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Balance Point Linda Koutsky Menomonee Falls, WI Watchin4Me@aol.com |
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I'm the gal who's tried it all. Okay, so maybe there are one or two methods I haven't fully explored but you get my drift. I'm not naturally talented or gifted. I'm certainly not graceful. In fact I've made falling down and picking myself up a specialty. I've learned that when I fall down (either physically or by taking yet another fruitless path in training) that it's in my best interest to just lay there for a moment while I assess the damage. Then I get up and tackle the world again. You've got to admire my spunk! I'm naturally shy and the idea of being creative, of taking a chance, of bucking the established system scared me. Those of you who know me can stop laughing now. Yes, I've changed a bit over the years. My passion for the sport of obedience drove me to change. I wanted to do this sport so badly that I talked myself into overcoming my fears just so I could perform in the ring. What was I thinking? Now I'm in a real pickle. I'm addicted not only to training, but also to showing. Whenever possible I'll venture into the ring just to experience that incredible rush one more time. The competition ring is my playground. But it's also an essential part of my training because I don't care how good a technique or method sounds on paper, I care about how well it works in competition. In my world, if it doesn't work in the ring then it doesn't work at all. Good or bad I want the same dog by my side in competition that I have in training. Everything I do, every training decision I make is with that goal in mind. It's no wonder that I've fallen down a lot. It's no wonder I often find myself perched out on a limb wondering how I got there! I believe that thriving clubs are essential to the future of the sport so I belong to K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls (www.k9otc.com) where I volunteer often. K-9 is an amazing, frustrating, incredible place where members of all beliefs and backgrounds come together. We have our differences to be sure but we accomplish great things when we work together. I think about all the friends I've made, all the good we do, and I know I belong there. I teach for my club and in return I learn from every dog and handler I meet. It's a wonderful education involving both the canine and human elements. I'm lucky. I'm married to a great guy. At first Wayne just tolerated me and the dogs. But then a healthy dose of nagging from me led to his involvement in training. These days he spends his precious spare time working for the sport by holding a clipboard. He doesn't judge often, mostly because we can't show when he does, but it's an activity that he truly enjoys. We've trained dogs and bitches from 3 different breeds. Our dogs have earned titles in conformation, agility, herding, and obedience. Pictured in the photo with me is my current partner CH OTCH Wildfire's Ticket To Ride UDX. Tickie is a joy to live with and a thrill to show. He's one of those "once in a lifetime" dogs. I grew up with a Border Collie so it seems only natural that we live with them now. I love their diverse personalities and the challenges that they present in training. I'm always open to new ideas but my philosophy remains the same; do everything I can to build the dog's love for working, his knowledge, his confidence, and a strong sense of himself. Motivate him to want to play this game with me. If I do these things and if I remain true to my beliefs then I'm always happy with the final outcome. I'm blessed to be able to spend my free time engaged in such a phenomenal sport. I never want to forget that each step I take in the competition ring is a gift and that every run is a moment in time to be cherished. My thanks go to all the talented trainers who have come before me and shared their knowledge. I've learned so much from each and every one of them. |
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