Well, 1325 miles driving like a mad man and I'm back home from the Leerburg Flinks seminar.
It rocked, as usual!!

A good variety of dogs and handlers at various levels made for a lot of training getting done.
Everything from beginning handler issues to advanced SchH trialing tips were at least touched on.
We even spent some time on PP dogs ( hint for people that have never been to a Flinks seminar- don't ask Bernhard his opinion if you aren't willing to hear the truth <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )
We even worked Kevin Sheldahl's new Police candidate....*ouch* - my wife is very impressed with the bruises that it left on me through my bite suit ( nice dog, Kevin! )

Folks that didn't study the DVD closely before hand ( or were the type that learn better in a hands-on situation ) were at a disadvantage. It's getting to the point where seminars may need to be split up into beginner's or advanced - that's a consideration for the future.

If you didn't get a kennel tour, you really missed out - The Leerburg whelping rooms are literally state of the art! Each puppy litter is whelped in a room darn near as big as my old college dorm room ( and *a lot* cleaner than my old dorm room, also.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

Good weather, great training, good dogs....what more could you ask for?

I agree Will..this seminar ROCKED!!!! I learned so much more than just dog training..Like swimming, how to watch my back, how to make kick ass baked beans Oh and turn on the new Innotek LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . I enjoyed most everyone that was there. The training was good and my dog is improving with each session I do. We even had a birthday party for Joe Petruzi and Maggie Baldino which I enjoyed, especially the frosting off the cake <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> . There was a variety of dogs there which was nice to see. Leerburg's dog Xando (Cindy is handling him) is AWESOME.!!!! He is one hard dog..I have a special song for him..HEAD STRONG <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Cindy did a great job of handling him..her bruises are proof LOL.. Good job to everyone and hope to see you on the next one..but be warned..next time I will stay the whole five days..do you think you can handle that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hey Will you mean I missed you in the bite suit? I knew I left to early!! Next one I am there the whole seminar. It was a pleasure to learn so many great things from so many great people! Yes Karmen I think that you might have to keep an eye on those guys when you get close to that pool! I learned a lot from everyone that I talked to at this seminar. Even the pro's trick in picking out a narc dog from the local shelter.lol It was great and I learned a lot Keep them coming Ed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Brandon

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> A big cheese to everybody <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Fabulous seminar. Ed and Cindy did a great job; the seminar was well organized, focused, and informative. The dvd idea was a good one. Yes, Will, those who did not have a background in the theory were at a disadvantage, there just isn't enough time to absorb all the theory, and apply it to your dog.

Bernard is such a nice guy. I did not in the least feel intiminated because my Penelope is not , uh, how should I put it, tough <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . the same goes for you guys. Everyone was very nice and welcoming, and all the compliments on my work with my dog didn't hurt, either! I learned lots lots lots.

Karmen, great idea with the pointer for a fast sit in motion. And lots of improvment with Dante, even after working only 2 days!

Will, I have never seen a dog so, uh, enthusastic about protection work! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Good work, my hat is off to you, Fetz as a good dog, you two have a bond. And Buttercup is DEFINATLY studly. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Things to remember: Roni working my dog with an ecollar, and had Penelope eating out of her hand in 10 minuets, no avoidance allowed! The first time I have seen a strong civil drive dog, again with Roni's Antelope <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> , and Staci's super show bitch! Wow! Cindy working Xando, left pant leg soaked 'cause he wants to bite soooo bad! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> And without a hint of handler aggression, dispite all the stress put on him! The Leerburg kennels, their digs are nicer than mine! They have A/C! Will's cooking.....Yum, thanks! The tracking hills, that changed into mountains by the end of the day. Kevin, the man who has forgotten more about dogs than I will know, so when he talks, all listen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . And nice demo about police dogs, good to see the difference between the sport and the real thing. I could go on and on and on, but this post is already too long. Great job to EVERYBODY.

I agree with all the posts on the Flinks seminar...it was GREAT !!! Bernhard was wonderful!! He has such a way with the dogs. He can read them a mile away!! There was soooo much to learn that you are totally on overload after the first day. It was wonderful to see all the dogs worked & how very different they all are from one another. Xando was great to watch. Good job Cindy. What a change after 5 days!! I enjoyed meeting everyone & now have a face to many of the names on this board. Ed & Cindy's hospitality was top notch. Thanks & WIll good job with the grill work!! I hope to get to more of these seminars in the future. A special thanks to Ronnie for her help. And Karman watch those pool sides they can be dangerous!!!! Melissa great job with Penelope. You have the natural talent to train!! Regards to all that attended the seminare & I hope to see you all again in the future.

So, when's the next one ?! Now that I've had time to save up some money <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

His next seminar is in Columbia.

The country, not the state.

Hopefully, Bernhard won't be kidnapped by narco-terrorists.

Hmm...Fetz would fit into that country really well..*lots* of potential decoys there!

I made it home !!!!!!!!

The seminar really did ROCK!!!!! It was good to see you guys again. I had so much fun. I learned alot. Need some more control in "ZAK". We will work on that for the next one.

Ed you and Cindy put on a great event I cann't wait till the next one, I will be there.

Cindy, you Will and myself all feel the same pain,hard headed dogs that bring it. GOD HELP US ALL

Roni,Karmen,and Stacie my wife loved the pics and the video, You guys made the trip better considering Susan
was not with me.

Will count me in if you bring Bernard back. Good luck with FETZ

Melissa you were great. Such a natural you made us all look bad.

Bernard thanks for all the help, Hope to see you soon.

Kevin I will be sending you some wine soon.

The pics and video will be mailed when I can get all the music I need for all the dogs.

Thanks everyone I had a blast

 Quote:

Originally posted by Will Rambeau:

Hmm...Fetz would fit into that country really well..*lots* of potential decoys there!

Who Fetz..he's a pussy cat <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Hey, I'm back. just got home this morning.
Total miles driving......3,386 whew!!!
I had a great time. It had been a while since I was up at Ed's, he has the place looking great and the kennel remodel is fantastic.
Bernhard as usual worked his tail end off at the seminar. I relaxed!
Worked my upcoming police dog a bit...thanks Will..and met all kinds of people that were just names before. Everyone was great.
I did learn a couple things though. Xando should be living at my house.
Fetz is a wild man.
That antelope can do schutzhund.
That Karmen splashes.