Clean Run Magazine - March 2008 - 20

PULSING MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY FOR DOGS improve these behaviors if all he’s doing is running full courses. So when I’m showing, our practice consists of working on our weaknesses, not running courses. EC: What do you consider a high rate of reinforcement to be? RC: The only way we can communicate with our dogs is through reinforcement. Whenever I am perfecting or teaching a new skill, my dogs are rewarded after every repetition. How high value the reward is will be based on their performance, but they will be rewarded after every repetition. EC: If you’ve been teaching for 12 years, you must have started agility when you were just a pup. When did you start doing agility and with which dog? RC: I dabbled in agility with several dogs but I didn’t get serious about it until Jordan and I started in 1992. EC: Were the dogs you dabbled with all BCs? If not, what breeds did you play with? Bio-Pulse® systems have been used by the US Equestrian Team for years, and now they are available for canine athletes in the form of beds and jackets. Safe, natural, and tested, PMF therapy helps • Relieve pain and stiﬀness caused by injury, arthritis, or hip dysplasia • Reduce swelling and control inﬂammation • Speed healing of soft tissue injuries • Warm up muscles prior to activity Low-cost rental plans available Visit the website for more information on PMF therapy and our products 1-800-722-1228 www.respondsystems.com RC: No, Jordan was my ﬁrst BC in agility. Before Jordan, the little agility I did was with a Golden Retriever, an Irish Setter, and an Australian Cattle Dog. EC: What made you switch to Border Collies? RC: It wasn’t so much a switch as looking for the right dog for me. I’m a compulsive trainer, so I was looking for a dog that was as compulsive as I am. I did say compulsive—which means that Border Collies are not for everyone. They are more than a little bit weird and their exercise and mental requirements are quite high. I’m not at all opposed to people getting Border Collies—but know what you’re getting! EC: Was your ﬁrst experience with Border Collies in agility or did you know what you were getting into? Sterling Silver Agility Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, and Charms RC: Yes, I knew—because I grew up in a small ranching community and had been around BCs all my life. EC: Once you started agility, who was the biggest inﬂuence on your agility training? Dog Toys, Treat Bags, Buckets, and much more 14k Gold and Sterling Silver Border Collie Jewelry RC: I would not be doing agility today if it weren’t for the inﬂuence of Felicia Whalen, my ﬁrst instructor and the person who gave me a passion for the sport. I must also single out Rachel Long and Sheri Eames who made me believe I could go as far in the sport as I wanted. By far my biggest inﬂuences today are my ﬁercest competitors: Jen Pinder, Lo Baker, Diane Sanders, Gerry Brown, Stacy Peardot-Goudy, and Dana Pike—and my driven students, Alison Carter and Vanessa Mortarino. EC: What are your goals for the future? RC: More national championships! And to build the biggest agility training center in North Carolina. EC: Are there any words of wisdom you want to give someone aspiring to reach the level you have reached? RC: Yes, work on your mental game! Learn to believe in yourself and your dog as a team. Succeed at that and you will reach your goals. D www.doggytoyland.com 715.345.1314 Elaine Coupé, CPDT, is currently owned and operated by three Border Collies: Shadow, MAD, retired; ADCH-Silver Bounce; ADCH Trip; and a Beagle, Brassy, who will (eventually) do agility. Elaine and her husband, Bob, live in Oakland, Tennessee. Contact her through her website: www.memphisagility.com. Clean Run | March 08 20

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Clean Run Magazine - March 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - March 2008