Dog Logic University

How it all began…

In 2011, I lost my border-aussie to mast cell disease at just 5 years old.  Heartbroken, I started searching for something to fill the void.  That’s when I happened upon a Facebook post showing the cutest black and white border collie pup sitting in a stocking.  Merry Christmas to me. And a few short weeks later, Kadin entered my life.

Oh, how I was not prepared for him.  From the moment he arrived, he was more than a hand full.  He screamed for the first three days that he was home. Before four months of age, he had bitten me in the face twice and had been kicked out of puppy class for disciplining a yellow lab puppy that ran over while he was diligently working on his sits and downs. 

At 6 months old, the fear based dog reactivity reared its ugly head, most likely as a result of a not so pleasant run in with another dog when Kadin was young.  When I took him to his first private agility lesson, I was told that he may not end up being an agility dog due to his behavior. 

I was sad… and confused… and lost.

I had heard of a good book about dogs called Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson.  Thanks to Amazon, it was at my door just in time for mom and I to leave on our annual vacation with the dogs to Mendocino.  My life was about to change.

After reading it cover to cover, I had to know more about the author, and a quick Google search later, revealed that she ran The Academy for Dog Trainers, a two-year intensive, science based dog trainer certification program. The day I got home, I applied. I had no intention of becoming a dog trainer… I just wanted to help my boy.

Two years of studying, exams, submitting training plans, and videos later, I added the letters CTC to my name, Certified Training Consultant.  I shed a lot of blood (my own), sweat, and tears during that time, but the lessons I learned were worth it.

At last, I could help Kadin be the dog I knew he could be.  But now, I also felt compelled to help others with their “Kadins”.  Dog Logic University was born.

The DLU Crew

My dogs are my world.  I share my life with some amazing canines, ranging from my 5 lb. tripod chihuahua, Dallas, to the 100 lb. livestock guardian dogs that protect my farm.  I have chihuahuas, and terrier mixes, and border collies, and border collie mixes, and livestock guardian breeds, and my special girl, Rayne.  My cattledog.  My protector.

For the past decade, I have been training and competing in dog agility.  Dakota J began the agility journey, and Kadin joined her a year later.  Then came my little Bailey running her heart out.  Currently, I am trialing with my Border Pap, Ripley, and my chihuahua, Bailey.  However, Wicked, my young border collie, is hot on their heels, and soon, I will be back to running three dogs again.

In addition to agility, I compete and train in Rally Obedience.  Dakota J earned her novice and advanced titles before injury retired her from dog sports all together.  Kadin is currently working on his advanced title.  Shortly, I hope Puck and Indy will enter the Rally-O ring as well.

Although I am addicted to training and dog sports, what brings me the most joy in the world is watching my crew. Watching them run at top speed across the property.  Watching them swim in their pond and while soaking wet, roll in the dirt.  Watching them dig holes and bury… and unbury… their tennis balls. Watching them play and interact with each other. 

Watching them be dogs.

Stay tuned for my next blog: “What Is Dog Logic?”