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| TC and Inka |
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Most people who take dog obedience lessons, either classes or private, want to improve the behavior of their dog. There are very few that even know about competition in dog sports. But as people learn to train their dog and see the difference the training makes, and the bond that forms between them and their dog, they want to continue the training that they both love so much.
Some people are not interested in competition at all but continue training just because they enjoy it. Meanwhile, their dog is getting more well behaved and people start noticing and complimenting both them and their dog. Some of these people end up competing because they eventually reach a point where their dog can do everything required to get a title, so they think, why not?
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| Inca and her awards |
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Inca's Story
I met Jim Durrance through Ivy Creek Guide Dog School. He was the Director and Head Trainer and I was a very inexperienced Puppy Raiser. I have accumulated four dogs since then and Jim has trained all of them in obedience and/or behavior problems. But my life changed forever the day Jim handed over to me a chubby, black female, Labrador Retriever named Inca. Our personalities were a perfect match, both of us steady and reliable but very insecure. Jim worked with us every week, always supportive, always encouraging. At five months of age, Inca had earned her Canine Good Citizen title. Next, Inca became a Certified Therapy Dog and has brought joy to many with her visits. More training sessions and Inca not only qualified for her Companion Dog title, she placed in each leg of the test. We are still training with Jim and are working on our Companion Dog Excellent title. Jim not only trains dogs, he trains people. Inca and I now have the confidence we lacked four years ago. We are a team and the sky is the limit for us. Thank you, Jim!
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| Judie and Inca |
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