Mind to Mind Training - Sue Ailsby Overview

It was mentioned that you have a yearly gathering, called "Splash Camp" in British
Columbia, that emphasizes clicker training and field work.  Uh, not exactly - Splash Camp is in Connecticut, I'm an instructor, not the camp owner, and it isn't specifically a Retriever field work camp, it's for all breeds that work in the 
water.  Probably about 3/4 of the dogs at Splash Camp are Portuguese Water Dogs learning both pet water work and competition water trial work.  We've also had Newfies preparing for water rescue trials, and a variety of Retrievers.

My experience with Goldens is that I have shown them in conformation and obedience, judged them in obedience trials and in conformation fun matches (before I retired I was licensed for all obedience, and Working, Herding, and half of Toys), and had many of them as students.  I also ran my Giant Schnauzers with Lab people practicing field work for about five years (they are quite talented and enjoy the water, but their mouths, alas, are quite hard).  

I am intensely interested in all working (and playing) competitions, but do not specifically run classes for JH, WC or WCX trials.  I am currently the CKC Saskatchewan Rep for Agility and Herding (that's two positions, not one ;*D ).  

I am also intensely interested in the all-purpose dog and handler team - that is, the tribulations and joys of working one dog in many different dog sports.

My own dogs, for instance, include a Specials-quality Giant Schnauzer with a Ch, CDX, TT, CGC, HIC, who is trained through the third level of PWD water trial, herds sheep, runs on  a dog sled team, runs three different venues of agility, does flyball, lurecoursing and pet therapy. My Portuguese Water Dog with a Ch, CGC, HIC, third level PWD test (Working Water Dog), herds sheep, runs on a dog sled team, is running Advanced in two agility  venues and Novice in a third and fourth, is learning flyball, and is a certified Service Dog.

Yes, I travel to do seminars - in fact, I'll be in Alaska next April.

My philosophy of training is first, do no harm.  Second, both parties have a good time.  Third, there IS a way, smile and try something else.Fourth, Criteria, Timing, Rate of Reinforcement.

When do I feel a shock collar is appropriate?  Twice in 40 years.  I refuse to use euphemisms like "e-collar".  If we're going to give an animal an electric shock in the name of training, let's at least admit what we're doing so we can respect the amount of force we're using.

Issues involved in training Goldens?  They are "supposed" to be "easy" so people get frustrated when little things go wrong. Sometimes they have a tendency to be over-exuberant, which also frustrates people who expected them to be born with two obedience titles.  And they need to be taught to focus.  Of course none of these are specific to the breed.

What I offer are classes designed to prepare a dog and handler team to enter any training or competition venue - teaching the dog to focus, retrieve, work at a distance, travel well, be handled, and to form a seamless team - who, in short, enjoys learning and working with his partner.  It is my contention that a dog who is capable of these base behaviors is close to success in whatever dogs port his partner wishes to learn.  People who are interested in training their pets, and are not interested in competition of any kind are referred to various students of mine who teach private and class pet lessons.

Return to Hunting Links