There Are No Bad Questions
If you remember when I introduced
myself, I told you to remember two things. #1. Never Stop Seeking Knowledge. #2. Frustration Begins Where Knowledge Ends.
These are two phrases my wife uses frequently while working with and training horses. When she becomes frustrated it
is always because she is out of knowledge. This is the same for us when working with canines. The fix to this
problem is to seek out the knowledge needed and ask questions of the many knowledgeable trainers and instructors available
to you within the organization. These individuals would love to share the information they have gained, which is needed
for you to excel. There are several things you need to remember when seeking knowledge to be successful.
If you have a question, just ask! I can’t tell you all the odd questions I asked my trainer
when I arrived home with my first canine. I asked questions like, “Does he need a heater bed?” “If
I only have well water is that ok to feed him?” “Should I train him on my days off?” “Why
is he not eating?” and so on. You may be laughing and say, “Wow! Those are stupid questions.” I don’t
think so however. Maintaining and caring for a working dog is a big responsibility and very similar to the first time
a parent brings home their first born child. What do we do when we don’t know how to make a bottle? We ask questions.
I guarantee you, even though your trainer may laugh at you a little, as I am sure mine did when I asked about well water.
They are proud you are asking questions and know you care about your canine and the success of your program.
The same is true as your knowledge advances. I have had several problem
areas mainly with my first canine Neeko. It seems like I was on the phone or texting with my trainer nearly weekly about
issues. The important reason for asking these questions is to, “Fix the problems before they get out of hand,”
as we are all trained to do during our basic course. Where I see problems arise with canine programs is when excuses
are made for the actions of the canine, or handler and the problem areas are not addressed. This happens for a number
of reasons. Sometimes arrogance plays a role in not seeking assistance, other times it’s the fear of asking the
question because you are concerned of what others may think.
That
moves me to the point of why I agreed to write these articles. When I was asked to give my insight of why Neeko / Odin
and I have been so successful, I first thought to myself, “I haven’t even been a handler for that long.”
I began to do the exact things I stated above in a slightly different way. I had the fear of being judged by my peers.
When I got past this fear, I found as I wrote things down, I understood why my trainer requested I share some of my thoughts
and experiences. I actually learned from myself as I began to share the information I have acquired from others during
my short time as a canine handler. It really speaks to what ASCT is all about by focusing on and constantly providing
the knowledge needed to enhance the performance of individuals and their canines.
I have questions every day, and its important we network and reach out to each other to ask these questions.
Very few if any of us have, “Done it all.” But between, “All of us,” I bet we have come very
close. Meaning there is someone out there to answer your question. Don’t be afraid to advance your skills,
ask the question. I have not met a handler, trainer, or instructor who will not be more than willing to give you the
knowledge they have acquired to help further your program! Go ask the questions you have! If I can help you I would love to,
if not I will defiantly point you in the direction of someone who can. Our performance can only be as good as our knowledge
allows!
You can contact me by emailing the orgaization president at asctpresident@aol.com and he will put you intouch with me.
