Posted by Butch Cappel
on October 8, 2009, 6:11 pm
99.174.201.23
There are four classifications you put working dog people in. In the beginning you have what we used to call, in the pet industry, the "Hobbyist". Today that may be referred to as a newbie or rookie.
This would be the person that has owned one or two dogs, been to two or three OB classes or seminars, and might have three to five books or videos.
Next is the Technician, This person has learned a specific technique that allows them to get compliance from a dog to go through a patterned system or sport. Getting an AKC CD or a SchH title. they can use a "clicker to get the dog to do several things but don't ask them to do it without the clicker, treat, or their favorite collar. This is where about 75-80% of the club or pro trainers fit.
Then you might become a Trainer. You don't need a technique or gimmick to get a dog to do things, because you know what makes a dog do things, anything, Ring, agility, pheasant hunting, whatever. This would be 20-15% of the people that are currently in the dog business in the U.S.
When you get to the top of your game, when you don't have to Make, a dog DO anything, because you know how to get the dog to Want
to do EVERYTHING you ask then you are called a Dogman, THE LAST 5% (not gender specific)
If you ask a Dogman a training question you will get the answer and if you listen you will also get knowledge that would have taken you years to get on your own. Here is what I mean
Dogman Tony McCallum can give you more dog info by accident than most "Trainers" will give you with an hours consideration. Tony will be giving the opening seminar for the K9PS championship the first weekend in Nov, and here is what you might fall into.
The most profound statement I have ever heard on dog training came fRom Tony when I heard him tell a group "Dogs are born already knowing everything we will ever ask them to do. We just have to tell them when and where we want them to do it." This is what that means.
At a Cowdog seminar several years ago, on the west coast, a man asked Tony "I bought this Cowdog because it was supposed to be smart. I've had it a year and just now taught it to sit!"
Tony stared back at the man, nodded, then shaking his head replied. "Glad you finally taught him to Sit. After a year I'll bet his legs were getting tired of standing!" Think about it....
One more bit of Outback dog wisdom (my favorite) At another seminar the crowd was in awe of the control Tony showed over his dogs, while they were up to a half mile away in the pasture following every hand signal or whistle immediately.
Man raised his hand. Tony called on him. "What brand of Electric collar do you use?" The man asked.
Tony replied, "I'm a dog trainer." then shut up.
"But what kind of Electric collar do you use?" the man insisted again.
Tony replied "Mate, I'm a dog trainer, not an electrician!"
A Dogmansseminar, Nov. 6 K9PS
BE THERE BABY!!!!!
96
Message Thread:
« Back to thread