Thursdays Training!

Who Rescued Who?

I currently share my life with my fourth and fifth Cairn Terrier (and a Border Collie mix).  My young Cairn Swayze will be three years old in less than a month, and my senior boy Smudge will be twelve years old in a month and a half.

I have been a dog trainer for over forty years. Can that even be right?  Sorry, I just had an out-of-mind experience as I typed that.  I have done many performance sports with my Cairns.  Back in the eighties and nineties I competed in the show ring with a variety of terriers in attendance (Westies, Jack Russel's, Scotties, Kerry Blues).  When Smudge was young we were actively competing in novice and rally obedience.  I was shocked and dismayed to see that Smudge was the only terrier at the trials on any given day.

Terriers are genetically independent.  They are also very intelligent and can be motivated when you mix it up.  They will not willingly and obediently perform  the same exercise repeatedly.  Keeping it fun and making it interesting will motivate your terrier to be a happy and willing partner in your teaching challenges and goals.

The best thing I have found about training my dogs and competing is not the placements and ribbons (although admittedly they are both very nice).  It is the bonding that has evolved with each dog.  The amount of time we have spent together on this journey has been priceless.  In my younger days I trained and traveled much, usually participating in one or two trials a month in various states (and Canada).  I went to Niagara Falls, saw the falls with my dog, and came home with an obedience title.  A favorite memory is when I received first place in my class, beating the German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors that are known to excel in the obedience ring.  Proudest moment ever.

I do not have the stamina or flexibility that I once had, but I continue to train.  My senior rescue Cairn Smudge will always try to do what I ask of him because of his devotion and love for me.  I have had wonderful relationships and life experiences with all of my dogs.  But Smudge – he is unique in the fact that his whole world revolves around me.  As I work during the day doing data entry, Smudge lies in the recliner, pressed against my leg.  When I am moving around the house, Smudge is my shadow.  And when I am on the laptop at my desk, Smudge is always lying at my side.  Smudge has earned three obedience titles, a tricks title, a Canine Good Citizen title, and he is a certified therapy dog.  

My animals have been a valuable source of companionship and comfort during the year long pandemic.  Smudge has risen above and beyond the call of duty.  I am grateful and blessed to have this little rescue dog share my life.  When he stares at me I feel like he is looking deep into my soul.  I swear there is someone inside that canine body.  It is a mystery that I have no desire to solve because I am just so thankful that we were brought together through divine intervention.

Have you ever had such a deep connection with a dog?  I truly believe I would be hard pressed to have such a positive and rewarding relationship with a human.  Dogs, as we all know, love us unconditionally.  Loyal despite our shortcomings, forgiving despite our moods and mistakes.  Dogs are supportive and trusting, even when we are doubting our own capabilities.

If performance sports are not your cup of tea, find an activity that you can enjoy with your terrier such as hiking.  Terriers love to explore the world, and as they use their eyes, ears, and nose to examine each sight, sound, and smell, you too will gain a whole new appreciation for the things you may have taken for granted before.  Especially now, as it has been necessary for us to put our lives on hold to combat the virus around us, we can now be grateful for the small things.  The lick on your face, the play bow as they roll their ball to us, or the quiet time spent together where no action is necessary.

Do something with those puppies.  A tired dog is a good dog!  And thank you to my sidekick Smudge for his undying love and devotion during a very difficult time.  Love you baby boy.

Dog bless, 

Judy Endo