Did I Make a Difference?
That question was suggested to me recently as one to think about “Susan, how would you answer that question at the end of your life.”
Did I make a difference?
I know my mom and dad made a difference raising 8 amazing children of their own and adopting two other equally amazing children (I won’t even mention the number of foster kids we had along the way:)). Each of us makes a difference in our own way. I would like to think I am making a difference in the lives of dogs and dog owners. That is what drives me to continue to work so hard at what I do and it is what drove me to start doing more of my work online where I can reach more people around the world.
Part of making a difference is understanding what will bring the most value to those of you who share my passion for dog training and agility training. And one way I hear from you about your needs is through periodic surveys that query you about what tools and skills might be helpful.
Following a recent survey, I received a request to do a private, start-to-finish workshop in running contacts.
Previously I would I have just refused because I really didn’t want to try to train something if I didn’t feel confident I could transfer the knowledge successfully to others. But here I am, ten years since training my first dog’s running contacts and having successfully taught each of my last four dogs as well as helped several of my students’ dogs, I feel I have gotten the methodology down to a point I am ready to teach that “start-to-finish-all-inclusive” workshop.
Although I am doing more and more of my teaching on-line, the truth is I do still love to work with people on a one to one basis. Even though I really don’t have as much time to work with private clients as I used to, I recognize that helping other dog owners succeed is so rewarding which leaves me in a constantly struggle trying to do it all!
I do sometimes look back to my life a few years ago as a simpler time for me, (that is an understatement). When I think about the reach of this blog, my newsletters and my on-line programs, well, I realized how important it is for me to continue to share what I’ve learned with others. That is what inspired me to start building my team, so collectively we could reach more people — even though it may have made my life more complex and yes at times, far more chaotic!
However, I really wanted to continue to offer live events as well… so recently I extended an opportunity to my most recent “Recallers” class in order to find that small select group of people interested in participating in this “start-to-finish” training with me. The first criteria I had when designing this program was that it had to provide MASSIVE value to those individuals who placed their trust in me. That’s always been my goal, with every bit of training I’ve ever produced. I have taken great care to be sure the model accomplishes that goal. In order to create that much value I knew I was going to have to raise the bar of pricing for a highly-specialized dog training workshop to a new level. It’s not a program for everyone. It’s not meant to be. That’s why it was priced the way it was and limited to just five people. Yes there was an application process, but the reason for it was that I wanted a cross section of dog breeds and experiences in dog training and not to get “just the best” or “only Border Collies. I wanted a true representation of dogs doing agility.
All of this appears to have caused a ripple this week in the world of dog agility. Some people have suggested this project is all about money for me. You know I could have done what the rest of the agility world expects and simply offered up three RC workshops for 15 people, charged each individual $650 per workshop and no one in the agility community would have batted an eyelash AND I would have made more money! I would have created less work for myself with no on-line follow up to do, no sleepless nights figuring out how to help one of five people solve a problem and no DVD to produce (each of my 5 participants get a comprehensive DVD to recap the work in the course), which, by the way, will not be available for sale to others. The DVD is being provided as a tool to help students in the workshop reinforce their learning.
Sure this small focus group is a “different way” of doing things, but let me share with you what I believe is the key to my success as a dog trainer and as a business owner; I am not afraid to try new things even when the old ways are still successful, even if it means moving in a direction that others have not traveled before and opening myself up to criticism along the way.
This project is about finding the best way to help others further their education. It is about working closely with eager people who share my passion for collectively solving interesting and complex problems.
In short, it is about discovery, challenge and innovation.
If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at Swagger doing his running contacts here is a video clip.
Over the next couple of months I am going to be working very hard to bring out the best in this group of five dog and handlers as they work through the methodology of my running contacts. They will be participating in one on-line workshop, further online discussions, two live training sessions here at Say Yes and a full year follow up with me in an on-line forum.
Even though I will be focused on this group, I don’t want it to take away from my core mission of helping as many dog trainers as I can to meet their own dog training goals.
So, along with the small group training, I am also developing several free on-line webinars to help each of you improve your own dog’s contact performance.
Remember that survey I mentioned earlier? While a few of you were interested in running contacts, most expressed that stopped contacts were your priority because they can be taught with a greater degree of certainty and don’t require the same level of athleticism from the handler once they are in place.
So how can I help you?
What has you mystified, what needs improving with your contact training? Is your dog missing an element that you can’t figure out how to add or improve? What topic(s) would you like to see me address with regard to your stopped contacts? Your feedback is critical to in helping me develop content that meets your needs in these upcoming webinars, so please let me know what you are struggling with!
Today, I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to help you achieve your goals. And I am grateful for the privilege of working with all of you to collectively further knowledge about the hobby/sport/interest that brings us all such true and abiding joy.
Related posts:
Sherry Moore says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:34am
I appreciate your knowledge and experience. If I ever train running contacts, I hope to use your method to train them. What is your opinion on 26+” tall dogs doing running contacts?
Bella says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:02am
I have a 26″ dog with a huge stride and beautiful a running dog walk. Size doesn’t matter.
Savanna Garries says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:54am
My sheltie is horrible for creeping when she gets near the yellow i have tried tons of things and when it comes to trials she still creeps.
Carolyn O'Connor says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:44am
Similar for me – sustaining the drive even after I give the cue to 2 on-2 off. My springer will slow/creep/stop after the cue.
Stacey says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:06am
Will there eventually be any sort of online training seminar or course for the running contacts? It is exclusively what I do with my dogs, most of which up to this point have been 12″ dogs, but now are close to the top of 16″. I would love to learn more about your method for training running contacts.. especially as I am getting ready to start my running contact journey with my young 16″ dog.
MALISSIA Meador says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:09am
Susan I appreciate all you do for the agility community no really dogs in general. My dogs are first and always my pets they just happen to love agility. I like that you stress this in all your training. Our dogs are our pets first. And remember, It wouldn’t have matter how you offered this course you would have still had people complain. Some people just would not be happy if they didn’t have something to complain about.
Maria Montana says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:30am
Thank you Susan for sharing your thoughts!
My Jackrussell does amazing contacts while we are training, but the situation is totally different when we go to competitions. He is running the course silent until contact obstacle comes on the way. He starts to bark and it seems like he has never been trained to do stopped contacts and he just jumps off without touching the contact area.
I know that it is mostly my fault since I haven’t been consistent in competitions and have allowed him to continue running the course after jumping off the contact. It is difficult to train because the drive and the mental status is different in training and in competitions. Please help me to solve this.
Amy says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:20pm
Maria-I have a sheltie with the same issue. Barking on the obstacle, stopping at the top of the A-frame barking at me, and then just bailing where ever he feels like it. The only contact obstacle we do not experience this with is the seesaw. At 12 I’m not that motivated to retrain and right now have him trying out retirement–one leg away from a title. After years of fustration-I wonder about his knowledge of the job and his ability to work that job in an excitable mode–thus in the ring he is wired and so am I-in training neither of us are wired–he will hit it consistantly. Introduce stress and everything falls apart on all sides of our team.-I am looking for what I can learn from this so I don’t repeat the cycle again.
Sarah Kevin says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:11am
First off thanks for thinking outside the box, even if the box is working!
I am starting out in agility, and for me the choices of what to train you dog to do is daunting and then it seems to be a personal preference not any hard science to picking between 2o2o or 4 off or 1 back on. To be honest since I am new and my instructors intent was to train a different method for each piece of contact equipment I said no to that and have insisted on doing 2o2o for all three. We are a new handler and a 20 month old Toller so it seemed like the best decision for us.
Elise Strauss says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:30am
First, let me say I’m so sorry that you have had to deal with negativity surrounding your latest training offering. People like to target those who are successful, and you are doing an amazing job. Please don’t let the negativity get you down, and continue what you’re doing. It is greatly appreciated.
I have a 4 year old Jack Russell/Chihuahua, who I — cannot — seem to get across to him that the dividing line between the yellow and blue on the A Frame is not the signal to fly off. My inability to figure out how to train a successful running contact is the only thing holding us back. We’ve battled through other things but this one is really frustrating. I’ve tried everything. I would love to see the plank method you used with Swagger. along with your other training tips for running contacts. Thank you Susan!!.
Anna Banana says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:38am
I don’t want to know how to fix a problem. I want to know the best way to train from start to finish to teach clearly.
I’m brand new to agility and am not even sure if stop contacts are required to be achieved before you progress to a running contact!!
georgie says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:38am
my Cairn ( she turns 2 in May) runs slow and she learned 2 on 2 off on the contacts.
Now she starts hesitating running down to the bottom at the A-frame. I’m thinking because she is rather slow, if running contacts would be better for her?
Jean says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:41am
I am one of those who needs the dogs to stop at the bottom. Currently they tend to stop at the top of the A-frame and on the down side of the DW and teeter to look for me. I think it is especially dangerous on the teeter because they could slip off so easily. I saw a dog get its leg stuck where the teeter plank and frame meet so I worry about this. I would love to know how to get them to drive to the bottom and stop in 2o2o.
Lia Goldie says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 3:49am
I want to know how to teach them to drive into position – speed and independence. I know he can be much faster on his contacts than he is at the moment. Currently on dogwalk if I slow down he slows down and sometimes he stops 4on instead of 2o2o. This probably shows he doesn’t really understand his position independently of me. We do a lot of work on position, not sure how to fix it.
Kerry says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 3:55am
I am doing stopped (2o/2o) with my pup but I can run way ahead and he stays planted (most of the time). I am now working with mine to go to contact when I stay behind–he still wants to look at me to see why I am not going forward. Is this covered on Puppy Peaks?
Katka Lerlova says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 4:17am
I can’t teach my border collie to have a joy in drive into the possition. Also I would like to learn a way to teach fast, reliable and happy, easily maintained stopped contacts
Jeffrey says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:02am
Susan you have so changed the way I train and teach dog training forever! Thank you
I need to echo some of the others…great contacts, but slow on the down ramp. Both A frame and dogwalk, I think I know what you are going to say already “where’s the value” Please help me find it.
Evelyn says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:48am
For me, you DID make a HUGE difference in my dog training (and life as well) and I am so grateful for that, and I am sure so are my dogs.
I would have wished to be able to be part of your running contacts group of students, but sometimes life just does not cooperate as one wishes.
Anyways, I would love to learn more on independent contacts, 2o2o as well as running contact behavior.
Thanks for everything you do for us!
Julie says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 6:54am
I always believe that when you cause ripples it is often because you are on the right tract. I have always appreciated your commitment to being sure you have well tested methods for training and you have a good approach to sharing those ideas with others, so we get it. Thanks!
Susan says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:08am
Hi Susan,
I would appreciate help with creeping to the bottom, not sure why I am starting to get that, and independant performance.
Thanks!
Kendal says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:19am
I would love to know how you train this. The understanding of the behaviour required in phenomenal! I’m in the process of teaching my Border Collie running contacts at the moment.
Anna says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:55am
I’m really looking forward to know your methodoly of running contacts, hope you can share with us soon!
I want to retrain my dog’s contacts to running style, but I dont want to, and I really can’t, spend all that time doing repetions after repetitions…
Sadly I live way to far from Canada to apply to these workshop!
Liz says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:06am
So the small group is the spring contacts course that was mentioned before in Recallers? I am interested in the games etc you have mentioned for teaching the teeter etc.
Susan says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:10am
@Liz, no that is still in the plans for the spring, this small group was literally “spur of the moment” idea that came from someone’s suggestion..
Evelyn says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:32am
is it spring yet ?
Liz says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:29pm
Yeah!! Thank you. thank you.
Shelley says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:42pm
LOL Evelyn…..Spring does take forever to come doesn’t it!!!
Erica says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:40am
Never doubt that you have made a difference – you have. You have made a huge difference in the way we look at training out dogs, or rather how we partner with our dogs to obtain a desired outcome. Whether or not my dog and I ever reach the point of achieving those desired outcomes, I know my dog and I am enjoying the process of trying far more than before I was introduced to your training philosophy. We both thank you for that. My new pup will benefit from the journey my current partner and I have taken – she will live her entire life in Do-Land without having to negotiate the rambling path that got us there.
Suzanne Seaton says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:50am
I am very interested in learning your method for teaching contacts. We have tried several different methods with our Border Collie and our Golden Ret. and have not been successful. They are both jumping the yellow when they are really pushing the speed! We need expert help!!
Katherine says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:51am
I, for one, LOVED the private RC seminar idea and (as a business owner) completely understand why you chose to do it that way. Sometimes people balk at my hourly rate and I have to break it down for them: the travel, the prep time, a bit of e-mail support, my assistant, the written training recap at the end of the lesson package. A lot goes into this!
Personally, my issue with stopped contact is getting a stop at speed. If my dog is really running, his momentum often carries him off of the dogwalk. Right now I have great speed on the up-ramp, speed on the middle ramp, and trotting on the off-ramp into position. I have been given a couple of games to try and have only seen minimal improvement.
Lori Kline says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:56am
I’ve recently switched two of my dogs over to running contacts and am having some real success with it. My third dog is a border collie who I believe might have early takeoff syndrome. While reading about this visual affliction, it was noted in one article that these dogs have difficulty finding the end of the contact. Do you believe there is anything that can be done to help these dogs out? My girl is very careful but not afraid of the equipment. She can run up and over fine but I do see her lowering her head at the end and searching for the floor. I don’t push her to do much competition but she does love it and it isn’t sever enough to say she should sit on the sidelines. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on ETS and adjusting training. I originally wanted to train her running to stretch my skills as a trainer but after reading that article I realize it would be too difficult for her to be able to find the end of the board at speed.
connie says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:00am
Susan, first thank you so much for all you have done in sharing your thoughts and training with all of us! In answer to your stopped contact question, how to teach and maintain the joy in the stopped behavior, how to create/maintain speed when driving into their contact position, and games to increase understanding of the release. Thanks!
Lindsay King says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:25am
Hi Susan
Firstly you have changed my way of training and that has had a huge impact on the lives of my 5 dogs. I in turn try and pass on the knowledge to my students to help them train their dogs. So you have a huge ripple effect. As to the running contacts, I would have loved to do the course and be one of the select group, but I kinda guessed commuting from South Afric would have posed a slight problem. Hopefully it will be an on line course soon.
Ronna says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:10am
I personally would love info on teaching the running contacts: I have Min Pins, and sadly the local agility school instructor only spends time with ‘agility breeds’. The rest of us get ’1 run ( or 1 try) and done’. ( I quit going there long ago, and now train at home.) I would have apllied for the select group, but the fee is what I make in 3 MONTHS.
I did recallers 2.0, am in 3.0 and puppy peaks, and am loving every minute of the journey.
So here’s hoping for more of that FAB learning that you share so generously. I have never had one regret over starting on the journey to Do-Land!!!
Beth Logue says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:11am
Hi Susan,
I cannot begin to tell you how much of a difference you have made for me and my dogs. Training isn’t training to them, it is just another opportunity to play with Mom now. We are all happier as a result.
In regards to the stopped contacts, my JRT seems to have a different issue than those mentioned previously. Ricochet almost drives too hard into her 2o2o and winds up slamming to a halt. I really worry about the impact to her shoulders. Any suggestions???
Anya says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:51am
My struggles with a running contact stem from bouncing. I seem to be incapable of teaching my dog that running down a plank is the same as running across the yard to chase a squirrel.
Margaret Jencks says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:54am
I have been involved in agility since 1998 and way back then, a well known instructor told me to never stop my dogs on the contacts. He said it was bad for their shoulders. We have always had running contacts. I run Border Collies and have competed with three different BC’s over the years and have never had a contact issue.
Dusty says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:35am
Hello Susan,
as most have already said, I would love to watch a webinar, etc. or some type of DVD. Swagger is looking great! I’m drooling over his stride, especially on the dog-walk. Edge has great stride on his a-frame, but there will be times where it’d be more fun to go faster and skip the contact zone. I’m not quite sure how to incorporate the contact zone as the best thing in the world to hit, and still be running. Swagger has learned to GO, GO, GO, and I hope Edge will soon, too. Is there anything special you did to help his stride to hit the contact zone? Tips and tricks are appreciated!
Jon says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:39am
Slightly different problem that I have. Since adopting the ‘average or better’ rewards and playing more end position games the dog walk performance of my BC has improved tremendously, however her A Frame performance is still very tentative, she pretty much shuffles down the down side of it. Are there any A Frame specific games I can play to improve confidence and performance?
Jan DeMello/Hob Nob border collies says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:58am
I truly don’t understand why anyone would be so negative about what a person would charge for a training methodology! Many people don’t realize the commitment to putting oneself out there for something they are passionate about and wanting to share. It should not come cheap for it takes years to come to such a place of achievement as any professional in their chosen sport can attest to.
If Michael Jordan did such a workshop for basketball enthusiasts, you can bet the cost would be high (and rightly so) to learn from one of the best basketball players of all time!
Getting to a place of high achievement does not come cheap as people at the top of their chosen field have spent thousands of dollars themselves to ‘perfect their game’ and continue to do so.
Many people benefit from these top professionals whether it is through seminars, private lessons, DVDs etc. The sport of agility should feel fortunate that these individuals are willing to share and put themselves out there and yes, for a price which is as it should be.
If you don’t want to ‘pay the piper’ then you don’t have to follow! Plain and simple.
Linda Knowles says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:24pm
Excellent point Jan.
Meg says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:59am
Susan,
working through activities and training sessions that PP has offered me, and the opportunity to ASK QUESTIONS when stumped….as been our breath of fresh air. Owning and working with our dogs has taken on new meaning for me. We have HEAPS TO GO—-but I have found the ‘drive’ and the courage to take it on and keeping it going… thanks to that lucky day when I ‘wandered into CLICKER DOGS’ and STAYED. 
)
You have certainly made a difference in our lives. While I have always loved dogs and owned some a long the way
More power to you!
Meg
Billy says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:03pm
Susan,
I must say that I for one have learned so much and have grown so much as a trainer. You methods and ideas are so inspiring. I have leaned so much on how to raise a performance puppy to a level I never thought was possible. I have trained several dogs on your 2×2 method with amazing results and all of your other dvds and books have really created a new way of training dogs. I could only dream of knowing how spectacular your contact training program is. I would love the ins and outs of you contact training methods because I am sure it will enhance my knowledge as a trainer.
JG says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:34pm
I’m doing Puppy Peaks and Recallers now. I couldn’t afford it, but I couldn’t afford not to so I scraped the money together. I can eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for awhile. I have not regretted spending the money at all, it has been WELL worth it. The amount of access those 5 people are going to have to Susan is incredible. It’s a year of access to Susan with her help and guidance. If I had the money and could travel right now, I’d jump on this opportunity. Those 5 are lucky and won’t regret it for a second.
Megan says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:35pm
Distance! Distance! Distance!!
Our contact performance will be pretty good whenever I’m running paralell or beside her, but whenever I’m behind it slows down signifcantly towards the third plank of the dog walk, and the A-frame is pretty pitiful.
Also the weight shift into the back end to drive all the way through the contact is proving to be difficult considering I know she can motor more; mainly working through that by teaching her to push her back legs on carpet then implementing it on the contact.
Definitely: Speed/drive and distance are big ones!
Megan says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:36pm
Oooh and when you don’t have access to contact equipment it is rather frustrating!
Tony says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:44pm
Susan, with regards to the running contact start to finish program is there ever going to be an opportunity for more people to learn your program? Similar to your Puppy Peaks and Recallers 3.0 programs that you are currently doing.
Mary M says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:45pm
I am wishing GREAT success for your new method and great success for the 5 students, what an awesome opportunity for them!!!
Re: what I need work on (and can’t wait for the contacts course in the spring for!) Is getting the solid nose touch on the contacts, I took a one day workshop with you in Ohio and couple years ago where you taught some of the games and the progression for the nose touch, but I am still not happy with the quality of touch I have on the equipment.
So looking forward to the course!!!
—And related to the name of this post, I hope we all make positve differences in our lives. I beleive that would be part of the reason we are here in this world. No matter if the difference you make is never known to you, nor if it is small or large putting energy out theere for others to create positive change is so powerful!
Ellen says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:52pm
Susan,
whenever I think about training I received through recallers and PP I keep remembering that saying “Give a man a fish and you have fed him for the day, teach a man how to fish and you have fed him for life”
Recallers training is not about how to fix this or that problem, it is about me learning how to have joy with my dog, build my own plans of action and figure out my own icebergs. Having great supportive community on line is huge plus of course!
I have casual interest in agility and obedience as I am not competitive person in the least. But I do want to have lots of fun with my dogs… I do not want you to teach me how to fix this or that problem on agility equipment, I want you to teach me best ways to think and understand agility and obedience. I want to learn those fundamental games that allow to build behaviors leading to brilliant performance Swagger has on agility equipment.
Amy says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:59pm
My answers to your question “So how can I help you?” I would love to hear your comments on the following: (Can’t wait to see your product)
“What has you mystified, what needs improving with your contact training?” -in short my method was/is 2o2o head bob-my questions-should it have been a bob? How many bobs? If it shouldn’t be a bob-how long should the dog hold the position? What position should that be? Does this change during the training progress (ie-when first training 2o2o the dog might earn 10 treats in that position and stay there 3 minutes-after progression he might only be getting 5 and staying there 2-is that a problem in the making?-in competition he will be getting none and staying there how long???) How can I make this a consistant picture for him to understand all through the training process?
Food is more powerful in my dogs life then tug (still working this per your courses) What is progression of reinforcement?
My dog will replace himself if he misses 2o2o-ok in the beginning learning to stay on the board-and stay on it with speed- but when is this not acceptable? Is that a complete do over? Is that a place the dog back? or is it coffee break time?
“Is your dog missing an element that you can’t figure out how to add or improve?” I think there might be confused to how many bobs it takes since reinforcement has been variable (I’m going to do this until the release word is said)-which should it be variable or should it not? How long should I hold 2o2o-and how do I transition that to the heat of competition? Where the competetive bug comes out and handler performs “early release”-(which then makes me wonder why I didn’t training running–which I remind myself because I see it deteriorate very quickly) How do I keep my criteria consistant to the end (in the ring)–what are the steps to lead me to the ring? Clearly laid out what to reinforce when and why where are we going with this?
“What topic(s) would you like to see me address with regard to your stopped contacts?” –I hope my post helped you see some of the confusion accumulated over 16 years of doing this stuff.
Ellen says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:09pm
Specifically related to contact question I have- with my midsize older boy we learned travel plank and he generalized it and offered on other pieces of equipment… Since I rightly don’t know how he did it I can not help my youngest, smaller sheltie who chooses to jump off yellow, travel plank has not made that difference yet…
Cindy says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:47pm
I find it interesting that people who think creatively, discover new approaches to what we do, provide valuable services, and offer much to the rest of us, who have not had the time or talent to learn such knowledge and skills, are so often criticized for their success in terms of the money they make with their ventures. These individuals (that some call entrepreneurs) have not done anything that the rest of us could not have done if we had made that our priority and passion. How sad that those that work hard and reap the benefit of financial reward are put down for their success and what it has brought to them and to so many others. I know that what I have learned from Susan has changed the way I train, relate to, live with and enjoy my dogs.. And I am grateful. And, I read posts that there are many that are also appreciative and grateful for what they have learned from Susan in helping us enjoy our dogs and our training a little more.
Kristi says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 3:15pm
Thank you, Susan, for being true to your own guiding star. People so often confuse the ‘value’ of something with the ‘price’ of that thing. Your RC course is, on the face of it, expensive, but loaded with content value, and much less expensive than any similar offering I have ever seen, so a much better value for people in the market for such a thing. If I stay true to my star, I will be one of those people one day.
Trudie says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 3:48pm
If the spring course is about stopped contacts, then what I would like to have is a dog who goes up and over joyously and who has value for hitting the target at bottom! and in the maximum of the arousal curve when he does. The feedback I’m getting now shows me this is not the case (sometimes the “stop” means “find more value in something more distracting in the environment”, sometimes there is no value in stopping at all, at best the stop looks like a lacklustre chore).
I would have liked the spring course to be running contacts, for the challenge of getting a joyous and accurate “up and over”!
In the spring course, will we be using the hit-it board?
Shelley says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:23pm
Trudie a while back Susan said the hit-it board would be ‘useful’ for contact course
What I really really would like, is to be able to sit on that front porch Susan talks of and say ‘tunnel’ and for Zach to zoom in and through with the same speed as when I am close by him…..that would be the dream. ALl about the value! x
Megan says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 4:03pm
Can’t wait for your contact webinars and hoping very much that they will include at least tid bits from your new running contact program. Had to argue seriously with myself about applying for your 5 person running contact program and unfortunately had to come to the conclusion that at this moment, it was out of my reach. That being said, while it was poor timing for me right now, I more than believe that it would be more than worth the cost it was offered at – should I be lucky enough that you end up in a place where you offer it again, you can expect to see me and my little JRT lining up for consideration. For now, eagerly awaiting any more info that you are able to share with us, and hoping that even if not immediately, that at some point the future might hold this info in dvd format for the world? thanks so much again for all that you do, and the massive, POSITIVE change you have created in the lives of myself and my dogs since we found the ‘Say Yes’ way, almost a year ago now. Life changing, ever inspiring, and we will always be so grateful.
Alaska says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 4:07pm
Susan, you offer a range of resources from totally free (this blog) to seriously pricey (the running contacts group)and everything in between. I personally feel the pricing of this blog is way below market, so maybe that balances out the opinions of those who feel the pricing of other offerings are inflated. In the end, we’re all entitled to our own opinions, but you definitely do provide lots of options for the “buyer.”
That said, I would like to ask you to consider writing a blog post about balance breaks. This is an important part of your training philosophy that I don’t think has made it onto the blog yet. Your blog posts are so well written that I often direct people to them as a primary resource for understanding key concepts, and the concept of using balance breaks has been coming up a lot lately. A blog post on the subject would be helpful to many people.
Definitely include how to use balance breaks in the contacts course. For most of us, contact training involves a lot of drilling and repetition, and I suspect one way you limit that is by creative use of balance breaks.
Thanks. You have made a big difference in my life.
Diane Lewis says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 6:07pm
Susan, I’m sorry the jealous ripples of a small community have reached your shores. Keep these truths in mind:
1. You change lives on a daily basis. The people that are making comments do not. They may train dogs and train handlers, but they don’t advocate for the foundational, philosophical changes that you do that bring life, joy, partnership and true education to the dog community.
2. What you do is unique to what others do. Those that don’t believe that haven’t experience it, or turn a blind eye to the truth.
3. Your time is valuable, and yet you give it away quite often and quite freely. Someone could learn a lot just by perusing this site and your facebook. What are those others offering for free? What kind of community are they cultivating? The fact that they spend their time commenting on you shows that they build themselves up by tearing others down. Not something to be proud of.
4. Again – your time is valuable. These lucky 5 (and I wish I was among them) will benefit in a million ways. If their dogs – silly me…WHEN their dogs successfully achieve the outcome of this training, they will make this investment back in two weekends of seminars. And the lifetime of successful shows, ribbons, happy runs and partnership? Priceless.
5. Some people around me thought I was crazy when I spent two days frantically trying to see if I could work out the logistics to apply. My response was simple – a) Would you want these contacts? (resounding yes from everyone). b) Can you train these contacts? (resounding no from everyone) c) Do you agree that you would make this investment back both financially and through the satisfaction in your sport (Yes from everyone) – Then what’s the problem?? This is a win – win. Yes it’s expensive, but this isn’t a COST – it’s an INVESTMENT. And a good one.
Susan – I hope you share the exploits of “The Lucky 5″ so we can live vicariously through them! And insulate yourself from comments of others that seek to mar what is an exciting time.
Deb D says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 6:30pm
I have only trained my current dogs with positive methods and even attended several seminars at Say Yes but I don’t think I every really understood how to find the joy until Puppy Peaks – until watching you and Swagger the joy was always in the end result but not in the journey. My entire outlook has changed – training itself is more fun for me and for my dogs. You have made a huge difference in my training.
As far as challenges and questions specifically related to contacts I recently had a huge “aha” moment regarding both my dog with 2o2o and the dog with running contacts. One of the biggest things I need to train is distractions. I think hearing you say that most of your contact training with Swagger was away from the equipment made me realize that there are things I can do without contacts of my own that will provide a more distracting environment even though I can’t emulate a trial.
Specific questions:
1. For the 2o2o how do you train the nose touch straight ahead. Rylie wants to look for me. He also occasionally summersaults off the bottom of the a-frame when he is going fast.
2. For running contacts I certainly don’t expect you to give away what you are having in your course but could you share a bit about whether you use stride regulators, hoops, foot targets or any other props? Any other general advice that you feel you could share without taking away from what your five students will be getting would be greatly appreciated.
Donna G says:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:17pm
Susan,
My dogs and I thank you over and over again for all the things you have taught me to teach them, and with the methods that you teach. We are member of Puppy peaks, and all three Recallers. I have and still am enjoying the on-line classes. Your the best to share all you do with us and the giving of yourself is beyound words. I have also been to several of your seminars in California, as many as I could get to and also in Washington. I love every minute with you. Thank you!!!
As far and the contacts questions, mine back to you is will you still be doing a online contact course (2o2o)?