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!