Intro :) (original) (raw)

-In which country/state are you located?
KY (US)

-What is your experience with training animals?
I've been fascinated with training since I was a tiny kid, and there has always been at least a dog around to practice with. A large chain pet store opened here several months ago and I started working there, where I currently help train dogs of all shapes and sizes, breeds and breed mixes. I LOVE my job and hope to eventually start doing it on my own. I've done a little fostering with dogs as well and have experience training/caring for parrots. Animal behavior has always been a passion of mine, even before I realized how complex it really is.

-What sort of pets do you own?
Due to a divorce, I lost most of my pets (including several birds, three dogs, and two cat). I currently own an eight year old Shih Tzu named Mitzi and recently adopted an approximately one year old beagle/border collie mix (Cricket) from our local shelter.

-Which sort of training have you found works best for you and your animals?
Positive reinforcement 100%

-Are your animals involved in trialing/competition and if so have they attained any titles?
Not at the moment, but I really hope to at least do Rally Obedience with Cricket. I've always loved agility and would like to get into that as well, but I don't think either dog has the drive that is required. We'll see!

-Which forms of training are you interested in exploring?
Agility and hopefully a little performance training.

-Pictures of you and your training subjects:

Cricket

Failed attempt to get a picture of us together.

Yet another failed attempt!

Yep, she's driven.

Tika (sheltie) that I cared for before the divorce and Mitzi, my 8 year old misfit Shih Tzu. :)