Just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had at the seminar last weekend! The first day was awesome as the weather was perfect and it was the first time I had ever seen dogs tracking! I loved watching the dogs do what they do best! It really lit a fire under me. I have a goal to start teaching tracking to Levi asap. No doubt watching a master work was just a bonus! Every little detail down to the very placement of your foot was addressed by Ivan. Each and every time the dogs had an issue, simply in minutes Ivan would have it corrected. We watched him teach a green dog that had never learned the out, to out in about 5 repeated tries. Budda bing, budda bang!!

The second day was cold, windy and rained on us all day long without letting up! We dredged in mud up to our ankles and I cant even guess the miles that we walked following each dog on his track. My legs were so sore the next day I couldn't get out of bed w/o holding onto something! Ivan never skipped a beat and you never would be able to tell that we had inclement weather. Each day we were working the dogs from 7:30 a.m and didn't leave until 7:30 p.m. at night, barely stopping to eat! I stuck as close to his side as I could soaking up every word that he uttered! What a blast! My desire to try my hand in Schutzhund increased 100% after watching him! He made it seem so easy! (I'm sure it's not) I even was asked to play the role of the judge in our obedience and protection sessions, so I was close by the entire time soaking it up like a sponge. What a master! What a gift! Truely, someone worth seeing again and again.

Each and every dog that he worked came with a specific issue that otherwise could not be addressed by the handlers...Ivan had them all fixed by weekend's end. Those of you that have had the opportunity to work with Ivan must know what a thrill it is to watch him work. I'm not easily impressed but this one was worth it and then some! Awesome!

Sounds like a good weekend Robbin, glad to hear that it went well.....

Sandy.......I am waiting impatiently for your view of the weekend as well.......

Ah....

Ah....

I'm speechless actually. Then again, maybe not . I was like a little girl in fairy tale land, walking around with my mouth open and camera snapping. I was star-struck....Ivan Balabanov....and I was there. I couldn't believe my good luck. I only got to go on Sunday, got sopping wet from the constant rain, muddy from tracking in the deep soft dirt of a freshly plowed farmer's field, cold from the wind - and loved it all.

Ivan is amazing actually. He has an amazingly even temperament, good-natured, mellow, sees everything and doesn't miss a thing, and quite masterful in skills. Watched him take a dog that didn't know the bark and hold to doing it in the first try and understanding it in 3 tries. You can see his wheels spinning all the time. Friendly and approachable. My camera couldn't get enough of him .

I asked him if next time he's in town if he wouldn't mind working my dog in protection since I'm only training Lear for PPD and not SchH so wouldn't be doing the other 2 phases. Actually before I could finish my question, he finished it for me and said he would definitely do bitework with my dog.

I'll be posting a link on this thread to the pictures I took in the next couple of days.

Can't wait for him to come back this way!

Glad you guys had a great time. Sounds a lot like our seminar!

Absolutely cool.....I am here in Wisconsin waiting for tomorrow to come so I can go see what all this Mondio Ring stuff is all about. I am really looking forward to meeting Michael Ellis and I am really thankful that Cindy and Ed put up with me and all my nervous banter.

This time I was much less nervous than last...hee hee

I was supposed to attend this seminar, but I couldn't. I really wish I did! I'm so jealous of you guys! GRR... Next time he come, I will make sure I go! :p

Robbin! I finally decided to register on here so I can keep my eye on you! (LOL)J/K The seminar was definitely a blast... working in the rain and wind is what it's all about!

I am so jealous! It sounds like you all have had a wonderful time! I love going to the club to work, but to work with a trainer like that, and to see him work so many different kinds of dogs at once… Wow! I bet you learned so much. Anything specifically stand out to you that we could glean a bit of insight from?


And Nicole, I don’t know who you are , but that picture of your Mals is striking! Hope you introduce yourself soon so we can learn their names!

Hah!! Sandy!! Don't look now but it's Nicky!!! Heeheehee

Well, crum, the jig is up Now they will know how screwed up I really am and then some!

Also, it's possible that they will understand my confused and tortured mind a bit more now that they can be privy to the mass of information that invades my head on a regular basis!

This should make for good conversations, galore!

A tribute to the evil minded fiance' and counterpart of my most patient and wise trainer! A change of signature pics is in order!

Hmmm..why do I feel like someone is watching me now?