About Painter's Trainer

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. From the tender age of "1" I have always had a dog. At about age 12, I remember getting a very special dog, a breed every child at that time wanted. Her name was "Midge" and she was my Lassie dog, a Collie and what a beauty she was. She was the biggest part of my life and we were inseparable. At that time in my life I knew nothing about formal obedience training but Midge and I plugged along learning from each other and she turned out to be the smartest dog which in turn led me to find out all I could about real training. Midge picked up on hand signals quickly but little did I know that dogs do learn hand signals faster than they learn words. In her own way, Midge taught me a lot about gentle training, training without harsh words or physical punishment and to this day I credit her for how I still continue to "teach with love." Many years later I had two more Collies which at that time I trained in obedience under a professional trainer and I was hooked! Bock, a tri colored Collie was the first to get his CD (companion dog) title and we also dabbled in the conformation ring. Then came Dax, another sable collie who excelled in obedience! This dog received his CD in 3 consecutive shows, always placing first and always with a near 200 score and the entire time he bounced by my side in the heel position! He absolutely loved the ring and loved working and his enthusiam showed. Judges would always comment on what a happy worker he was and even with bouncing, he stayed in the heel position! Dax was truly a once in a lifetime dog and I will never, ever forget him.

During the time I had Dax I was also involved in working with the local Humane Society and belonged to a dog training club where I taught many obedience classes. Also during that time I taught private lessons and taught classes along with another friend. From time to time I would go back into the conformation ring but the obedience work is where my heart lies. Painter, the standard Poodle, is my current "diamond in the rough" so to speak. He is currently enrolled in basic obedience classes and will start a CGC (canine good citizen) class in September '06. He is doing quite well for a 5 month old and I do have high hopes for him in the obedience ring. He can be a clown and that's fine with me as long as he is having fun. I would rather see a dog act goofy at times than to see one with head hanging down and not enjoying himself. A "happy" dog in the ring surely has a trainer who has used nothing but positive training and this is what obedience training is all about...having fun!

Have FUN with your dog!

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