“The Sydney Dog Lovers Show 2018”
So fast forward 30 years from my last post and I’m at the Sydney Dog lovers show. After 25 years of training, working and volunteering in the world of dogs, again I say… my how things have changed!
I suppose it’s like the change from “Agriculture” to “Agribusiness” which has its pro’s and con’s. On the one hand it makes resources available to many people, and on the other hand it seems to remove “personal responsibility” from the creation of one’s own resources/relationships with those they share their existence with.
I found it interesting as I wandered through the show seeing a myriad of products and services, how much money is being generated by this booming industry. I have always lived by the notion “live simply, so other’s can simply live” I saw this on a bumper sticker on a truck in the mid 70’s and it has resonated with me my whole life. That’s not to say I don’t go without my creature comforts, I like a little luxury just as much as the next girl but is begs the question… How much is enough?
As a member of The APDT it is my job to help “Build better trainers through education” and I think I did a pretty good job of it over the last 2 days. I saw quite a few people have “lightbulb” moments and that made my heart sing.
I often hear people complain “I saw a trainer for a while but they didn’t solve my dogs problem”. There seems to be an attitude that if you pay someone for advice, it will make all your problems disappear. The reality as I see it, is nothing changes without hard work, determination and above all else LEARNING how to achieve desired outcomes.
There were 21 stall holders that were rescue organisations, who give freely of their time and are committed to rehoming of unwanted dogs. These people are to be commended on their altruistic intentions, they said they would love to be put out of business (the ones I spoke to anyway). In “Building better trainers through education” it is our hope to help the individual create a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with their companion of choice and not to treat it as a disposable accessory.
I do not believe that anyone goes into a relationship with any living being with the idea that it may fail. You know the saying, “Sh** Happens” and we all deal with things the best we can. I personally, have never surrendered a dog to a shelter, nor do I know anyone who has. Rehomed a dog, yes that I have done. I believe there are much worse things than rehoming a pet but again I believe in personal responsibility for the choices we make in life.
So I came away from the show with lots of free goodies and a renewed sense of purpose to help others achieve their “right relationships” with those they choose to share their lives with.
Keep learning and enjoy the journey.