I once took a music lesson from cello legend Pablo Casals. I asked when he evolved from “student” to “teacher.” He spoke slowly and deliberately in his heavily accented English: “I’ve never stopped being a student of the cello.”
And we shouldn’t either.
One of the best reasons to attend events like Pheasant Fest is the seminars. Watching experts, absorbing their expertise, finally “getting it” is worth the price of admission. And that’s before the exhibits, friends new and old, and generally positive vibe you get hanging out in a room with 22,000 people who love what you love.
Long ago I decided that even one nugget, a scintilla of useful information made sitting for an hour worthwhile. But Ronnie Smith’s overview of dog training and behavior was a headful of invaluable insights. I vow to use his techniques and tools this spring and summer to prepare Manny for a Utility Test.
Sometimes, it’s brand-new information that re-sets your preconceived notions. Other times, it is as simple as a crystal-clear interpretation of a muddy word that unlocks a cascade of training revelations.
The desired end result
In Ronnie’s case, it was using the half-hitch on a dog’s flank to reinforce “whoa.” His rationale (and method) for stopping dogs via flank-based commands resonated in the room of avid dog owners and hunters, many vexed by the lack of success with collar-based direction-correction (including me).
I’ve already ordered the DVD. As we take our baby steps down the path toward Utility Test, I’ll keep you posted.
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Scott- thank you for stopping at my booth at Pheasant Fest- sure wish I could have left the booth to see your presentations. I was pretty fortunate to be across from the bird dog bonanza stage where I watched the Smiths, Mr. Dokken, and Mr. West present all weekend. Those guys are amazing! Best thing I re-learned: why do we feel compeled to “talk” to our dogs. Delmar said it best- there’s a tap, a soft slap, a pinch, and a hard pinch and they each have their own meaning.
Good to see you at PFest. I’ve gotten as far as lowering the volume of my voice, but not to Silent Commands yet!
Ronnie Smith, Rick Smith, and Bob West are three of the best trainers out there in my humble opinion. I personally use Bob’s methods for training but Ronnie and Ricks system are superb. The key is PATIENCE and I need it right now!
I need it all the time.