Every now and again I still get calls for dog training. Mostly everyone knows I’ve retired, but since I’ve had the same phone number for 6 years or so, there are still a few cards floating around out there. I got one this morning, from a guy with a new puppy. I called him back and referred him on to a friend of mine who is building her business.
And it struck me, I don’t miss it. I don’t miss it at all. 20 years of my life spent constantly hustling, and I really don’t miss it. I will say, most of my good friends used to be clients, and even my husband was someone I met through a client. So over all, dog training has been good, but 20 years? It’s enough. I don’t miss the endless potty training questions, the general unwillingness to follow directions, the constant pressure of being “on.” I’ll admit, my brain has rotted in the last few months, but my heart just isn’t in it for training any more.
I still love working my own dogs, but that is more about the relationship than the actual training. I still love dogs, I just am really, truly enjoying not being the one held responsible for all their shortcomings.
The funny thing is, everyone is a dog trainer these days. “Left my lucrative career as a lawyer/dentist/fill in the blank here, to follow my passion and work with animals!” I giggle inside. You moron, you don’t work with animals that much, it’s all about people. There is as much, if not more, human psychology involved than there is animal behavior. I spoke to a friend in Texas today and she said the same thing, everyone is a dog trainer now. It’s like the new, cool profession to have. Man, I’ve been a dog trainer since the days when people would look at you like you were and idiot and go “Dog trainer? You get paid for that?” Times change.
I guess I’m a little sad. Dog training was such a huge part of my identity. It’s all I ever really wanted to do. Now I’m just sort of floating along, not really sure what’s next. I’m taking care of my baby, which, I suppose is a pretty important job, but it’s different. I’ve been trying to think lately of what I should “do”, like for money, to contribute, and absolutely nothing sparks my interest. I used to get fired up about training dogs. Teaching classes, private lessons, organizing all the little pieces of it. Now, not so much. What else will I do with myself? Good question. If you come up with any suggestions, be sure to let me know. For now, I’ll worry about getting Q the best start possible, and maybe I’ll clean my house or something when she learns to nap. Hunh…..
Posted on January 2nd, 2009 by michelle
Filed under: The Naked Part, Training
My Dear, darling, sweetly enamored Michelle!
HI!
First I have to say; Thanks a whole heck of a lot for not missing dog/people training. My 21 year old daughter-who-knows-better (in English that means “stupid doodie head”) LET someone “give” her an Jack Russel terrier mix ( I suspect chihuahua so I’ve been calling him Chi-ter…hahahah “cheater”). He is absolutely adorable and the newest puppy I’ve had in my house in forever.
Cats, well they can go right from the bottle to the litter box.
Puppies will pee and pee and pee everywhere, given the opportunity…and since he’s a boy, well, you of all people know what that means.
So why is it that a dog will stop peeing mid stream if he’s growled at (I growl at all my animals, I think it’s funny!) but the poop just keeps on falling?
And why when you tell a human that their puppy is about to pee or poop don’t they give you a courtesy “OK. I’ll take him outside?” Hmmmmm?
So my job as a human trainer is to let the poo lie until the owner does something about it.
It’’s hard not to take over!
Now about you…..
Can I just say that if I could have been a stay at home Mom, I would have been?
There are plenty of things you can do or be as your Q grows up. But Oh, to be home in those first precious years!
Your little one will have you involved in plenty as she grows and you’ll wonder how you’ll ever have enough time for everything.
Uh-oh, the boss is back…
When Can I see you?
Just wanted to update you on the Jack Russel, named Ramses.
He already sits, lays down and “waits” for his food, fetches the tennis ball AND brings it back.
He will still pee or poop in the house if he has a mind to but, it’s gotten better.
He is pretty smart, but as spazzo as the breed is supposed to be, I guess.
I have to thank you, because over the years, you’ve given me bits of advice here and there, and it always works.
So, I wonder….since I’m the one that is training this dog…..it probably makes him mine.
Funny though, Melina is a little jealous of it. Ahh, well such is life!
Thank you again! Your a good Kid!
I hope your well!