Ok, I will ask this as gingerly as possible, and please! dont get all crazy... Just be honest...

So you train dogs all the time it is a living and you love it... how do you keep the joy and respect/love for the dogs over all that time, do they begin to all seem like "just dogs" or do you have a unique bond to each pup? Do you feel sorrow when you hear of one passing? do you look forward to hearing about the pups that have been through your prograhm? I guess do the dogs begin to loose their individuality? (sp)

For example, I was a scuba instructor in College I got to dive some of the greatest places in the world but after awhile it just got to be work, and one day I went on a dive had a good time and NEVER got back into the water (that was about 20 years ago)

I can't honestly say I get a special bond with every dog that I work with. Every dog is different, some just like having a job to do and others thrive off the relationship with the handler. I enjoy seeing all the different personalities and the strengths and weaknesses in almost every dog. The ones I bond with are a blast and I always want to know how they are doing once they've left. It's always such a thrill when folks send pics and let us know how the dogs are working for them - so when put in that respect they are unique.

Good dog trainers are like any good teacher. They stay passionate about what they do. We all know the teachers that are that way and those that aren't

My daughter was very average in Math in high school. She got a teacher that really turned her onto math. She still wasn't the greatest at it but she loved it and was no longer frustrated by it. Her math teacher help her choose her profession because of her new understanding and love of math.

Like any teacher I like to hear about how well a dog is working out for the client. Also when they pass I feel bad.

Do I love all my students, would I want to own every dog I train? Heck no,,, but that doesn't keep me from helping that dog become the best retriever it can be.

I know I couldn't just do classes. That bores me. I have to be actively developing a dog into a well trained finished retriever. That's what feeds me and keeps me jumping out of bed in the morning excited about my work.

If you don't have a passion for this work you really don't become very good at it. It's hard work for a modest income with very few real days off if any.

Angie

Be interested to see the answers here, nogeese... could stand to hook up with a good trainer.

Check out Iron Spike Ranch.

http://ironspikeranch.com/default.aspx

I thought he said "good" trainer.... LOL

This is a good question, though. Interesting to see answers.

And you are....??

Not a trainer, but have been around some of the good and bad. Who are you??
I really thought you were being funny.... sorry! But she doesn't claim to be a "trainer" she "coaches"....

Oh so you are personally familiar with Iron Spike and their trainers? Neat! Great folks - beautiful facilities too, huh?

there was an LOL after he said it.

I am not going to make this thread a debate about Ironspike, there have been too many threads wasted on the subject. I have had my own experience as far as looking at puppies and we will leave it at that. Lets go back to the original question...it was a good one...

EasTexHunterRetriever you answered the question as if you do some training of retrievers. Who are you? Are you a trainer? Where is your location? Always good to know the trainers in certain areas...

Yes I do train dogs - Search and Rescue, Service Dogs and some gun dogs.

As far as the other questions you asked - that's my business and this thread isn't about me.

If you didn't want it to be a debate about Iron Spike then you probably shouldn't have made that comment.

Once again thought you were kidding about Ironspike...

Who are you and your location? I know this thread isn't "about" you, but I try to stay current with the breed and trainers and it is always good to know the location of trainers. Search and Reascue is very interesting. Do you have a website?

Belongs in a PM not a thread.

Can you PM me??

And as a note I don't do this crap with pretenses. I say what I mean. Up front.

Super!! Can I get a PM with your info?

phb...you're so worried about who everyone is why don't you post using your name here or just post your name?

Just curious, as an outsider you are really badgering this guy that gave some good information on this post.

He/She gave good info as a trainer. Why can't I ask who they are? A PM is fine with me. I am very involved in different aspects of the breed, field, show, obedience, and would love to get into the therapy dog aspect. Maybe this person as a trainer can help me out. Just curious who they are? Is that so wrong? I am not badgering them by asking who they are, am I? Like I said a PM is fine with me, I respect he/she doesn't want to hijack the thread.

no it isnt wrong, but you didnt answer his question....

I can.... Not sure why you want to know... PM sent

It is wrong when you are not truly interested and just wasting my time. I don't do therapy dogs, so you're barking up the wrong tree.

Wow.....so you can't send me your info? So somebody that might be able to gain some training information from you is "wasting your time"? If you don't want to say who you are then just say that, but please don't tell me I am not interested because I am...

\

You're full of it. I've read your 'interest' on other threads and it goes along the lines of getting fire power to diss and then dismiss the trainer.

Not a can't. It's a won't, because if you wanted my info that badly you would, at the very least, A) tell me who you are B) really send the PM you told everyone you did (but you didn't)and C) know there's a difference b/t SAR, service and therapy dogs, as anyone with a true interest in something does the research BEFORE hitting up trainers for advice.

Like I said - I don't do pretenses. Say what you mean.

I apologize nogeese, I didn't want to hijack your thread.