Back on track

Well, a lot has been going on. I closed the business and had to find a new job. I at least have a paycheck coming in, but it's time to get things back on track.

Then the birth of my second daughter. There were a few complications. Nothing major, but time consuming. We're finally settling into a routine, and now it's time to get things back on track.

I'm still looking for a career, not just a job. By trade, I'm a graphic artist/desktop publisher. I can do the job and do it well, but the market here is very competitive, and with the journalism school at the university, companies can get cheap, temporary labor. They don't see the benefit of a long-term employee who knows the business and knows it well or just want to succeed, but not excel... so is my viewpoint. I won't go any deeper into that as this blog is about dogs and not the economic state of my city. However, it is time to look at my priorities and find a balance between my career and my passion. Not just from an fiscal standpoint, but for my sanity as well.

So, to that end, I'm getting back to my original plan. First, my book. I've had my sketchpad sitting on my end table for a year or more now. I think it's time to get that done. Most of the reference art is done. I just need to scan it and set it up for printing.

With that, I need to go through the text and make sure it is still up to date. So many new studies have come out, I need to make sure all the information is current. This means reading the studies and making sure I understand them to the point that I can explain it to my daughter, who the book is written for.

Next, my whole intention when I became a trainer was to train. I enjoy the group classes I do at CCSC and plan on being there for a while yet, but I want to do private lessons where I can tailor the class to the individual needs, one at a time. This will also lead, as has been my plan, into behavior modification (aggression, fear, etc.). I have an understanding of the theory and practice, but no formal education and minimal hands on experience.

Finally, this blog. I have so much information I'd like to share and really need to get back to consistently posting. I truly believe that I am standing on the shoulders of giants. I have made so many connections with people who have been doing this longer than me and, truth be told, better than me, I want to help get their information out there. This entails reading the books, studies, and conversations, putting that information in layman's terms, and providing access to the original information so people can make their own inferences.

So there's my plan. Not only to share with others, but to hopefully give me the kick in the pants I need to get these things done. I'll keep you posted on how things are progressing and hopefully provide some useful information to boot. I haven't been totally complacent and will have some things to share in the coming days and weeks, including a letter to a local shelter and a review of a book about trainer/people interactions.