Featured Student
Our students are the future of dog training and the heart of our school.
That’s why we regularly take a moment to recognize one of our top aspiring trainers here.
Our Featured Student this month is Rebecca Goldstein of Chicago, Illinois. At the time of this posting, Rebecca is studying Phase 7 of Master Class, and she is on her way to becoming a great trainer!
A Word from Becky
Becky with her special training partner and friend, Moo.
My Favorite Recent Study Topics:
Although all of the phases from CATCH’s Training Program are interesting and informative, my favorite topics came from the first three phases. Phase Three was one of the most captivating and intense aspects of the CATCH Training Program. This section focused on the scientific methodology used to explain the canine mind. The information and terminology backs up all of the other work we do as trainers, and by learning this material, the game plan behind CATCH’s first three Phases came into full focus. Three phases later, I continue to return and further absorb more of this section because it is so useful and important.
My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:
My favorite hands on activity has to have been teaching “touch” to my student dogs. I have taught it to a Border Collie/American Bulldog Mix, a Blue Heeler, and a Yorkshire Terrier/Pomeranian Mix. All three dogs learned “touch” based upon their breed characteristics, which has been absolutely fascinating to watch. The Border Collie Mix generalized the behavior in no time at all; the other two have taken more time to acquire the behavior and still have not reached the fluency stage. It has been a great learning experience, bringing together much of the knowledge that I have gained through the various phases. To analyze how each dog learns, why they learn differently, and how I can be helpful in the process has been wonderfully affirming and creative to experience.
Moo enjoying a beautiful sunset!
How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:
I talk about dogs a lot. I used to talk about dogs to approximately half of the people I encounter: now I talk to everyone about dogs. CATCH’s program has made my love of dogs more acute. Training merges so many aspects of my life and makes my day interesting and thought-provoking. Going into a situation where both the dog and human are unhappy, getting to the root of the problem, and then finding a solution where the two can communicate clearly is incredibly rewarding. I equate training to a detective novel. My work is to solve the mystery. CATCH has given me a set of tools that I did not know existed, but most importantly, it has taught me to listen to my instincts. My Program Director, Hillary, quickly figured out my learning style and the type of support I would require. Our weekly conversations are not just something I look forward to, but have motivated me to do better as a trainer and as a student. I am so grateful to Hillary for being both a friend who is willing to geek out with me about dogs and a teacher, willing to provide me with the encouragement I need to become a successful, kind, and beneficial trainer.
What I’m Most Excited About:
I believe that if I have the capacity to make one dog’s life better, one human’s life sweeter, it is my responsibility to help break the language barrier that many dogs and humans face. CATCH is providing me with the language skills I need to teach humans what dogs are saying. Thank you for providing me with the honor of being student of the month. This honor infuses me with great confidence and lets me know that I am on the right path. Thank you, too, to Moo, Kanga Rue, Esme, Renata, Charlie, Tenzing, Isabelle, Kitty, Dogberry, Sake, Magic, Boo, Pazuzu, Piccolo, Divine, Marble, Cybil, Penelope, Iggy, Ralph, Ralphette, Mousie Mouse (imaginary), and the one who started it all, Lulu.
Way to go, Becky, we’re so proud of you!
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