January 23, 2009:Chicken and Spinach Soup
Just a little over two years ago, we moved to the UK to pursue a dream of participating in the grand tradition of trialling. We could have done that in Canada and even New Zealand but heck, we thought why not go to the UK where there are trials every week. So off we headed...perhaps a bit naively. We found trials every weekend and every day in July and August! This is paradise for the border collie enthusiast.

Not only have we found a plethora of trials but we have also been privileged to have found some incredible trainers. When we lived in Scotland we were fortunate to have been able to get across to Bobby Dalziel's place a few times. When we first went to Bobby's, we were so nervous about being in the same field as someone so talented. When Angie was asked to show him a dog, her knees were shaking and his first words were "You're nervous aren't you?" She nodded but inside all she could think was HELL YES! The second thing he said was "We're going to work on that" and he was true to his words.

Bobby is a gifted handler and just as super in the training field. He is honest and frank in his feedback and in that regard, is very much like a kiwi (New Zealander). He doesn't hold back when you make a mess of things and he does not beat about the bush either. He tells it to you straight and you can take what you want from it...pout or improve. But along with his feedback comes advice and he teaches you how to do things correctly. When finished in the training field, the tea comes out and often videos as well. On numerous occasions we have sat in Bobby's living room in front of the TV viewing videos and critiquing dogs and handlers (always in a 'constructively' critical way). We never tire of seeing the same thing twice or more often and we spend a lot of time on the rewind button going back to see a piece of a run again and again until we understand what just happened in the run...where things went well, where things went astray etc. Bobby is not only talented and willing to share all of his knowledge but he is also humourous and can talk about a range of subjects other than dogs. The greatest thanks we can ever give Bobby is to listen and show improvement....and as long as we don't beat him, we'll be welcome back at his place anytime. :-) That's a joke.

Since moving to Wales we have been surrounded by fantastic handlers and we get to see a lot of them every week at trials. They're the ones that get their names in the paper...and we're the ones that contribute to their prize money! We've mentioned a few of these people in previous blogs. This week Angie had to go pick up a bitch she had just purchased back, and the bitch was up at Aled Owen's place. Now one cannot go to Aled Owen's place without a dog in the back of the truck and Meg was the lucky one this time.

Up well before day break, Angie headed off to Aled's not quite knowing what to expect. The only contact we have had with Aled was in asking for him to participate in our book project and he responded quickly and enthusiastically (actually, all the handlers did!).

Through the hallowed ground of Bala she drove and onto Aled's place. The countryside in that area of North Wales is spectacular. It could well have been Scotland, only a bit more populated. Arriving a little late, Aled bounded out of the training field and over to greet Angie and off we went back to the field. Our friend, John from Ireland was over for a few days doing lessons with Aled and Angie just tagged along.

Now Aled needs no introduction! He is an incredible handler and his shedding prowess is a sight to behold. Perhaps his crook is some sort of a magic wand in the shedding ring. Anyway, Aled is a fantastic trainer too. Like Bobby he is precise, demanding of his dogs, and consistent. And, he is able to easily communicate with and to neophytes - both human and canine. Angie learnt some new 'tricks' and the rationale behind these tricks. What he communicated was logical...and effective. He looked at each dog individually and worked out what needed to be done for each. He was not 'selling' a system, a theory or a method. He was customizing his advice and skills training to each dog and each individual. After agonizing for months over Meg's training (or more appropriately, Angie's inability to effectively communicate with Meg what she wanted from her), Aled had a solution and set about showing Angie the 'hows' - and the 'WHYS' ...and it worked. Meg quickly understood what was being asked of her and Angie now has a bit more confidence to try this approach. Of course the lesson in consistency was hammered home once again. Being 95% consistent isn't good enough.

At lunchtime we went down to the Ewe-Phoria Sheepdog Training Centre for lunch. This is Aled's family enterprise, and a well-done facility it is too. An old cattle byre has been converted in a super café. The food is EXCELLENT. Never would we have thought chicken and spinach soup to taste so good. The chef whispered to me that the secret ingredient is a pinch of nutmeg (but you didn't hear that from me!). The service was exceptional with the chef waiting on us hand and foot. Ewe-Phoria is a worthy destination in and of itself, even if you don't have a dog to train. Aled sat and had lunch with us (!!), as did one of his neighbours - a Scotsman no less! The conversation was interesting and varied. Being kiwis, we always try to avoid talking about rugby...especially if New Zealand beats the Welsh (which they did recently). No point rubbing salt in any wounds! But one gets the sense we could have talked about rugby and not offended anyone.

It was a great day out. Aled is a perfect host, a fantastic trainer and he has a healthy sense of humour. He also makes a mean cup of tea. Would we go back to Aled? HELL YES! And like for Bobby, the greatest thanks for his time, effort, advice and words of encouragement is to improve our skills in the training field and on the trial fields. A lifetime might go by before we ever beat Aled on the trial field but you just never know. Everyone can have an 'off' day, everyone can have an 'on' day, lady luck can strike occasionally, and one thing is for certain, if we go to the post thinking we're competing for second place that might be all we ever achieve. (OK, second would be good too, but....)