I have some exciting news to share! Some more of a personal nature, and some for you.
Going back to school…
Little did I know when Milo came to live with me, how much he would change my life. Working from home for myself, in the pre-Milo days, it was easy for me to stay inside and some days not even see another person. Now, I adore our early morning walks and meeting and chatting with people on the street. Milo has quite the fan club and many doggy friends in our neighbourhood. I’ve even met a fellow quilter that I hope to get to know better as our dogs have play dates in the future.
That adorable tiny puppy of 10 weeks pictured above has grown into a wonderful young dog who will turn one year next week. Time sure has flown. He’s outgrown his first bed months ago, but still loves it. He’s constantly moving his two beds around the apartment to find the perfect place.
Like any puppy, he can be naughty at times, but he’s always very sorry.
Anyway, back to my news… I’m going back to school this Fall. I’m so excited, and very nervous too. I’ll be taking a Pet Dog Certification Training Program. While Canada (and the USA for that matter, as I understand it), doesn’t have an overseeing body for dog certification courses, the knowledge and experience I’ll gain in the course will allow me to apply to be a certified pet dog trainer.
The course is being offered by the Ottawa Canine School, the same facility where I took Milo for his puppy kindergarten class and other play dates. I really like their approach to training dogs motivationally and not by force. I still have nightmares of the first training facility I took Milo to and the abuse he endured at the hands of that aggressive trainer.
The course is pretty intense with 10 hours in class time and at least that amount working on my own at home reading materials, doing exercises and training Milo. It runs 18 weeks, with one reading week and a break at Christmas. Graduation is early February. In order for me to pass the course, Milo also has to pass Basic and Intermediate Obedience courses as well as Agility Level 1. He should already pass the basic obedience course, so we’re well on our way.
I was never a very good student, but I feel quite passionately about the subject and hope that I will do well and pass with flying colours.
As for this site, I don’t foresee any changes. Things will continue on as they have been. We have our Glorious Autumn Block Party starting next week and the Weekly Contests will continue. I will have to be more careful with my own time management and keep my priorities in check. My other web development business isn’t too busy, by choice, right now, so that will allow me to dedicate my time to this new adventure.
Ok, that’s my news! My long weekend will be spent getting organized! I’ve just this evening acquired a new desk from my moving neighbour which will result in me reorganizing my sewing and office spaces so that they are more efficient. Plus, I have to make a trip to the local office supply store to pick up back to school supplies (zippered binder!!) and I must order my reading materials for class too.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Michele
Wow Michele… a year already??? time flies! All such very exciting news! Congrats!!!! Enjoy!
Son noticias buenas, espero que salgan según tus deseos
ane
Good luck in your new adventure.
I have been a dog trainer for over 20 years and it is very rewarding though frustrating at times. The dogs are easy to teach it is the owners that are the problem!!!
I love to ‘hear’ the giggle in your writing voice! I am delighted for you, as you can imagine! Going places and doing things of the heart are so good for living. You go, girl!
Milo has got to be one of the cutest pups of all time, with the exception of my Magoo of course. You’re right, if you want to meet people and walk a lot – get a dog. The best thing I ever did, even though it hurts to lose them because we outlive them, it’s worth it.
Good luck with your studies! What a fabulous adventure and wonderful that you can share it with Milo!
It all sounds so exciting!!! I wish I could go to Ireland. On of my dream vacations.
Good luck with everything and HAVE FUN!!!
Good luck to Milo, too!
how exciting! good luck with everything.
How exciting. Enjoy the dog training and what a wonderful vacation to be able to plan. Have fun.
Good luck with you going back to school. I wish that the USA had some sort of way to keep the bad dog trainers from training dogs. I just had a bad problems with the dog trainer I took my little dog to. The trainer drug my little dog around the floor because my dog wouldn’t do what she wanted her to do. My poor little dog had raw spots on her chest! We stopped going and told her boss about it. The trainer is still training dogs!
Milo is sure a cutie!
Heavens, has it been a year already? If you asked me I would have said four months………birthday wishes to Milo, you have grown into a gorgeous little dog!
All that and planning another quilt along for us beginners. Good luck with school, it will be different now as it is something you are totally interested in. Milo looks very sweet and aren’t they great company? Good luck in the coming year Michele and thanks so much.
Such exciting changes for you Michele! Congratulations!