Susan was going to leave Feature behind if she didn’t have it. Does anyone know of any good resources about puppy structure I can read to get more informed on the topic!?

Any tips appreciated!

Katie

]]> By: Joan http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3279 Joan Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:40:47 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3279 In the years since I acquired my own 'wild' one, I've listened to many comments that disparaged our relationship, my training methods, the dog's genetics, his biochemistry, breed suitability for agility etc. Susan's books have helped a great deal in dealing with and training my own 'Buzz', but his biochemistry prevents a solid cure. Why do I keep him? For some reason this dog wraps himself around my soul - he's athletic, funny, smart, hilarious, a gentle soul wrapped in a personality even he can't control. I used to say that without my previous experiences with hyperactivity and temper in my young daughter, I would never have been able to handle this dog at all. Now I can say that without the constant challenges of this dog and the mindset and skills I've developed working with him, I would never have been able to persevere long enough to help my own son resolve and recover from the issues he's faced as young adult. All things happen for a reason... -Joan In the years since I acquired my own ‘wild’ one, I’ve listened to many comments that disparaged our relationship, my training methods, the dog’s genetics, his biochemistry, breed suitability for agility etc.
Susan’s books have helped a great deal in dealing with and training my own ‘Buzz’, but his biochemistry prevents a solid cure. Why do I keep him? For some reason this dog wraps himself around my soul – he’s athletic, funny, smart, hilarious, a gentle soul wrapped in a personality even he can’t control. I used to say that without my previous experiences with hyperactivity and temper in my young daughter, I would never have been able to handle this dog at all. Now I can say that without the constant challenges of this dog and the mindset and skills I’ve developed working with him, I would never have been able to persevere long enough to help my own son resolve and recover from the issues he’s faced as young adult. All things happen for a reason…

-Joan

]]> By: Jenn http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3276 Jenn Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:41:41 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3276 I love this post :) When I decided I wanted a Border Collie I was NOT prepared for the one I got. I drove 4000 miles to get this cute little devil in disguise. When I first started training him, all I could think was " man this dog is BRILLIANT!", but then there was the other side. He is not a naturally confident dog and me, being a first time BC owner didn't help him in the least. I struggled with him for a year before I was told to read Shaping Success. Not only did that book put it all in perspective for me, it changed our relationship. I LOVED this puppy but I was so frustrated with his aggressivness towards people and dogs I thought I would never be able to trial him. SS showed me that it wasn't about what he was doing wrong, it was about what I was doing wrong. SS became my bible, about a year after that I found Christine who introduced me to the entire say Yes program and we have never looked back. Zep will now go out of his way to say hello to people and dogs. Zep is my " once in a life time dog" , he has taght me so many lessons, not only about BC's but about life in general. I also believe the certain dogs are sent to us at specific points in our lives , and without Zep I don't think my life would have reached this point. I thank you for looking at Buzz and seeing the dog he COULD be and not just the crazy puppy he was. Jenn & Zep I love this post :)

When I decided I wanted a Border Collie I was NOT prepared for the one I got. I drove 4000 miles to get this cute little devil in disguise. When I first started training him, all I could think was ” man this dog is BRILLIANT!”, but then there was the other side. He is not a naturally confident dog and me, being a first time BC owner didn’t help him in the least. I struggled with him for a year before I was told to read Shaping Success. Not only did that book put it all in perspective for me, it changed our relationship. I LOVED this puppy but I was so frustrated with his aggressivness towards people and dogs I thought I would never be able to trial him. SS showed me that it wasn’t about what he was doing wrong, it was about what I was doing wrong. SS became my bible, about a year after that I found Christine who introduced me to the entire say Yes program and we have never looked back. Zep will now go out of his way to say hello to people and dogs. Zep is my ” once in a life time dog” , he has taght me so many lessons, not only about BC’s but about life in general.

I also believe the certain dogs are sent to us at specific points in our lives , and without Zep I don’t think my life would have reached this point. I thank you for looking at Buzz and seeing the dog he COULD be and not just the crazy puppy he was.

Jenn & Zep

]]> By: Claudia http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3272 Claudia Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:53:38 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3272 "Buzz gave me the gift of dog training knowledge that no other dog could ever give me. Buzz is the reason I have been able to help so many Border Collie owners." - Thank God for Buzz! Having said that I think it's also the attitude and the perspective you CHOOSE to see Buzz and challenge yourself rather than making excuses and running away from it. I know. I own a "Buzz". To be honest, I wish he didn't have so many issues. (I know again, because I have another dog which is a "Stoni", which came after him) but deep in my heart, I know that he's taught me SO MUCH that no other "easier" dog could have. Or rather, he "forced" me to learn so much in so short a time. I've never known a learning curve could be so steep. I just didn't have any other choice. He is too fearful a dog to be punished, so I had to learn operant. He has too many demons in his head, so I had to learn counterconditioning. Everyday, we still have our battles. But I know without him, I would never have become half the person I am. I've learn so much of dog training in the short time we've shared with each other. And I've also learn that not ALL trainers out there are what they say they are. I've learn that not ALL methods work on ALL dogs and as his owner and protector, I owe it to him to find the best methods to motivate him to learn, not scare him to obey. I'm so glad I didn't give up on him and when I look into his eyes everyday, I'm thankful he didn't give me up either. I made my fair share of mistakes and he has every reason to be cautious, but everyday, it seems like with fresh new hope, he believes all over again. The willingness of that dog to keep trying and keep believing just motivates me to learn more to help him, to help us.This dog teaches me so much more than just dog training. He teaches me what is faith, what is hope,what is life. It does get tiring and discouraging at times, that I will not deny. Life with a "Buzz" is not a bed of roses, but because he is a "Buzz", it makes every little progress a champagne moment, a celebration, an achievement. Every dog comes into our lives for a different reason. Our"Journey" with them on this earth will not come to waste when we embrace them as who they are and learn from them the many lessons they will teach us. I thank God he sent a Buzz to you, for so many of us have benefitted from the journey you shared with him and the lessons you learnt from him. And.. thank you Buzz! ;) “Buzz gave me the gift of dog training knowledge that no other dog could ever give me. Buzz is the reason I have been able to help so many Border Collie owners.”

- Thank God for Buzz! Having said that I think it’s also the attitude and the perspective you CHOOSE to see Buzz and challenge yourself rather than making excuses and running away from it.

I know. I own a “Buzz”. To be honest, I wish he didn’t have so many issues. (I know again, because I have another dog which is a “Stoni”, which came after him) but deep in my heart, I know that he’s taught me SO MUCH that no other “easier” dog could have. Or rather, he “forced” me to learn so much in so short a time. I’ve never known a learning curve could be so steep.

I just didn’t have any other choice. He is too fearful a dog to be punished, so I had to learn operant. He has too many demons in his head, so I had to learn counterconditioning.

Everyday, we still have our battles. But I know without him, I would never have become half the person I am. I’ve learn so much of dog training in the short time we’ve shared with each other. And I’ve also learn that not ALL trainers out there are what they say they are. I’ve learn that not ALL methods work on ALL dogs and as his owner and protector, I owe it to him to find the best methods to motivate him to learn, not scare him to obey.

I’m so glad I didn’t give up on him and when I look into his eyes everyday, I’m thankful he didn’t give me up either. I made my fair share of mistakes and he has every reason to be cautious, but everyday, it seems like with fresh new hope, he believes all over again. The willingness of that dog to keep trying and keep believing just motivates me to learn more to help him, to help us.This dog teaches me so much more than just dog training. He teaches me what is faith, what is hope,what is life.

It does get tiring and discouraging at times, that I will not deny. Life with a “Buzz” is not a bed of roses, but because he is a “Buzz”, it makes every little progress a champagne moment, a celebration, an achievement.

Every dog comes into our lives for a different reason. Our”Journey” with them on this earth will not come to waste when we embrace them as who they are and learn from them the many lessons they will teach us.

I thank God he sent a Buzz to you, for so many of us have benefitted from the journey you shared with him and the lessons you learnt from him.

And.. thank you Buzz! ;)

]]> By: Mary http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/or-is-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-3270 Mary Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:20:04 +0000 http://susangarrettdogagility.com/?p=2091#comment-3270 Sending good energy from Michigan to Buzzy across the lake! -I would add to the Buzz boy's accomplishments - giving me the tools (via Shaping for Success) to help with my red and white boy who is the dog who picked me, showed me his best in the first 20 minutes of my meeting him to get me hooked on keeping him, and then for the next 12 months of our time together made me work smarter and more well informed as his guardian to get beyond his reactive behaviors. He is now an amazing dog and while many hours, trainers, and honest feedback from him (yes, he still lets me know when I am wrong, but in a very gentle way ;-) are all to credit....Shaping for Success was the pivotal book for me to put all the pieces together. I would wager that this could be many others' story, but know that this story means the world to me and a dog whom I love dearly. Thank you Buzz and Susan Sending good energy from Michigan to Buzzy across the lake!

-I would add to the Buzz boy’s accomplishments – giving me the tools (via Shaping for Success) to help with my red and white boy who is the dog who picked me, showed me his best in the first 20 minutes of my meeting him to get me hooked on keeping him, and then for the next 12 months of our time together made me work smarter and more well informed as his guardian to get beyond his reactive behaviors. He is now an amazing dog and while many hours, trainers, and honest feedback from him (yes, he still lets me know when I am wrong, but in a very gentle way ;-) are all to credit….Shaping for Success was the pivotal book for me to put all the pieces together.

I would wager that this could be many others’ story, but know that this story means the world to me and a dog whom I love dearly.

Thank you Buzz and Susan

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