Ok, I had a big realization today. I have always liked to believe my values, opinions and insights are pretty much aligned with other dog lovers. Today I realized I might actually be marching to the beat of a different drummer… as a matter of fact I may actually be a bit of a jinx!
You see, every year for the past few years we have held little video contests to honour our online students, who work so hard to improve the life of their dog both in and out of the agility ring. I love these contests. I love to watch the stories. I love to watch the transformations. It isn’t about reaching a certain outcome, it is about watching teams grow together.
Well, every year I watch these videos, and like you, I vote on my favourites. Here’s my secret. I have grown almost afraid to vote. Actually, when I do, I secretly apologize to the people whom I am voting for. Here’s the reason. It is rare (i.e. it has only happened once), that any video I have ever voted for to actually be one of the top videos of the day.
On the one hand, I am glad, it means there have been some amazing videos. On the other hand, I am getting a bit of a complex about it. I mean, many times the video I vote for comes in last place… which is still amazing since these are our video “finalists”.
So just in case I may have “jinxed” any of these wonderful videos, I decided I would pick four Handling360 videos that I have voted for over the past two years and highlight them today. From each video I have drawn out a “gem”… a lesson I think is worthy of sharing.
Below I’ve posted the videos with a multiple choice quiz under each one. See if you can match the “gem” to the handler. I will share my thoughts in a couple of days.
Just a tip for you… in case you don’t notice I have planted a fictional “gem” 🙂
Enjoy.
Jan
Loading ...Louise
Loading ...Shelly
Loading ...Helen
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Today I am grateful for the diversity of insights and values across our dog community.
I love all the videos but I’ve watched Shelly’s video 7 or 8 times now since the contest a couple of weeks ago. It’s my favourite video. Each time I watch it, I always get joyful tears in my eyes. I LOVE THESE TWO and I love them together – it’s so beautiful!
I’ve watched Shelly’s video 7 or 8 times now since the contest a couple of weeks ago. It’s my favourite video. Each time I watch it, I always get joyful tears in my eyes. I LOVE THESE TWO and I love them together – it’s beautiful!
I love watching each video, and the wonderful work, through Susan, that owners
have done with their dogs.
I want to thank Susan for putting up free video, the jump and cones. I can do that.
I am 82 years old, have a small muddy back
yard, and not the income to get the equipment.
or go rent it;but my Sheltie knows to go around a cone. I just need to add the jump and we can find fun together.I cannot run.
thank you
Yay Helen ! You’re my kind of girl !
Go girl go Helen, you can’t keep a good girl down!!!! Thank goodness for the wonderful ‘playmates’ in our loves eh!!!!!
Where was the free video? I seem to have missed it
I love these videos, they are BRILLIANT! And this is a brilliant post, for building awareness in others with these real life examples, what we know as ‘the truth’. (I don’t mean that in a judgemental or disrespectful way.)
One thing I love about Jan’s video is her response when her dog got it ‘wrong’ , both in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ footage.
I loved these videos :). Now can you find one that the hidden gem is about bowel irregularity !!!
I’m so pleased to have been jinxed by Susan ????????????
We have continued our journey, getting better and better! My young dog has been bought up on this from day 1, now 2yrs and doing amazing!!!!!
Thank you so much Susan xxx
Love these video there’s a bit of me and my dove in each of them thank you Susan and each and everyone of you
Sorry for the typo, not dove but dogs
A full heart & tears of joy 🙂 Awesome videos XO
I wanted to say “All of the above” 🙂
Though I think I know which was which.
Maybe I’m feeling sappy tonight, but the last two made me cry! Can’t do H360 because my practice space consists of a skinny apartment hallway and a 5×8 rug, but these really are gems. Thanks for the inspiration!
My sister trained for years at her local club. In her small front yard, she had a tire and 6 weaves. Her dog got all kinds of titles , AKC, USDAA, and NADAC. Try and see if there is something near you. The club that I go to lets you rent the agility field for about 5 or 10 an hour if you are a member, and you get the field to yourself, unless you want friends to join you. Look at Susan’s exercises. She does a LOT in her house in small rooms. Don’t give up hope. I LOVE 360 Handling
You can also go into park or ball field as some people do when you need more space after a few months of basics.
All the videos you give us to vote on are full of gems, and all wonderful, but I always end up voting for the ones that touch me emotionally. It’s the ones that make me laugh or cry that I choose. 🙂 For me it is all about what we do for the love of our dogs!
Those were wonderful videos! I cried happy tears for each one of those sweet teams!
Susan, thank you so much for sharing these!!
I know exactly what you mean, as a professional I often feel like I am on a different planet when it comes to things like this!
I thought the hidden gem of bowel irregularity was great fun!!
Handling success comes from patiently building layers of learning with the dog you love. is the correct gem for all the videos.
of course Cure for bowel irregularities is a close second 😉
-eva
I can’t wait to start H360 so that I can get my bowel irregularities fixed!!
😉
All the videos were awesome, but Shelly’s was especially so!
Liz, rofl.
This is the course for you Liz. Not only do you learn handling skills but you fix your bowel irregularities through exercise – your body and brain also get a work out.
What a wonderful way to teach us ! I was reading your blog and thinking “I would love to know WHY she loves x videos and what she sees”
Now, I know.
Thank you Susan !!!
On the upside, looking at the high vote-getters, you learn a lot about the rest of your on-line audience and what they are looking for. 🙂
Well gosh, I voted for the same “gem” each time! Handling success..building layers…the dog you love. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the “gems”.