Running Dog Walk

[k9kreationz]

One thing I dislike is the elitist attitude this has. Only the wealthy are good enough to learn my rc method!

Just wanted to send you some hugs your way. I've been having a horrible year myself. Hope things are looking up.

I agree. If you truly wanted to "rule out people" then instead of opening it up to the public, she should have ASKED specific people if they want to train. At least that way, she's picking people who won't waste her precious time.

Like I said, the only way I'd pay that much is if she trained my dog herself. And by that, I don't mean show me how to train, but that she trained the dog 100% herself then gave the dog back to me. At that point, THEN the $5k is worth it. I mean, for $5k, I can send my dog off to those training places and have him trained for everything under the sun (therapy, assistance, protection, etc).

 

[SheltieChe]

I have talked to people who have taken her seminars(world team people) some liked her some didn't.I heard she was nasty and not overly friendly but also heard she was"Fabulous".Again what works for some people may not work for others.Like I said before I am not a huge SG fan and would never pay $5,000 to any trainer.If I have to pay that kind of money to play agility then I guess agility is not for me.I like winning just as much as the next person .

Anal retentive personality people with OCD rarely cause those warm fuzzy feelings " oh, what a nice person, I just know we are going to be best friends" Add to it acerbic wit with razor shape comebacks before one can even think of reply...

 

[tofu pup]

I've been reading this thread with great interest. I'm not an agility person, and all I know about Susan Garrett I've learned from clicking links on this Forum, but it's so interesting to think about how people place value. What is $5,000 worth? What's a running dogwalk worth? How about a year of personal support from the trainer you idolize?

It's hard for me to justify it - you don't make money at agility, so your 5k is an investment in something intangible (a feeling of mastery? a feeling of success?). What does it even mean to have a "mastery" of agility? What good does it do in the world? Isn't it enough to have fun with your dog, give your dog a job, and get some exercise and fresh air for the both of you?

But then, how much would I spend towards breeding the next BOB winner at the National, in stud fees, vet bills, etc.? How much would I spend on conformation shows (where you certainly don't win money, and which are essentially pretty silly)? You can burn through $5,000 pretty quickly, especially if you're using a handler.

Besides, if I had unlimited money, I'd give it all away to Oxfam.

But seriously, it all boils down to what you value most. Everyone has a different perspective on what those intangibles - a spot on the World Team, a national specialty best in show winner - are worth. I've enjoyed reading your responses and thinking about how it all works for each of us.

 

[ortegah]

It's hard for me to justify it - you don't make money at agility, so your 5k is an investment in something intangible (a feeling of mastery? a feeling of success?). What does it even mean to have a "mastery" of agility? What good does it do in the world? Isn't it enough to have fun with your dog, give your dog a job, and get some exercise and fresh air for the both of you?

I made money once. I won steeplechase and won $13! Doesn't that count for something? <---Totally tongue-in-cheek

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I truly think we are at a crossroads in the evolution of the sport...
With the popularity of the sport comes that so many more people are entering trials now... I bet organizations are going to start making teams qualify first somehow...

 

[Phebe*DD]

I truly think we are at a crossroads in the evolution of the sport...
With the popularity of the sport comes that so many more people are entering trials now... I bet organizations are going to start making teams qualify first somehow...

I'm not certain that is on the immediate horizon. As long as we're willing to pay the entry fees, I think they'll keep letting us weekend warriors compete.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I'm not certain that is on the immediate horizon. As long as we're willing to pay the entry fees, I think they'll keep letting us weekend warriors compete.

seriously hope so, I must get started on treibball... lol
Thing is that the trials around here now last every day til 7 o'clock in the evening where before apparently they were over at 4, lol

Big Masters groups...

 

[3Stars]

Btw - I don't think SG is a legend, obviously she is admired and has some valuable advice. But then I admire the people who are able to train a Chinese Crested or Pug or a British Bulldog to do dog sports - now that takes stamina and creativity.

I thought you might enjoy this - it's my training partner's dog...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHaXDd39-Nw

As far as elitism goes - I'd say all aspects of dog training have an aspect of elitism, and it's really starting to bother me. The original idea behind any type of dogsport was to have fun and create a relationship with your dog - not to make it create an elitist, money-driven mentality. She charged the $5000 because she can, and whether or not each of us individually believe she is deserving of that money, obviously at least 5 people thought she was. But what's next? Rear crosses for $10 000? As long as people are willing to pay, she will meet the demand.

As for myself, I would prefer to donate the $5000 to a dog rescue organization and save lives with it - I can continue to work on the running contact on my own, and be perfectly happy with the learning experience.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

Holy Crap, Tara is there anything you don't train? lol
I love it, NOW that is what the sport is about to me, I had tears in my eyes, love it!!! Look at him running, deefying gravity and expectations!!
Just like my friend with a deaf, drive lacking Border Collie and a Borzoi.. Defying what drawer people want to shove you in

Adorable

 

[Sharon]

Running Dogwalk

For $5,000 I would buy all the equipment.