Retrieve Course Questions by Rebekah Fitzgerald (Kratos retrieve handler)

1) What did you learn about yourself during this RC? 

 

When Roxanne was first telling us about the retrieve course I was a little worried. She told us that this course would help push dogs and owners past their "life hangups" and get them both to a better understand of themselves. I had no ideas what that would intell for me. My concerns were compounded when Corban got injured and was unable to keep going through the course with Kratos and I. I was honestly uncertain if I would be able to handle the backlash if I failed at sucessfully graduating Kratos from the course. I had to have a sit down with myself and promise that I wouldn't give up no matter what and that I would help Kratos push through his struggles. It wasn't easy. All of you witnessed, at some point in time, the incredible physical strength that Kratos has and his defensive outlashes of biting. But we made it! And we did it in style! I have never been more proud to have not failed a single test in a course before haha! I guess the biggest thing that I learned about myself is that I am able to handle the hard situations, even when everything is crashing against me. I won't give up or back down. I will do whatever it takes to push through and give all the support that I can to those that need it. 

 2) What did you observe or learn watching other people work dogs during this RC? 

 I learned that when it comes to working with animals that I am a "hard" person. I love animals and I have worked with them my whole life. In watching all of the other trainers and dogs together, it made me see that some handlers try to be passive or lax with training and that some try to be harsh and overbearing. It is very hard to find the right fit for each animal that you work with and being flexible in your training style is even more difficult to do. A "soft" handler and a "hard" handler will approach dogs differently. It is imperative that as handlers we find the means to be flexible in our training and rise to meet the needs of our animals. 

 3) What was the MOST unexpected result of THIS RC? 

 I would say that the most unexpected result of the course is the complete change in Kratos's attitude. His whole demeanor has shifted and his trust in humans has been rebuilt. We were hopeful that this would happen, but the changes are so profound that you wouldn't believe he is the same dog if you hadn't seen him go through it all. When we first rescued Kratos, he was quiet and reserved. He didn't search out attention and didn't go out of his way to be around people. He was dog aggresive and aggressive with children. That has all changed. He actively seeks attention from anyone who will give it to him, including kids. He loves to meet people and now has a little more "typical" husky attitude and talkitiveness. He is no longer outrageously dog aggressive and we are slowly introducing him to more and more dogs (while being extremely cautious). We couldn't have asked for a better turn out with this course and with Kratos.

Retrieve Course - What I learned from Corbin Fitzgerald

 Backstory: 

I first heard about Kratos from my pet groomer who heard from another friend that a dog was going to be put down if he was not rescued from the local shelter because he bit his owners 4 year old girl. No one knows the true story, all that is for sure is they heard a crash, a snarl, then a cry from the little girl after he bit her in the face resulting in 13 stitches. I have since learned that Kratos was constantly abused by all of the children and there are many signs of foul play around his stomache which leads me to believe he was repeatedly abused. After picking up Kratos and taking him home, I noticed that he did not seem very comfortable around little children and about 2 weeks later, my niece was snipped at when she decided to get in his face and hug him while he was laying down. I quickly lost my marbles and decided to contact the previous owner to let her know I could not keep him. She ghosted me and refused to answer the phone or return my calls. I then contacted Roxanne after being reffered by my groomer and we set up a meeting to test his temperment. After a session with Roxanne and her dog Sugar, it was determined that he was very headstrong and dominant as the Alpha. We went through the entire FC with a muzzle always on while working. By the time we were done, he was very submissive with the muzzle on and did very well through the remaining course. We then started the ecollar program and working with the muzzle off. He now listens to the sound of a high pitched whistle and returns when commanded.

1) What did you learn about yourself during this RC?

When I first started the RC, my confidence was overflowing after having just completed the foundation course. I felt like Kratos and I could conquer the world and knew without a doubt that we were more than prepared for this course. I soon learned however that I indeed was NOT more than ready for this course. Every lesson had a twist or turn that pushed kratos and I to rethink how we would normally do things and more often than not, Kratos ended up teaching me by always demanding perfection. Even to the smallest detail! I found that half way through the course, I was failing to push him to his full potential and he was quickly losing faith in me as a handler. Luckily and unluckily for me at the same time, I ended up tearing a muscle in my lower back and I had to pass the reigns to my wife Rebekah. I quickly learned that I was not pushing him near as hard as I needed to. I continued to coach from the side, but ultimately it was she that pushed Kratos to be the best he could be and she did a phenominal job. 

2) What did you observe or learn watching other people work dogs during this RC?

I was told at the beginning of the course that I was going to be soft on kratos and I didn't believe it. I pushed him as hard as I thought he needed to be pushed and that was it. During classes, I would notice others struggling to follow basic commands and when I attempted them with kratos, even though I did it completely wrong, Kratos was able to pick up on what was supposed to happen and would find a way to succeed. It took me stepping back and watching Rebekah fight to dominate Kratos to realize that I was not helping him at all, I was slowing him and hurting him at the same time. Even when he snapped and tried to bite her, I saw that he was acknowledging that she was pushing him where he needed it most and after every nasty moment, he succumbed and improved dramatically. Most importantly, I learned that the mental stress of pushing our companions is not only stressful on them, but it can also break the handlers as well if we are not preparing for it by studying, practice, and pushing past our limits.

3) What was the MOST unexpected result of THIS RC?

Perfection is not the final objective. When we believe our dog is perfect, others such as our peers and instructors can and will guide us to see the smallest of flaws that can be the difference between running and jumping at 100 percent in 10 years or having a limp that impairs movement. There is ALWAYS room for improvement and as trainers we should always strive to help our companions become the best dogs they can be. Work itself is and always can be the greatest reward as long as you are willing to work through the tough spots.

In conclusion, the dog that is asleep at my feet is completely different than when he first arrived at my home. While I am cautious while he is in the same room as my children, I know that he wants to be around not only me, but them as well. He always wants to be with us when we are outside and he loves my 2 other dogs as well. I recently did a play date with him and my brothers border collie mix and golden doodle puppy. They all played for hours with no incidents. I am forever greatful to Roxanne for saving my dogs life and giving me the opportunity to restore his faith in humanity. I look forward to our future work together and plan to title him in every way that I can.

I learned about myself through this Retrieve Course by Alice Christensen (age 12)

1. What did you learn about yourself during this RC? 

I learned that I am a softer person. I honestly thought that I was a harder person until I came to the ECs in this retrieve course. I found it so hard to give Mabel an EC! Mabel was very dramatic and made it harder too. 

I also learned that sometimes different dogs take different amounts of time to learn things, and some dogs take different alternatives.  Mabel often took 1 1/2 weeks to learn what other dogs learned in one. It was hard for me to upload those many failed exam videos. It frustrated me that Mabel wasn't understanding very fast, and I actually think some of my frustration came out on Mabel. Throughout this retrieve course, I learned to regulate my frustration and control my emotions so my dog would pay attention. This skill will help me through my teenage years and through the rest of my life. 

To be honest, when Sophie and Roxie left the retrieve course, that was very discouraging to me. She was my age, and if the only other person my age left really early on, what were the chances I would finish? Being the youngest in this RC, I was really discouraged because my level of understanding is not as clear as the older students. (But, they were great leaders and helped me learn!) I am very clumsy and still getting used to the newfound changes I was/am going through. I felt as if me being a clumsy 13 year old would make it so my footwork was not as clean as I wanted it to be, which is true, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. I learned that although sometimes I have difficulties, I can still get the job done, as long as I don't let myself get in my head. Sometimes I just need to stop doubting myself and get it done!

 2. What did you observe or learn watching other people work dogs during this RC?

This dog wasn't in the retrieve course, but Kimber is able to work so well! I was looking forward to Mabel being able to retrieve like Kimber, and by the end of this retrieve course, she was still slower! Mabel will never be Kimber, and will never be quite as talented as her. Mabel will never be Kratos or have Kratos' skills. Every dog is unique and each will never be the same. Work the dog in front of you, not the dog you have worked. Each dog has their skill set. 

Rebecka and Corbin are rockstars! Although Kratos tried to take advantage of them multiple times, they always showed him who was boss. Kratos did really well in this retrieve course, and even on zoom, I could see the change in his eyes and behavior every week. He did so well, and his handlers did too. 

3. What was the MOST unexpected result of THIS RC?

The most unexpected thing that happened with my dog, was Mabel's VERY creative avoidance behavior. I didn't know avoidance behavior like that existed! Mabel still managed to amaze and frustrate me with her attempts to escape. By the end of the retrieve course, she stopped and finally realized that she couldn't escape no matter what. She had to do the task at hand. She believes me now, thanks to being PIC. (Persistent, Insistant, Consistent) But for real, the most unexpected result was me learning more than the dog! I learned so much about myself and so many new skills. 

I hope that this is what you wanted. I love you Roxanne and thank you for being so patient with me. You are more than just a mentor for me, you are a good friend. I look up to you and think you are one of the coolest people ever! 

Special request?

Class (including Corbin and Jessi and Brad and Brooke),

Please take the time to answer these questions about THIS Retrieve Course. 

1) What did you learn about yourself during this RC?

2) What did you observe or learn watching other people work dogs during this RC?

3) What was the MOST unexpected result of THIS RC?

Looking forward to EACH of your answers. 

So proud of EACH of you!

Will upload class video's tomorrow

Been a long day of shoveling 4 truckloads of manure for our berry trenches. Wayne and I are exhausted 😩 so heading to bed. I will upload the class videos tomorrow.

Week 11 EXAM Take 1

Rebekah & Kratos Week 11 Exam