Most of us “dog people” have a regular 9 to 5 job that pays
the bills so we can support our unnatural addiction to dog sports. This job,
for me any ways, is a life draining, soul sucking, and daily reminder of how
fast my life is passing me by.
I don’t mean to sound negative, I am just so disappointed with
the [professional] direction my life took. I never wanted to sit behind a desk;
I wanted to be up and about, working hard, helping people every day. My passion
has always been animals, and my first job aspiration was to be a vet.
It’s a long story, with many twists and turns, but
eventually I ended up here…but, this is actually a happy story, or at least a
happy one in the progress of being written.
A few months ago I decided I wasn’t going to let another day
go by, not perusing happiness. I took a leap of faith, took a chance, and did
something completely out of my comfort zone – I took a step towards making what
I did with my life count.
I was luck enough to be given the change to begin pursuing
my new dream – to be a dog trainer. I know it will be a long process to prove
my “chops”. I know I still have a lot to learn, but it is going to come true.
I’ve been assisting with obedience classes and a few weeks
ago started teaching agility classes. It’s be eye opening as to how much “dog
training” is really “people training”. Keeping students interested and engaged has
been a challenge for my introverted, self-conscious, personality.
I can honestly say that having class to look forward too
each week is making me enjoy my life more, work harder at training my own dogs,
and find my 9 to 5 a little less painful.
So, not only will my blog be about the new adventures I have
with my own dogs, but also helping new agility handlers as they explore the
great world of agility training. I figure most blog cater to the seasoned
agility handler, but there are few too many that encourage new handlers to take
up the sport, or help them “learn the ropes”.
It’s a great adventure and I’d like to help you along in
your journey…