Learning about dogs, how to train them, solve behavior problems, work with their owners and run a successful business is a lifetime endeavor. At least it is for the dog trainers that gather here at That’s My Dog! this time each year.
Every September trainers from across the country travel to SW Wisconsin to enjoy E-palooza. E-palooza is a dog trainers continuing education weekend that attracts some of the best and brightest professionals. I started the event six years ago as a way to support those of us who utilized e-collars as one of the tools in our toolbox.
Admitting to using a remote collar for training dogs can quickly make one a target. (which is why plenty of high profile trainers actually do use them but only behind closed doors…shhhh don’t tell anyone I told you that…but yes, I’ve been hired by a few and sworn to secrecy. Those of us “out of the closet” are easily outcast by most of the other trainer’s organizations who limit their thinking to only one quadrant of the training tool box.
So with no friendly place to openly gather, I decided to “just do it” and create our own educational support weekend. Check out our lineup of speakers this year. We’ve got it all, training, health, business, instructing skills and a couple rocking parties. It is a rocking time for all!
As all things, the event has evolved over the years and the E in palooza represents much more than just the electronic collar. It is about, education, entertainment, enthusiasm, ethics…all the things that the people that gather here represent. It is about creating a higher standard for professional trainers. Trainers that recognize; that learning never ends, that our “job” has an impact with a big ripple effect and that dog’s are one of the most fascinating animals we share the planet with.
I will be posting to the TMD Facebook page so check in there this week to see if you can find the purple hat! 😉
It is time to palooza!
Robin, you said,….”It is about creating a higher standard for professional trainers.”…
Robin, you accomplish this through your training programs: education, ethics and fun while learning (entertainment). You make learning fun and inspire others to be the best they can be for themselves, for the dogs, for their students and simply because it’s fun to do. Thanks for all that you do!