Pooch Scoop Christmas 2010

ooch Sc Issue No. 3

December 2010

p

M O NTHLY

Springwood diStrict dog training club inc.

The Ron Amann at SDDTC Story By Ron Amann (Chief Instuctor)

My history with SDDTC dates back to the arrival in the family of Nicky, our first border collie, in 1996 … Although I had enjoyed the company of my lovely collie rough, Bella, during my own childhood, I had resisted the pleas from my own kids for a puppy, introducing instead guinea pigs, a rabbit, mice, hermit crabs, even garden snails as pets.

The Chief Instructor at the time noted that I was always at the oval on a Thursday night watching Lauren and Nicky, and suggested that I start helping in some of the classes and learn to become an instructor.

Over the years since then, I have enjoyed instructing, being on the committee, being treasurer, in the various demo teams, agility, fly ball and other general club activities. Lauren also enjoyed her time with the club – she also eventually became an instructor, was on the committee, did trialling, fly ball and agility and Ron & Nicky joined the demo teams.

However, by the time my daughter Lauren was about 11, it was obvious that she wasn’t going to enjoy most sports and we thought that, apart from a dog being a welcome addition to the family, dog-training may be an enjoyable physical and social activity for her.

When Nicky was old enough, I brought him for the Beginner classes at SDDTC. We enjoyed it, Nicky learned well and we started to join in with some of the SDDTC activities like the street parades for Anzac Day and Foundation Day and obedience demonstrations. After a while, it was Lauren’s turn and she and Nicky started the beginner’s lessons.

Nicky is coming up to 15 years old now – a lovely, doddery old boy who is still very loving although, unlike before, he doesn’t always do as he is asked. I presume it is because his hearing and sight are failing, but he may just be more wily than we think. On training nights, you may see me with Gracie, our 11 year old border collie. She still keeps us on our toes. She is smart and sweet, but she does have a persistent naughty streak!