Since this blog is really for my own amusement, I have let it go a few weeks (oops, a month) without a post. I do have more to say, and will get back to it soon.
So, to my 11 followers, I appreciate your support during this drought.
I did receive some good news 2 weeks ago. After having the training classes rug pulled out from under me last year at the shelter where I work, my bosses have decided that there's money to be had in classes (who knew?), and they want me to ramp them back up.
So I will be teaching group classes again, which I truly enjoy doing. I will not be making any more money, unfortunately, but I also won't be working any more hours than I have been, so I can accept the fiscal disappointment (and there are other perks in my job that, at least for now, outweigh the negative of keeping the same pay for more work. One of those bennies is, well, having a steady paycheck and health insurance in a shitty economy. That's not even the best benefit).
The important thing is that Atlanta dog owners will have a decent source for low-cost group training, and I will have a dedicated place to do it, the autonomy to do it the way I want to, and higher-ups wanting it to succeed. The good far outweighs the bad here, and though I do have limits and know them, I am not at them yet.
I love teaching Basic classes to pet owners. I know some trainers hate it, or dislike it, but I love the challenge of trying to play to everyone's learning styles and show them that they can get results with their own dogs with what I consider a minor bit of effort. Once they "get" that, they usually put more effort in just to see how exponentially better their dogs get. It's a win-win. And there are more perks in group class, especially for the dogs.
I'm sure I'll expound more on this in the future.
Yay - You're back!! I'm not one of your 11 official followers but I've missed your writing! Figured you were busy...so glad that the shelter peeps wised up & you're able to start teaching classes again. Enjoy! In fact, would you like to teach my basic class?? it's quite a group this time around and unlike you I find it hard to teach to a variety of learning styles (people and dogs!) Actually you should blog about how you do that! :D
ReplyDeleteI will! I am working on the IACP SafeHands Journal for the next few days, but will do my best to get a blog post up soon. Will I be seeing you next month, by any chance?
ReplyDeleteSadly no....this is generally a busy time of year for me, and I had a few other dog seminars on my agenda as well this year so it wasn't in the cards. However, reading the posts about who's coming, etc. is making me really, really want to go. But I'll be knee deep in Saturday classes so no last minute chaning of mind..sigh. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteWill be looking forward to your next post after you are done with your Journal work. I'm sure that keeps you busy, are you liking it so far?
Glad to hear you're back doing what you love to do! Sounds like it's a much better situation for you; it's always easier to provide a good service when you know you have the proper support to back you up. Congratulations, and good luck!
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Jack@PDB
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