Wait, yes it is!

Especially when it comes to days you are able to attend an amazing dog training seminar.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a seminar by renowned dog trainer, Michael Ellis. He was one of the first trainers using media to connect with dog owners and handlers. He had a DVD series and even some of the first digital training offerings through Leerburg.

As a competitor, he has shown in IGP, Ring, Mondio, and more. An all around great trainer.

I took little Basil (not so little anymore) and was hoping from some insight into better engagement and handling techniques.

It was also Baz’s first time staying in a hotel, so that was a learning experience for him as well. He traveled well during the three hour drive into Oregon for the event and was good in the motel.

The big issue was the first day of the seminar. After a day of travel and then a day waiting in his crate, he was wound up and did not engage at all with me when I went to demonstrate his abilities. A terrible showing in front of one of my heroes. Despite that, I found the day to be informative and fun. Michael was a great teacher and an engaging speaker. Rose City Working Dogs was , as always, an amazing host.

So what was the hangup?

Well, on Monday of this week, I woke up with a terrible pain in my side and back. A kidney stone flareup. I was on meds and downing Tylenol like candy and thought I had made some progress, but after a long car ride and a day sitting in eighty degree weather, I was not well. Remember I said Basil didn’t engage? I don’t blame him. I was struggling! The last couple hours of the work day I barely registered anything Ellis said, as I was too focused on the stabbing pain in my kidney.

After the event, I went back to the Motel 6 and downed more Tylenol. I nearly passed out on the bed and couldn’t even sleep I was so nauseous from the pain. In the morning, try as I might, I could not get myself around to go work a dog. I let the organizers know, I was out.

I made a long and uncomfortable drive home and laid in bed most of the rest of the weekend. Opportunity lost.