Class One and moving on....

Damn I like Sam's classes! While he is covering much the same territory as my course with him last year- it is really helpful to have it reaffirmed and explained; I find clarity and understanding are more complete when you've had a chance not only to hear but to experience the material.   I also look forward to attending the entire course - as my efforts to do so last year were aborted by the Terrible Accident.


Of course I was amused (embarrassed) as at certain times, the Darcyman was referred to as the Terrible Terrier, the Demon Dog, the Little Bastard (all of which are true, I can't deny it). - He, of course, put a lie to it all as both old and new class members (some of whom were more than familiar with Duke the Murdering Terrier of legend) waited apprehensively for the Awful Dog to appear, no doubt breathing fire and dripping poison. Who then trotted in insouciantly with his ears cocked, his tail waving like a banner and proceeded to act like a Perfect Puppy. While I am cognizant through harsh experience this state of affairs is fragile at best (and one can't help but speculate, planned to put his prey at ease and thus easily accessible), I was also ridiculously proud of the little bugger.

It was also reaffirmed that Darcy did in fact draw blood in the last course when he managed to clamp teeth into Sam's legs. Lucky for me, Sam admires "spirit" in a dog and loves to see "fire in the eyes" - the reality that there is a conflagration in Darcy's does not seem to dampen his enthusiasm in the least ...

Sam was (for Sam) relatively politic - I think, like Darcy, he is lulling those unfamiliar with his very large personality into a state of bovine calmness ... all the better to rile up when the time is right...

Some amazing dogs in the class - to someone who cohabits with dogs whose parentage, breeding and genetics are at best, questionable, some of the dogs were enviably beautiful and grounded. One young man brought this magnificent German Shepherd who apparently has Czechoslovakian roots. I love tidbits that Sam proffers - Czech dogs are apparently the most grounded, solid shepherds of all. Used pretty well exclusively for police and prison duty - they are bred exclusively for the "right temperament" - in this case, Sam explained, if beaten to a pulp and they STILL try to get up, then they are bred! It is actually really important to know the origins of your dog's genetics as intrinsic qualities bred over generations will dictate how the dog is best handled - and what the strong and weaker points of its nature reveal.

While learning hard facts on how to deal with dogs generally, I am always delighted with the vast knowledge Sam reveals as he works the dogs (and owners). He is like the Holy Grail of Dog Knowledge - and one of the most striking positives I find about this teaching are those "light bulb" moments when he suddenly and succinctly explains why a certain behaviour arises and how it is engendered.

German Shepherds are strongly represented in the class from the Czech shepherd, to a GORGEOUS long-haired guy called Dolby (suffers from extreme anxiety), a white shepherd (albeit more golden to my eye), a shepherd/hound puppy from the THS (Holly - a sweetheart of a dog - who rumour has it has created some issues with her "mouthing" - umm, puppies MOUTH - they just have to be redirected), a beautiful Newfoundland mix named Farley (also a THS dog) and Miller a highly strung boxer mix (also THS).  There is also an ADORABLE little chihuahua mix, a GORGEOUS, sweet natured grinning pit bull mix (god, I LOVE those dogs - NO ONE smiles like a pittie or is more affectionate, NO ONE), a stunning doberman whose frantic need to please means he is driving himself into an early grave with anxiety and more - all of whom I shall talk about at some point.

Kudos to all the people who attended.  It is easy to become discouraged and disheartened when you volunteer at a shelter and see the sheer number of people who through negligence and ignorance, destroy dogs then dump their problems into other laps.  To see the other side of the coin - people who are caring, committed and ready to make changes (which are HARD, damn it) - to ensure the best life for their dogs is wonderful.

A very BIG cheer to the THS volunteers who are attending not only for their own sakes but have sponsored (out of their own pockets) - some of the THS dogs in order to give them the BEST chance they will ever have to find their own forever homes- you guys ROCK.

Onward and upward ... now beginning the REAL nucleus of the training - will be spending many frosty moments with Darcyman and Llyr (who didn't go last night but WILL be attending but Doug was sick and I just couldn't handle two of them alone) going through their paces.

Reality is, people, there is no short cut. Training requires commitment, repetition and PATIENCE. Sam reiterates again and again, the MOST important part of the equation is PATIENCE ... we can spend our four or five hours with Sam every week but without the day to day follow through it is all a waste of money.

So, Darcyman, strap on your shoes, boyo - school is IN SESSION.