Doggirl Returns
I have returned from the Pet Care Services Association Conference in Orlando inspired, excited and ready to implement everything I learned. Victoria Stilwell (from Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog) was our keynote speaker, and what a treat it was to meet her and hear her speak about the positive dog training movement.
So many people in our industry still rely on “old school” methods of training - choke, pinch and shock collars - and I long for that to change. Victoria made some excellent points: that those methods work, but they work at the expense of trust and a strong bond between owner and dog. Dogs should behave out of a desire to please, and not out of fear of punishment. Using that choke chain or pinch collar tells that dog that the one person he depends on for love, food and support cannot be trusted. It breaks down the bond that we try so hard to build. Our dogs deserve so much better, don’t they? I was honored to be in her presence, and so grateful to have her at our conference.
I met so many wonderful people, learned so much, and came back with so many ideas about how to make DogBoy’s even better than it already is. I believe wholeheartedly in what we do, but there is always room for improvement! So stay tuned for new and exiting changes. And not to worry! The acreage and the playtime are staying put. All the things you love about DogBoy’s are here to stay.
My side trip to upstate NY was also a real treat. I continued learning, got to see the leaves change and finally got my dog (and cat) fix! The NY Sheep and Wool fest was overwhelming, and I hope to return to do it all again someday. I got to stay at a Buddhist monastery, visit an Elk Farm, and got a doggie facial! A big thank you to my friends and family for entertaining me, and filling me with love and support.
Our Training & Wellness Center (fondly nicknamed The Playhouse) is going up so quickly, that every time I take a picture of it, it changes before I can even post the news to you! We are so pleased with the way it is coming.
This week, I am headed to Orlando, FL for my first official Board of Directors meeting, and the annual 