I have been showing and training my dogs since 1990.  I've learned a lot about training and that each dog has its own unique personality, meaning that one method of training won't always work for every dog.  I think that keeping the dog happy and motivated is the most important, but the dog should also understand what is expected of him/her before going into the ring where unwanted behavior may become a habit.  In other words, they aren't stupid and will become "ring-wise" and know when they can ignore you.

I totally support legitimate purebred rescue groups and always give that as an option to people who ask me if I know a breeder.  I get asked a number of dog related questions from people who know me because they know that I am serious about doing what is best for dogs and treating them the way they should be treated.

Over the years of showing & training, I've witnessed many things that were disappointing.  People who mistreat their dogs in "hidden" areas of the show grounds; exhibitors who lied to judges to earn titles; treating their dog with disgust IN THE RING when they didn't perform an exercise correctly and handlers that purposely try to spook your dog when the judge is watching in Conformation.  In my opinion, people like this have lost sight of the reason dog sports were created in the first place.  I have learned about dog health from reading, my vet and from personal experience.  I feel health is hereditary and also heavily related to diet and exercise.  My dogs are my pets, my companions and a large part of my life.  For what they give to me, they deserve the best I can give them in return.

Outside training and spending time with my dogs, I like to watch movies, traveling to places with beautiful blue water, sandy beaches, seeing historic landmarks, and now taking my dream car ~ a '69 Chevy Chevelle SS396 ~ out for drives on nice days.

I am trying to learn as much as I can about the mechanics of how everything works.  For now though, I can do some of the more basic things that are mainly remove/replace.  Being a member at Team Chevelle has been very helpful, but I'd be in big trouble without my mechanic.  I absolutely LOVE driving my car and have no plans to ever sell it!  I have wanted a car like this for 20 years & it is so neat to finally have one.  If you want to read more about Chevelles and what I'm doing with mine, click here

 

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