The most painful day as a dog owner isn’t the pain of embarrassment when our agility dog knocks just about every bar on a jumpers course, nor is it having to come up with the cash to pay a rather large and unexpected veterinarian bill. I think each of you who owns a dog knows the most painful day I am referring to . . .
Today John and I said our final good byes to our amazing Border Collie “Buzzy.” Yes at close to 18 years old Buzz and I have shared a lot of experiences…more than 1/3 of the time I have been on the planet Buzz has been here with me. But even when you can clearly see the heart break heading towards you… it doesn’t lessen the pain that it brings when it finally hits.
As suggested above, his life was an “amazing ride” and he lived every thrill with zest right up to the end.
Throughout his entire long life Buzzy’s eyes remained remarkably clear … as if giving everyone he met an open window to his soul. That was Buzz.
He was never sick a day in his life. Would never miss out on a daily walk (even this morning we shared a short jaunt together) and Buzz never missed a meal … right up until last week. This past weekend he was very clearly letting me know, no food could tempt him to stay…he was ready to move on, ready to see what Stoni, Shelby and Twister were up to :). So I let Buzz go early this afternoon. Such a blessing to have kind hearted veterinarians at times like these, who will step away from their busy “heart worm” season to come to our house and allow Buzzy pass with ease and grace. I am so grateful to Dr. Kelly Ciggar and Tammy Frank for being here for Buzz and I.
I could use this blog post to brag about all of Buzzy’s accomplishments and tell you how amazing he was to live with and partner with in agility. But I’m sure many of you have already read Buzz’s story in my book “Shaping Success.”
I thought instead, I would share with you what I consider the five most powerful lessons Buzz taught me as a dog trainer. Of course there were LOADS of lessons. Buzz came to me during a massive transition period in my dog training. For the 4 years prior to Buzz, I had been “experimenting” with “clicker training” mixing it with the mild punishment I was routinely using in my training at that time (in the early ‘90s).
Buzz changed all of that.
With Buzz I attempted to walk the road of true reinforcement based training. For the first few months together I attempted to train with only reinforcement, not even using “time outs” or any negative punishment in my training. It only took a few months before I knew I need something to help me with his amazing energy so enter the use of a head halter and mild negative reinforcement. . . I am happy to say even through the struggles, I didn’t feel the need to go back to using “positive punishment” in my training. Today I realize that my frustrations early on with Buzz were due to what was lacking in me… in my mechanics and my understanding of how to be a reinforcement based dog trainer.
Buzz and I were in unchartered waters. Although operant and classical conditioning were not new, their application in competition dog training certainly wasn’t widely accepted back in the mid 90s. There was virtually no one having success with it in the world of dog agility, so I had to look to other areas of the animal training world.
With mentors like Bob and Marion Bailey, Buzz and I made our way and through it all, I grew exponentially in my understanding. Here are what I am selecting as the five most powerful lessons I learned from my life with Buzz.
LESSON NUMBER ONE:
The answer to every challenge is REINFORCEMENT. Look to the kind you are using, the way you are delivering it, the alternative ways the dog is obtaining it and your strategic use of all of the resources you have that the dog finds reinforcing. If you are thinking your training needs punishment because you aren’t getting the results you expect . . . re-think your strategy. It is very likely your training plan is flawed … reinforcement is the answer to your struggles.
LESSON NUMBER TWO:
If you are are “okay” with using negative punishment in your training because you have been told “time outs” are innocuous to our dogs . . . see lesson number one. Time outs are a crutch that we all use when we don’t know what else to do. Buzz took all of my crappy training in stride. The only stress he ever showed was spiralling higher in his drive to please. For years he was patient with my lack of understanding. My current dogs today are the great benefactors of Buzz’s tolerance during those early years in my reinforcement based training journey. My youngest dog Swagger, is a lot like Buzz in his drive for work. Buzz’s life with me is what made it possibly for me to have the amazing relationship I have with Swagger today.
I am not saying there is NO need for negative punishment anywhere in training, but I have a strong suspicion we may be able to get it down to a VERY mild form (like just a mild ‘response cost’ or withholding rewards while waiting for something better). Today, any time I give Swagger a “time out” I have visions of Buzz. Buzzy is there to remind me “you may have missed something in your training and that is why you are now giving this dog a time out.” Thank you Buzz.
LESSON NUMBER THREE:
Learn from your past but don’t be afraid to experiment while moving into your future. Buzz opened my eyes to the fact that we need to continue to look further away from “what worked with my last dog.” Not saying that we should discard everything we learned in the past, just that our history or past success in dog training shouldn’t pre-determine the future choices we will make for every dog going forward.
Buzz was the dog that got me started on this path.
LESSON NUMBER FOUR:
Your dog will be your greatest teacher if you allow him to be.
Funny thing, it wasn’t just my years training Buzz for competition that I was learning from him. As strange as it may seem, the learning became more powerful long after Buzz was retired. Kind of like when our dogs are failing at something over and over and we take a week or two away from training THAT behaviour …then suddenly everything seems more clear to the dog. My life with Buzz has been like that. The further away from “formal” training him I got, the clearer the lessons he taught me became.
LESSON NUMBER FIVE:
My last powerful lesson I learned from Buzzy is that growth requires vulnerability. None of us is expected to “know it all,” so drop the front and accept that you are only human. We need to allow ourselves the luxury of admitting that we “may be incorrect.” If we get stuck on what we think we know, we can fall victim to believing our dog isn’t learning because of something that is different or wrong with HIM rather than something missing in US. Without vulnerability as a dog trainer, it becomes impossible to have any major break through with our own understanding. We become that trainer that does the same thing with every dog, complains about the same shortcomings without considering that the solution is through YOU the trainer and not with the dog! When you label your dog as “stubborn” or “stupid” or a “bar knocker,” you have instantly limited their potential… the dog’s future has been defined.
Be vulnerable. Consider yourself as the source of your dog’s struggles, that you have challenges that require more knowledge. That should spark a hunger for education, for better mechanics or for more clarity in your choices for your dog.
When you get to that vulnerable place as a dog trainer, it opens up the endless possibilities for every dog each of us will ever own in the future . . . just like Buzz has done for Swagger and I . . . and each of my dogs I will ever own for the rest of my life.
Today I am so very grateful for the opportunity to have owned, loved and learned from such a very special dog. I miss you already Boo Boo boy.
Cedar’s High On Emotion aka “Buzz”
Sept 20 1996 – April 22 2014
When i got my first Malinois a friend gave me Shaping Success. Initially I didn’t understand it as my excuse was “I don’t do agility”. But Buzz… well he sure kept up with these high drive Malinois so I felt very intrigued.
I always enjoyed hearing about Buzz and seeing a glimpse of him in Susan’s coaching calls.
His spirit and all what Susan shared so generously with us will live in my heart.
Buzz is one of my heroes and his legend will live on.
Susan and John, what a tribute to an amazing dog…the first time I ever saw Buzz, I mean “heard” Buzz as he was “on deck” I had to watch…wow I’m glad I did…my heart goes out to you both…they bring us so much joy while we have them and so much pain when they go…rest in peace red boy…
Laurie
I cried for the love that poured from this special piece. Thank you and Godspeed Buzzy.
Run free Buzz xxxx
A couple of poems for both You and John.
Before I grow too frail & weak,
and all that’s left is peace in sleep,
I know you’ll do what must be done,
to end this fight that can’t be won.
I don’t fear death as humans do,
so let me try to comfort you,
come let us take a quiet stroll,
and share some quietness soul to soul.
No need for word twist you and I,
no need to say a last good-bye,
we’ve grown so close in mind and heart,
it seems so cruel that we must part.
Be sure I sense the pain you feel,
without me walking at your heel,
the days will feel full of despair,
your sunshine simply won’t be there.
In time the pain will slowly wane
you’ll think of me and smile again,
you’ll speak of love and pride of me,
your extra special Buzzy.
Now take me where my need they’ll tend,
and stay with me until the end,
hold me close with soft goodbyes
till life bright light has left my eyes.
The final sound I need to hear
Is your soft voice upon my ear,
your loving face will fade and dim
as the rush of heaven closes in.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
They say memories are golden,
Well, maybe that is true,
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
One million times I cried,
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life I love you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place,
No one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway,
And heartache makes a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven,
And bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing is the same,
But as God calls us,
One by one,
The chain will link again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
No sadder day than the day we must say goodbye to a loved and treasured family member. Buzz has taught us all so many things from the book written about him. Shaping Success.
Lessons learned by Susan from Buzz which have been shared with so many people have brought enjoyment and enrichment into so many dogs lives around the world. A hero to Susan, a Treasured Icon to us all. You will be sadly missed, rest in peace Buzz, as your legacy will live on in Swagger 🙂
So sorry to hear of Buzz’s leaving. I think all of us who train with you have a lot to thank Buzz for, in helping you become the brilliant trainer you are for us all today.
I’m so sorry to hear of Buzzy’s passing. His story from Shaping Success has influenced me as a trainer forever. Thank you Buzzy for being such a great teacher to so many. Tears.
We are so sorry to hear about Buzzy. I will never forgot you playing a game of “Smoke ya” with him years ago. He had so much joy for the game. Vicki and Roger
Thinking of you all this evening and celebrating a life well lived. I can’t thank you enough for sharing him with us, Susan. You’ll be remembered, always, Buzz…
So sad 🙁
I wonder if Buzzy realised how many other people around the world he influenced – both from your view in his training via the book and your other writings and even moreso in his endless joy of life.
I always thought he was an old soul sent to teach some lessons – but boy did he have fun along the way – what a fun-filled, super-charged, wonderful life they two of you shared.
RIP Buzzy
Do not sit by my grave and cry,
I am not dead, I did not die.
My body lies still in the soft dark earth,
But my spirit soars wild and free.
When it hurts so much that you cannot breathe,
Stand still, close your eyes and let it be.
I never left your side while I lived,
And I will not leave you now.
Look for my shadow in the twilight,
Listen for my voice in the dark,
My spirit will ride on your shoulder until the end of time,
And I will live in your heart until we meet again.
Written for Tess.
I am so sorry. Godspeed Buzz.
Buzz was an inspiration to me. I’ll never forget getting splashed by his spittle as he was coming off an aframe near where I was ring-crewing. I thought “Wow,.. Want a dog just like that!!” Didn’t get a red one or even a particularly talented one, but did get a great hearted, forgiving teacher, like Buzzy was. And it was wonderful.
My condolences to the Garrett family on this sad loss. Bark your head off, Buzz.
Godspeed Mr. Buzz. I’ll never forget the brief moment you were my “loaner dog” at camp. I’d never experienced waves of energy like those you gave off, and that was “at rest”. Lots of good memories of an enormous character.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I never met Buzz, but through your writing and online courses he has taught me so much. My three Siberian Huskies are eternally grateful to Buzz for teaching their mom so many new and wonderful things! Condolences to you and yours.
Susan & John,
My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest in peace dear Buzzy. Like so many others, I came to know you through Buzzy. Susan, I am grateful for the path you you went down with Buzzy, and your willingness to share it all so freely with us.
When I met Buzzy at the ICP live event, I felt like I was meeting a rock star. He was such a trooper. And the Buzzy bomb in our group picture is even a fonder memory now.
Godspeed Buzz. Hope you get to swim & scream all the way across the bridge!
Susan and John,
Buzz taught us all – and we are grateful that you had such an amazing ride which you generously shared with your students. I hope you find some comfort in this poem which has meant the world to me. Hugs…
“Parable of Immortality”
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs
like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says,
” There she goes! ”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight . . . that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment
when someone at my side says,
” There she goes! ”
there are other eyes watching her coming . . .
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . .
” Here she comes! ”
Author: Henry Van Dyke
Thanks for teaching us all so much Buzz!! <3 We will always love you. xxxxx
So sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing. You all had quite the journey together and we are so grateful that you were willing to share if with all of us. The world of dog training and agility has been impacted by an amazing team, never to be forgotten! I especially loved your blog today. After reading it I knew that the tears sliding down my face were for Susan, John and all those who Buzz touched. They were also for all of us too, as someday we will all have to face what Susan faced today.
Thanks for sharing Susan. Your words certainly go a long way to tell everyone to appreciate and enjoy your time with your furry best friends/teammate. It’s very respectable that you could use something so sad and heartbreaking and turn it into something positive for us all to learn from. Buzzy was lucky to have such a patient and driven teammate. Sorry for your loss.
Susan, I know how bought this is to say goodbye to one who was so instrumental in shaping you into the person you are today. Godspeed Buzz, you helped more people and dogs than you will ever know. Heartfelt sympathies to your family! Peace.
Ahh … now he has wings. Look out heaven! What a wonderful life he had. So sorry Susan , it is hard to be left behind.
Susan and John, I am so sorry to hear about Buzz. What an amazing dog and teacher to so many! Godspeed dear Buzz.
Oh Susan, I am so sad to hear of Buzz’s passing. You shared Buzz w/all of us and we will be forever grateful. He was an amazing dog that was blessed to have you. Many hugs to you. Thank you for sharing your’s and Buzz’s journey with us.
sorry for your loss, feel that pain…<3
Susan and John, I am so sad to hear about Buzzy’s passing. What a lovely tribute to a memorable dog. Yes, “Holy Shit … What a ride” really does sum it up for him. I remember at the end of one USDAA trial you gave a seminar and you had Buzzy in a 2off/2on position on an AFrame during most of your talk. We were all amazed as he just happily stayed in that position with his tongue hanging out just like the picture above. Thanks for sharing the lessons. Really love #1. My best advice is what someone shared with me during my big loss … “there is no need to fight the sadness and grief – let it wash over you and cleanse you”. Take care …
Sorry for your loss, but thank you for the lessons. I have felt, thought, and lived all of these.
Ninette
Wonderful tribute to a very special boy. Hugs to you and John.
so sorry to hear of Buzz”s passing. He truly was one of the greats. Thank you for sharing your lessons learned and for sharing so much of Buzz’s journey. Condolences to you and John.
As I read the book Shaping Sucess I kept thinking this is the best book. Then I realized it is about a real dog. I guess real dog says it all. Go with God Buzz, may the spring come back into your step and your eyes shine clear in bright. You are always in our hearts.
I’m so sorry to hear about Buzz. It is so hard to say “good bye” our oldsters when they tell us it’s time. Thank you Susan and Buzz for sharing so much with us. Because of you both, we have all learned so much.
Susan, I’m so very sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing, 18 is just too young!
Being from the Westcoast I only had one opportunity to watch you and he compete “live” at the Vancouver Nationals, what a great team!
Your many wonderful memories will sustain you.
God Speed Buzz – I have vivid memories of watching you at the very first AAC Nationals in Calgary. You definitely lived life large!
Condolences for the sadness of Buzz’s passing.
Buzz is my hero!
Dog speed Buzzy, I hope we meet again.
So very sorry to hear that Buzz has passsed. Buzzy made an indelible print in the sport of dog agility. He will continue to impact dogs and how they are trained for generations to come.
Thank you for your loving words. May your fond memories give you peace at this sad time.
Buzz will always be there for you and will most likely be,watching you continue to build your training techniques with the rest of your dogs. Thank you so much for sharing Buzz and your lessons with the rest of the world.
I’m so sorry to read this. No matter how long we have with them it is never long enough and they take a piece of our hearts when they go.
I’m grateful that I got to meet Mr. Handsome.
Susan and John I am so very sorry for your loss of Buzz. Thanks to you for sharing him with us and allowing us to follow your journey with him in Shaping Success and beyond. Although I never met Buzz in person, I can say without question that his presence in the world certainly changed me and I know countless others as well. God bless you Buzz. Sending hugs to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace Buzz. You lived an amazing and long life. Hugs to Susan and John.
What a life he shared with you, what lessons he taught, the love given and received, the final selfless gift you gave to him. Rest in Peace Buzzy and thank you for being you. Take care Susan and John xx
Thank you Buzzy for being you. So thankful for the fact that your Mom was such a good student and allowed you to teach her. Even more thankful that she’s also a great teacher and we’ve all benefitted in so many ways from that. You were a one of a kind, special, “crazy wonderful” man and so many loved you. Thinking back to all the times you made me laugh……hugs to Susan and John. Thanks so much for sharing Buzz with all of us.
Buzzy will always be my hero!
He will live on forever in so many hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us. I’m so glad to hear he even got a Big Adventure on his very last day 🙂
My deepest condolences to you and John in your loss. My heartfelt happiness in the memories that you and Buzz shared not only with each other but with the world. A true inspiration and his loss is being felt around the world.
The work and challenges you both have faced and shared have changed the lives of SO many dogs and their owners forever… Thank you both. <3
Thank you for sharing Buzzy with us. His personality won our hearts, and that opened the door for him to teach a generation.
RIP Buzz. He did his very best to live forever. My heart is heavy for your loss.
Goodbye, Buzz. Thank you for the great lessons you taught us all through your mom.
May the joys of your life with Buzz bring you more beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing your “Buzz lessons” with all of us. A difficult time, be kind to yourself
After reading this beautiful story of the lessons you have learned from Buzzy I am reminded of the quote “You don’t always get the dog you want but you do get the dog you need.” How lucky you were to have Buzzy to learn from and how lucky for all us that you were willing to share .
Sending my condolences to you and John.
Rest in Peace Buzz
Godspeed Buzz. I feel like I grew with you. As your earth Mom learned, so did we all- a heartfelt thank-you to all that you are (for you will always be).