Words of Irritation  By Jim Closson

Why haven’t I seen you? (Apologies to the new  clients, this is article is usually know as  ”Words of Inspiration”) Every month my goal  is to inspire clients to keep working with their  dogs. My sincere desire is to help each and  every dog become an enjoyable family  companion. I have noticed over the last  several years that a small percentage of our clients do not take advantage of the group classes. So instead of trying to inspire you this month to make a change and do better with your dog I am going to take a different approach. In order for you to truly make a change, some of you need to be irritated enough to get off the couch and help your dog. So your first job is to put down the chocolate bon bons (trust me, that is hard for me to do) look in the mirror, and ask yourself a question. Am I the best friend my dog ever had? Well, are you? Here is what could happen if you have not been there to help your dog become proficient and fluent in the English language. Picture this, you and little Champ are out front enjoying the warm weather doing some yard work. Champ is lying by your side, stretching out. You get involved in how beautiful your new flowers are looking and you loose track of Champ. Then you hear it, the screeching sound of tires, the unmistakable thump as Champ goes under the wheels. The scream from Champ as he bolts in pain towards you. He’s bleeding profusely, his body broken as he jumps into your arms and takes his last breath. You are in tears, you will go through, sadness, depression, pain and finally into anger. You will say “I spent $X amount on dog training and it didn’t work!” You will blame me because your dog died. The truth is, I held up my end of the bargain. I AM RESPONSIBLE TO YOU, I will provide you with the Education, Knowledge, Information and Expertise. But I CAN NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. You must practice, you must be Champ’s Teacher, Coach, Counselor and Mentor. Should I apologize for being so graphic, Hell No! You spent a lot of money with me to get results. I want you to get results. With all these extra classes at your disposal, evening and weekend times available. Why haven’t I see you? Don’t give me excuses, give your dog the education he deserves. Because in the end, if your dog gets hit by a car and has his body splattered all over the road, you have nobody to blame but yourself. Irritated enough yet? Hate me yet? Look in the mirror, do you want your dog to be awesome? Then get it done! Get to class, ask for help, that is what Sit Means Sit is here for. Call your trainer, each one of us is committed to helping you achieve your training goals. Don’t let your training money go to waste, and DON’T put your dog into a position where Champ can get hurt.  For those ladies who got upset with me when I was firm with you about practicing, FYI Christina, Brittany and Tyler will be doing all the Advanced Classes…..You wont have to see my ugly mug! You might not like me, but do it for the life and happiness of your dog.

Be the best friend your dog ever had,
Jim Closson