When I walk my pack, I get glares. Sure, from people, but mostly from dogs… the tiny chihuahuas stand like soldiers and stare me down, the rottweilers lean forward. Where I live, people tend to walk their dogs off-leash and don’t come when called. After so many encounters and so many dogs charging my pack and so many surprised expressions …
Source of Shame
“If I had a horse buck with me now, I’m a little disappointed. It’s not the end of the world, but I’m a little disappointed if I couldn’t keep the horse out of trouble, whereas it used to be a source of pride, and now it’s sort of source of shame if I let the horse get lost.” – Buck …
Active & Passive
“There are two states of being with a horse; active and passive… One you are directing, the other you are allowing under your awareness.” – Kalley Krickeberg Active is when we say: “Could you do something?” or “Could you change what you’re doing and/or how?” Passive is when we say: “Yes, that’s what I wanted… Thank you. I’ll take pressure …
“Look To Me For Help…”
Animals don’t trust a human to make decisions, right off the bat. An animal trusting us to make decisions, and looking to us for help, is also an “obedient” animal. They do what we ask of them because they think, “She (or he) has my best interests in mind.” I’ve been keeping this in mind while I train. Training my …
The Best Video
If I were to show someone a video that holds everything I stand for and all that I strive to be – it’s this one. Karen Rohlf is one of my top idols and this is a perfect example why! Enjoy. I don’t want to write that much in this post, because the video says it all. (Oh, but I …
“Go Ride a Carousel…”
How weird is this?? I came across this picture and just stared at it for at least 5 minutes, wondering, “Why would I ride a horse if not for fun?” At one of the barns I ride at, the riders don’t have fun with their horses under any circumstances. EVER. I never see them smile when their horse does something …
Unexpected
Lately, my assumptions have really been proving me wrong… For example, I tend to find very small dogs obnoxious. Of course that could be translated as: I tend to find the owners of very small dogs obnoxious. I always encounter small, yappy, hyper, small dogs while I’m training. Another example: people match “old lady” with “helpless, slow, non-dominant”. Well, here’s …
Doggone Tired
“That’s my credo – My work is play. I don’t complain about work. I enjoy it. I like the feeling of being able to lay down at night and you’re so doggone tired, you’re just hoping to get undressed before you fall asleep.” – Buck Brannaman It’s pretty perfect that I came across this quote today. My “work day” started …
At The Sight Of Snow
On my drive back from Berlin, I was greeted with inches of snow covering the landscape – causing the trees to hang under its weight. I was as excited as a 6 year old and couldn’t help but pull over into a gas station parking lot. One by one, I let the dogs out to stretch and do their business, …
DVD Update
My DVDs, Your Dream Dog, are done! Part 1, in English and German, will be out this month. I had planned to have them ready to ship at the beginning of October, but I’ve had difficulties with my computer. I know some of you have been waiting for a long time, and I really appreciate your patience! I am working …